Eliza completed her first night of combat training with Moon. Despite the limited time for instruction, she proved to be a fast learner. Moon was impressed by how quickly she grasped and applied the techniques, her progress evident by the end of the training session.
At the end of the training session, Eliza went to sleep despite it almost being morning. Her body ached from the combat practice with Moon. Exhausted but satisfied with her progress, she welcomed the comfort of her bed, quickly falling into a deep sleep.
As Eliza was peacefully sleeping, she was suddenly bonked on the head with a staff. Jolting awake, she rubbed her head and looked up to see who had hit her.
"Do you plan on sleeping for the entire day, foolish junior? Get up, we're going for a walk," Heine said, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the room.
"At least wake me up normally..." Eliza muttered, rubbing her head as she got up and readied herself for the day.
Once Eliza was dressed, she left her room and began looking for Heine. After looking inside, she stepped outside and spotted him standing near the sanctuary's exit. Heine waited with his staff in hand.
As Eliza approached him, she noticed he was eating a soul, its ethereal glow dimming with each bite. She paused for a moment, shaking her head. Heine glanced at her, finishing his snack nonchantly.
"Hmm, what's with that look? Did you want one? You seemed to enjoy the soul last time," Heine smirked, taking out another soul and holding it out to her. The soul's faint glow pulsed in his hand.
"Ehh, no thank you, Heine..." Eliza nervously laughed, trying to hide the fact that she did enjoy the taste of the soul she ate back then. Heine chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction, and pocketed the soul.
"Suit yourself," Heine said as he headed towards the sanctuary exit.. "Let's get moving then."
"Quick question, what are we going to do today, Heine?" Eliza asked as they walked along the path.
"Absolutely nothing," Heine replied.
Eliza tilted her head to the side, her cat ears twitching in confusion as she tried to make sense of Heine's answer.
As they walked in silence, the familiar sights and sounds of the town slowly came into view. "Uhmm, Heine, I know I should rest, but shouldn't I be practicing? I can use mana field, even if it's a bit rough, but that's why I have to master it." Eliza said.
"Observe closely, Eliza," Heine said as he pulled out a soul. Eliza watched closely as he began charging it up, the air around them crackling with energy. Once satisfied, Heine flicked his finger toward the sky, aiming the charged soul at the blue moon.
Heine, using another soul, swiftly conjured a magical magnifying monocular telescope and handed it to Eliza. With a nod, he gestured for her to use it and look at the charged soul flying in the sky.
Intrigued, Eliza eagerly took the telescope and looked through it, the charged soul soared higher and higher, as Eliza looked on in amazement. Soon enough, the soul reached the abyss of space, its glow illuminating the darkness as it made its final approach towards the blue moon. The soul collided with the moon's surface, causing a massive explosion that sent shockwaves through its surface. Eliza was in awe at the display of power.
"Do you think I was always capable of that?" Heine asked. "I certainly didn't push myself needlessly to reach the level of power I'm at now, and neither should you."
"And I understand, your situation is much more dire," Heine added, his tone gentle yet firm. "Which is why you should take even more precautions."
Eliza nodded her head in understanding, a sense of determination settling within her as she carefully stowed the magical monocular telescope away. She knew that Heine's words held wisdom born of experience, and she was resolved to heed his advice as she continued her journey of growth and discovery.
Eliza nodded her head in understanding, as she carefully put away the magical monocular telescope away. She knew that Heine's words held wisdom born of experience.
"By the way, Heine," Eliza said as she turned to him, "what you said back then about author, stage, Grand Guignol. Was there any meaning behind that?"
Heine smirked as he chuckled softly. "Well, truth be told," he said, "I wasn't really aiming for anything profound. I was just trying to look mysterious and cool." Heine took out another soul from his pocket nonchantly as he began to snack on it.
Eliza couldn't help but giggle in response. "Ah, I guess I should've expected that answer."
"Although I sometimes wonder," Heine said, "we're aware of the existence of gods, that much is certain. But I can't help but wonder if there are beings even greater than gods."
"If there ever were such beings, I'm going to assume they're no longer among us. After all, if such greater gods did exist, wouldn't they have intervened to confront the Forbidden?" Eliza shrugged.
"In a way, you could make the same argument regarding our current gods." He sighed softly, his gaze shifting towards their destination. "More importantly, we're here," he remarked, gesturing towards the restaurant ahead with a nod of his staff.
Eliza followed Heine's lead and stepped into the restaurant. Both of them settled into their seats promptly, and a menu was placed before them as soon as they were seated.
Eliza went into a deep thought, she found solace in the tranquil moments spent with Heine. However these days would soon end, once she was ready to reunite with Vaos, Eve, and Vulcan. More importantly, once she was ready to confront her fate that Heine had foreseen.
The fate that Heine had foreseen still sent shivers down Eliza's spine. However, she knew that sooner or later, she would have to confront it head on. Yet, with the guidance and instruction of Sun and Moon, she found a sense of assurance and confidence, soothing her.
Eliza's resolve to defy her fate burned bright within her heart. She refused to accept it passively, instead determined to rewrite her fate with her own hands.
Suddenly, a soft thud was heard as Eliza was gently bonked on the head, drawing her attention. "Foolish junior, they're asking for your order." Heine gestured towards the waiter, who stood patiently nearby.
"Ouch," Eliza winced, gently rubbing her head. "O-Oh, I'll just have whatever you're having," she replied.
"Hmm, consider me surprised," Heine remarked with a grin. "I didn't know you enjoyed the taste that much. Perhaps your appetite is just as extraordinary as mine."
"Hmm, what are you talking about?" Eliza asked.
Heine leaned in slightly, "You see, I know the chef here personally," he said with a sly grin. "I've ordered us a special dish, a stir fry of souls."
Eliza's eyes widened in surprise as Heine's words sunk in, "Eh?"
Heine let out a hearty laugh at her reaction, his amusement growing as he watched Eliza's cat ears flick forward and backward. "You should see the look on your face, Foolish Junior."
Eliza didn't say anything, a light blush across her cheeks.
Eliza and Heine ate their meals peacefully, with Eliza feeling nothing but pure bliss; savouring each bite. Despite her fate creeping around the corner, her training days with Heine, Sun, and Moon were starting to become genuinely enjoyable. The sense of purpose she found in their company made the challenges ahead seem a little less daunting.
Once they finished eating, they both headed back to the White Trial sanctuary. The journey was quiet and peaceful, with Eliza mentally preparing for the next phase of her training.
"Eliza, when you return to Vaos and your sister, there's something important you need to understand," Heine said, his voice taking on a serious tone. "You're going to encounter things, unpleasant and horrifying things, that will test you." He paused. "That's why, no matter what happens, you must keep your sanity intact. Remember moments like this, peaceful, joyful moments, and hold onto them. They are your anchor. And always remember, you have people to protect, like your sister. Let that be your strength."
Eliza didn't say anything for a moment, letting Heine's words sink in. He was right; no matter what awaited her, she needed to maintain a steel resolve.
"I understand, Heine, and I should be prepared for the worst, shouldn't I?" Eliza asked.
"Naturally, Eliza, but I don't want to stress you with needless worries. We've returned to the sanctuary now, so take this time to gather your thoughts and prepare for your upcoming training session. And perhaps, you could use some rest," Heine replied with a grin.
"I understand. Thank you for today, Heine," Eliza said, bowing slightly, as she lowered her head she felt getting bonked yet again.
"How many times must I tell you, It's Lord Heine, foolish junior," Heine grinned, with a casual wave, he started to walk away.
Eliza stepped into the courtyard, a soft breeze gently brushed her hair. She sat on a nearby bench, taking out her phone to pass the time. She began scrolling through messages and social media, as she waited for the upcoming training session...