Vaos walked back inside the building, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. He headed straight towards Heine's room. He knew there was no time to waste; he had to talk with him, to entrust Eliza's safety into his hands. He knew Heine could be trusted with Eliza, the only one who could keep her safe in his absence.
As Vaos continued to walk, he heard familiar footsteps behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the White Crusader.
Vaos let out a sigh as he turned to the White Crusader. "What's on your mind, White Crusader?" he asked.
"I heard you speaking earlier, and that your student was taken by the Legis police, correct?" the White Crusader wanted to confirm.
"That's correct, White Crusader," Vaos confirmed. "Given the circumstances, it's important that I go to to Legis without delay. However, before I leave, I need to speak with Heine. Once I've finished speaking with Heine, I'll get ready to leave."
"You mean both of us will go to Legis," the White Crusader remarked. "I have no matters to attend here with the White Trial," he added.
"I see. Very well," Vaos responded. "Please wait in the courtyard then. And if it isn't too much trouble, could you check on Eliza?" He asked, before turning to walk towards Heine's room.
The White Crusader didn't say a word, simply turning and heading back out to the courtyard. He saw Eliza sitting alone on a bench, he hesitated for a moment before making his way over and taking a seat beside her.
"How do you find yourself, Beastkin?" The White Crusader asked.
"You know, my name is Eliza," Eliza sighed.
"Ah, my apologies, Eliza." The White Crusader said.
"Well, to answer your question, I'm doing fine. Although, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about what's going on in Legis, especially with my sister and Vulcan." She shook her head, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.
"You can put those worries aside soon," the White Crusader reassured. "Vaos and I will be heading to Legis shortly to resolve the situation, and afterward, we'll finally check the WWP headquarters."
"Do you intend to barge in there without any reasonable cause?" Eliza asked.
"As things stand and considering the time I've wasted staying here, I've no other choice," the White Crusader replied.
"I see. Well, while we're waiting here, could you tell me about the other Beastkin members of the Victorious Ten?" Eliza asked.
"Well, there were three Beastkin members within the Victorious Ten," the White Crusader said. "First, there was Rintaro, known as the ferocious beast of ninety-nine swords. He was the only one I can say with certainty was indeed stronger than me. While there were other attackers within the group, Rintaro, Dorothy, and I were the main ones responsible for that role."
"Secondly, The Lone Wolf, Aoki Kana. He could be considered the spy and assassin of the group. Aoki always preferred working alone, which was never an issue for me, as he consistently delivered results. However, his solitary nature didn't sit well with some of the other members." The White Crusader continued.
"And lastly, there was the crocodile priestess, Tsurugi Kuroko. She was one of the most talented healers, the best in the world. Tsurugi could heal any injury in an instant or instantly regenerate Dorothy's mana. If I'm being honest, I've no idea what happened to her. Neither of us in the Victorious Ten do. It's unfortunate, it really is." The White Crusader looked up to the sky.
"I remember reading books about the Victorious Ten when I was little. Tsurugi and Dorothy were best friends, right?" Eliza asked.
"Yes, even before the Victorious Ten came into existence, Dorothy and Tsurugi shared a deep bond. Back then, it was a time when Beastkin, Oni, and many others faced discrimination from humans. Despite that, Dorothy saw beyond the prejudices and recognized Tsurugi as a true friend. She gave respect and kindness to her, making a bond that lasted through years." With a thoughtful sigh, the White Crusader concluded, "That's all I can remember."
"I see. Well, thank you for keeping me company, White Crusader," Eliza said, taking another sip from her water bottle.
As the White Crusader and Eliza spoke outside, Vaos was ending his conversation with Heine.
"Just promise me you won't train Eliza too roughly. She doesn't need overly intense training, Heine," Vaos cautioned.
"I can't make such a promise, but I suppose I can go just a bit easier on her," Heine replied.
"In that case, I better take my leave before things worsen at Legis." With a nod, he turned around as he was ready to leave.
"Vaos, wait one second. I actually have a request of my own to make," Heine interjected, stopping Vaos in his tracks.
"Hmm, what is it, Heine?" Vaos asked.
"I know I initially said that Eliza's training would span a week, but I would like to request your permission for her to extend her stay for an additional two days," Heine requested.
"Two more days, and what would be the purpose of the extension, Heine?"
"On the first day, Victoria and Glanvill will teach their special attacks to Eliza. Their instruction will undoubtedly enhance Eliza's proficiency in battle." Heine continued, "Then, on the second day, Aemanil and I will take over, sharing our own specialized techniques with her. With our combined experience and guidance, we aim for Eliza to even surpass us."
Vaos's eyes slightly widened as he heard Heine's proposal. "Surpass the White Trial, huh? That's asking for a lot to happen in nine days," he remarked, skepticism in his tone. "But if you think that's possible, then I'd be crazy to say no." He paused, taking a moment to think. "You have my permission. Eliza may stay here for an additional two days if she wishes. However, if she doesn't feel inclined to, then there's nothing I can do," Vaos explained.
"Of course, and thank you, Vaos," Heine expressed his gratitude. "Now, I believe you should hurry and make sure your other student is safe," he suggested, understanding Vaos's responsibilities.
"Right, if you'll excuse me," Vaos replied, nodding respectfully before leaving.
Vaos walked back outside and spotted the White Crusader and Eliza sitting beside each other.
"White Crusader, I'm going to call Juno in a bit, so get ready. I just need to speak with Eliza quickly," Vaos informed.
The White Crusader stood up and began to walk away, "make it quick," he replied.
Vaos sat down beside Eliza, his demeanor calm and reassuring. "I just finished speaking with Heine and told him about the situation. He seems to understand, and I also made sure to mention that he should take it easy on you during the training."
"Ehh, you didn't have to do that, but thanks, I guess," Eliza laughed, shrugging off the concern.
"Also, Heine asked me to extend your stay by an additional two days," Vaos explained. "I agreed to this extension, as he mentioned that the members of the White Trial will be offering to teach you their special attacks during this time. Of course, if you wish to leave, the option is entirely yours. And should you decide to do so, just let me know, and I'll arrange for my friend to teleport you to Legis."
"H-huh, oh sure thing, Vaos," Eliza responded. "I'll talk to him about this later anyway to get more details," she said, nodding.
"Well, Eliza, while I did advise Heine to take it easier on you, it's important that you approach your training with diligence and focus. You can't afford to be careless, especially given the situation. So, make sure to give it your all and stay disciplined." Vaos remarked.
"Yes, Vaos, I don't plan to take it easy, not for a second while I'm here," Eliza affirmed. "And once we see each other again, I'll be stronger than you," she added, a soft smile on her lips.
"That's precisely the determination I hoped to see," Vaos replied with a warm smile as he acknowledged Eliza's resolve. "Well, the White Crusader and I should get going," he said, looking at this companion standing in the distance. "Meanwhile, you should get something to eat and rest," Vaos advised.
Eliza bowed respectfully, her expression filled with determination. "I'll see you in a few days, Vaos. Be safe, and please give my regards to Eve," she said with a small smile.
Vaos returned the smile and gently patted Eliza's head before turning to walk towards the White Crusader. With a nod, he signaled their departure, ready to leave towards Legis.
Vaos took out the phone that Professor Juno had given him and called her. As the call connected, he told Juno, informing her that they were ready to be teleported to Legis.
Without delay, a portal appeared before them. The White Crusader wasted no time, stepping through it.
Vaos turned back to Eliza, smiling warmly as he waved goodbye. He stepped through the portal, disappearing into the swirling vortex. As he vanished from view, the portal gradually faded away...