After Noel went back to the city, she started asking for more information regarding Fran. She started from the adventurers guild to the local orphanage. She found that Fran is quite the popular girl for being both a talented adventurer as well as a hybrid. This is honestly the part where Noel comes in, she's not exactly an 'inquisitor' she's more like an evaluator for a potential threat. She will basically do an audit on the target about everything about them, then she decides whether it is necessary to bring down the hammer.
She found out that Fran is not the type to fight without reason. So she's probably not the type that would try to harm the people around her. But the weapon is still too dangerous to be left untamed. She went to the local orphanage and talked to the caretaker. But she did not find any information there. She just heard about a little girl with cat features that used to live here but passed away a while ago. She knows that if she takes Sannet to Fran, they will no doubt be able to retrieve the weapon, but what of Fran? What will happen to her if they take away the weapon?
Noel decided to go back to the guild and look for Sannet for some answers. She asked around and eventually found out that Sannet is currently at the training field for some exercise. When she finally managed to find the woman, Sannet was in the middle of a sparring session with Leanna. Noel didn't bother them until Sannet dropped Leanna on the ground.
"Are you alright?" Sannet asks.
"Y-yes..." Leanna said while rubbing her head: "Do you think I'm getting better?" She asks.
"Of course, you are getting better." Sannet said while smiling.
Noel approaches the two of them: "Leanna."
Leanna turned to face Noel: "Oh, Hi Aunty Noel!" Leanna hugs Noel tightly.
"Um... Hi there, Lea..." Noel awkwardly rubs Leanna's head: "I need to talk to Sannet for a bit. Then we can catch up if you want." She says while looking at Sannet.
Leanna looked at Noel for a moment before nodding: "Okay... I'm going back to the guild then!" She said before leaving.
After Leanna left, Sannet approached Noel with a cold expression: "What?" She asks.
"Sheesh, what's with the ice cold tone? Are you the same person that I hung out with years ago?" Noel asks.
"That was years ago. I am not the same person anymore." Sannet answers: "You shouldn't come around me for no reason."
Noel raised an eyebrow: "That's rude... i have my reasons." She said: "I am here because I need your assistance on a target of mine: Fran."
"Fran? You mean that little girl that you are trying to capture?" Sannet asks with a frown: "Minka told me about it."
"Yes, she has a sentient weapon called Mr. Vegas. It's a really dangerous one." Noel answered: "She's a hybrid, and the weapon is the most important thing for her. I need your help to retrieve it."
"You do realize that there's a reason why I stopped being a normal adventurer and started to rank up to S tier adventurer. I did it so I don't have to take in such tasks." Sannet answers: "It's better to let the inquisition deal with this, rather than an S tier adventurer."
"Sannet! This is not very friend like!" Noel exclaims with a surprised face.
"Well, it's not my problem." Sannet said with a cold tone: "I won't take part in such a shady operation." Sannet then narrowed her eyes: "Also, taking a weapon away from a child? How low can you stand? Noel." She said with an annoyed tone.
Noel went silent for a moment: "I understand..." She said with a frown: "But... if I fail this mission, the inquisition will be the one to decide whether Fran will live or not. And... i think the chances for her survival is pretty low." She adds.
Sannet frowned and kept silent for a moment: "How low?" She asks.
"They will probably terminate her, then use her body for research... Worse yet, they will do it alive." Noel answered while looking down.
"If i'm not mistaken... that girl is around twelve or thirteen years old, right?" Sannet asks with a serious expression: "Fine, I will take this request. Not because of you, but if Minka knows I declined it, she will get really annoying real fast." She added.
"Thank you so much, Sannet." Noel said with a sigh of relief: "By the way, how can you not tell Minka about your relationship with Trazyn? They don't even know your real name."
"I just don't want them to know about my past. " Sannet answers: "But I just felt like Minka isn't the type to care about this kind of thing. She's stupid but not a shallow person." She added.
Noel just shook her head and went silent for a moment: "You are right." She said with a smile: "Just like Monika..." She muttered.
"When do we leave?" Sannet asks.
"I will go talk to Leanna first... it's kinda rude to leave her out of this operation since everyone in the party has already joined." Noel answers.
"That's fair, I suppose." Sannet nods: "They just sent us a text then."
"Alright then, I will go now." Noel said before leaving.
After Noel left the training ground, she went back to the guild and found Leanna rather quickly. She quickly summarized the mission and Leanna accepted quickly. They decided to leave the city later that day and track down Fran's current location. Eventually they pinpoint the whereabouts of Fran and five of them begin their mission of capturing her.
But when they arrive at Fran's location, they find that she is not there. They all looked at each other with confused expressions.
"Where's the little girl?" Sannet asks.
"She's not here?" Minka asks with a confused expression: "Are you sure we are at the right place?"
"Yes... it's the right place..." Leanna answered while scratching her head: "This is where the tracker is..." She said,
"Shush!" Viola lifts her index finger up: "Someone is moving near us." She said, Suddenly, Viola shot a net behind her and it got slashed mid air.
Fran comes out of the invisibility and pulls out her claymore. She then looked at Noel and her companions for a moment: "Are you here to capture me?"
"Not you. We want that weapon." Sannet cracks her fingers.
"Mr. Vegas is not something that can be taken away." Fran answers with a frown: "He's my family, and I won't let anyone touch him." She added.
Sannet dashes forward and slashes her hands off while Fran is still talking, causing the girl to drop the claymore and blood begins spilling out from where her hands used to be. She fell down on her knees and screamed.
"Sannet!" Noel exclaims: "What are you doing?!" She asks.
Sannet signals Noel to watch, suddenly, the claymore beams in green light and a healing spell was applied to Fran and causing her hands to be reattached.
"You! What have you done?!" Fran exclaims.
"Just as I thought..." Sannet answers: "Your weapon is an artifact of necron technology but somehow got infused with magic properties." She said while walking around Fran: "I didn't know this kind of artifact could still be created. " She added.
Fran just frowns while glaring at Sannet: "How can you know about this? You are a Necron? I thought you were human." She said with a bitter readied her stance and about to attack.
"I was a necron, not anymore. In fact, I know the AI that is in the claymore." Sannet answered: "Hello, Vegas." She said,
The claymore began to shine in bright light and some words got projected out: "Hello, Sannet."
Sannet looks at Noel and Viola with an annoyed expression: "See? I told you so." She said with a sigh.
"Um... you can communicate with the weapon?" Noel asks with a surprised tone.
"So this is where you were. That bastard was finding you all over the place." Sannet said to Vegas.
"Are you talking about Trazyn the Infinite?" Fran asks: "Mr. Vegas told me about him."
"Indeed young lady." Sannet answers: "It looks like he really likes you." She said while looking at Fran in a rather... complimenting way.
"Thanks?" Fran said with a confused expression.
"HOLD ON!" Minka shouts: "Did you say my father created this weapon?" She asks with a shocked expression: "And he's the Trazyn the infinite? The overlord of Solemnace?"
"Indeed. The very same." Sannet answered, she then let out a sigh: "And Minka... i was the second in command of him." She said while scratching her head: "You weren't supposed to know. But... here we are."
Minka then looks at everyone else, Leanna didn't know as well but she's less shocked than Minka because she kind of figured it out a while ago. Viola clearly doesn't care about this and Noel seems to know about this as well: "Wait a minute... am I the last person who knows about this?" She asks with a confused expression.
Everyone just avoids Minka's gaze, so Noel decided to answer: "Um... well... yes." She said: "Everyone knows that your father is Trazyn. BUT!" She said while lifting up her index finger: "He's still your father, the very person that created you. You are still his little princess." She added.
Minka went silent for a moment before letting out a smile: "Thank you, Aunt Noel." She said: "Knowing this makes me feel better."
"Now what?" Viola sounded a bit annoyed: "Do we take Vegas to the inquisition or not?"
"Vegas isn't something that the inquisition can handle. In fact, it will cause trouble if they hold it." Sannet said: "I think we should let Vegas and Fran go for now."
Noel thinks about this for a second: "Vegas, can you create a lesser version of yourself?" She asks.
The claymore beam again in green light for a bit: "Yes."
"Then create one so I can give it to the inquisition." Noel answers.
The claymore beam once again glows and a smaller version of the sword slowly comes out. It used replication magic.
"We will give it to the inquisition, but you better hide it well... or the inquisition might get very suspicious." Noel said to Fran.
"I understand." Fran answered.
"Well it's settled." Noel finally let out a smile of content: "No harm done and everyone is happy." She said: "Dismissed!" She exclaims.
While everyone is leaving, Minka comes over to Sannet: "So... about dad... um... could you tell me more about it?" She asks with a bit of a nervous expression.
Sannet just let out a sigh: "I was working for Trazyn for many years and was pretty close to him. I have never seen him... happy. Until he met your mother." She answered: "Your mother fell in love with him first, and once he got a human body. Both of them fell in love with each other."
Minka listened quietly and decided to nod along: "So... My mother fell in love with dad when he's a machine? " She asks: "That's kinda hard to believe... Dad looked rather intimidating when he was a machine." She said: "I've seen his picture in a text book."
"That's the power of love, Minka." Sannet answered: "Love can do many things." She said while looking away.
"Did you love dad?" Minka asks.
"Well... that's..." Sannet shook her head: "No... I was never in love with your father." She said: "I was a bit jealous of your mother. But I still consider your father as a good friend."
"Is this why you speak badly about him?" Minka asks: "Because you don't know how to handle the fact that he fell in love with someone else?"
"No." Sannet pulls Minka's cheek: "I say that because he is a piece of shit." She said: "He was a shit as a machine and he's still a shit now. I hate him for ruining worlds because of artifacts...I hated him for falling in love with a human, dishonoring our race... But I don't hate you, Minka. I've never hated you." She said,
"Ouch! That's the nicest thing you have ever said to me." Minka said with a bright expression while rubbing her cheek with her hand: "And... um... thanks."
"Do you feel different towards your father now?" Sannet asks.
Minka shrugs off: "No, dad is still dad. And I will always love him. But he could just tell me and I would've believed him anyway."
"Maybe he has his reasons." Noel said from behind: "He's a great man. But I hope he can become a good one in the future." She added: "Let's go home now, bet everyone is tired coming all the way here."
After the whole fiasco, they eventually went back to the city and Noel reported her mission to the inquisition. It is deemed as a lesser matter, but it still helped Noel to secure an end of year bonus. When Minka returned home, she had a lot of things to think about. Sannet and Leanna went back to the training ground for more sparring. And Viola has gone back to her home to look after her sister. Fran however still has a few quests to finish up because heading back. She went to the forest to pick some herbs.
"Dad." Minka said while eating her food: "You are a Necron right?" She asks.
"Hmph... Did Sannet tell you?" Trazyn asks: "Are you angry that mom and I didn't tell you?" He added.
"Not really, but she did tell me about who you were and what kind of person you were." Minka answers: "It's fine, I don't care. You are still the best dad ever!" She added.
"I see... it's just that i was a bit scared you would hate me." Trazyn answers.
"Nope." Minka answers: "And I like learning about your past history. It's interesting." She said,
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"Well it seems you might have plenty of questions... now ask away." Trazyn says.
Minka then thought for a while and tilted her head: "What was Sannet like when she worked for you?" She asks: "She seems like the same person now as then."
"She was pretty much the same." Trazyn answered: "She was a good assistant, and I am pretty sure she has not changed. She's a great friend and is willing to help me at any time." He added: "But... if i have to say, she does like bad mouthing me... i don't know the details but apparently some people like to walk over others to feel powerful."
"That's what they called ego, dad." Minka answers: "They do that because they know that it's more satisfying for them when they can walk on top of the pile of other people. But Sannet isn't this... I feel like she's doing that because it's fun for her."
"Yeah right, that's why I turned her into a catgirl for a few days." He then looks at Minka: "Did you like that?"
"You what?" Minka asks with an embarrassed face: "You did that to Sannet?" She asks.
"Well, I just thought about it and did it." Trazyn said with a shrug: "It was pretty funny actually."
"Can you do more?" Minka's eyes spark with delight: "I want to touch the fluffy tail again!" She exclaims.
"Well... I'm not against it..." Trazyn answered: "But you might need Sannet's consent for that. And even if you get it… it will be such a pain to do it."
"Awww, but I just want to pet her tail again!" Minka looks at Trazyn with her big innocent eyes: "Please! You are the best dad in the universe!" She begs.
Trazyn couldn't help but smiled at her: "Alright, alright, i'll think about it." He answers: "But you need to convince Sannet to let you pet. Otherwise she will just bad mouth me again and you will definitely be fed up with it."
"Fine, I'll convince her." Minka said with a huff: "Your daughter is now a master negotiator!" She said proudly.
"I am sure you are." Trazyn answers with a smile: "Well... I am proud of you Minka, adventuring with your friends, overcoming danger. Honestly? I love it alot. But..." He said while looking down: "I don't know how to feel when you are potentially risking your life... I know I'm your father and I have to protect you... but you are strong, Minka. You got that from your mother. And I know that you don't need my protection. But I still want to protect you. That's what i do best."
"Dad... that's so cheesy... I love it." Minka said while giggling.
"Yeah yeah, go back to your food." Trazyn said while rolling his eyes: "Oh, I almost forgot your favorite ice cream." He then went to the fridge and got a pine of coffee flavored ice cream.
"YAY!" Minka cheers and devours the ice cream.
After the meal, Minka went back to her room and started thinking about things. She thought about what Noel told her, she knows that her father was a bad person in the past, but it hardly matters, because Minka trusts her father to her death. She will trust him no matter what. And she's willing to stand with him until the end of times. But, she wonders whether her father is truly trying to change. She wonders whether he really is trying to redeem himself or just doing it for show. She knows her father loves her, he's trying to be a good dad. But, is he really a good person? She needs answers. But for now, she just needs to trust her father, like always. The more she thinks about this, the more tired she becomes. Eventually she decides to just sleep it off. She's not going to figure it all out in a day.
On the second day, the group meets up with each other in the guild, they sit together to discuss their next plan: "So... Should we be continue investigating Legend?" Leanna asks.
"Yes, I don't want to give up on it, but it's not wise to go to the abyss now. Apparently, there's a rumor about some kind of invasion down there." Sannet answered: "Also, Leanna has that duel with general Terra soon. We need to help her get into shape to atleast draw against her mother." She said,
"Oh yeah, you are right." Minka said with a nod: "How's it going Lea?" She asks.
"Well, I'm trying to get stronger. But..." Leanna scratches her head: "My mother is too strong. It's impossible for me to win."
"Don't worry about it. I am sure you can win." Minka said with a smile: "And besides, you are strong in other ways!"
"Thanks..." Leanna let out a smile.
"That is true, when it comes to raw strength, Leanna is not enough to defeat her mother. But in other ways, she has many strong points." Sannet said: "She is very smart for someone her age."
"Y-yeah! I am a genius after all!" Leanna said while puffing out her chest.
"Well, I think it's better if we can ask someone who knows how Nova fights to also coach Lea." Viola said.
"True, but who do we know?" Minka asks.
"Either your father or lieutenant Noel." Viola answers.
"No... My father doesn't know how Aunt Nova fights. I guess, Aunt Noel is the choice." Minka answered.
"I guess that will do." Sannet answered.
"It's settled then." Minka said: "I will go ask her and you two can keep helping Lea to become stronger!" She added.
Minka goes out of the guild and heads towards the inquisition to talk to Noel. Eventually, she found Noel eating a piece of cake outside of her office: "Oh hi, Minka." She greets.
"Hi, Aunty Noel." Minka said: "I just want to ask you about something, you may say, a favor." She adds.
Noel raised an eyebrow: "What do you want, Minka?" She asks.
"Well... i want to know more about how Aunt Nova fights, and we want you to help Lea to beat her!" Minka answers.
"I see... but why me?" Noel asks with a frown.
"Well... because you are a veteran soldier in the imperial army and you're a skilled fighter! Also... you used to serve under Aunt Nova..." Minka answered: "Please... can you help?" She begs.
"You know I don't have free time." Noel said while crossing her arm.
"But... Do you want to touch some really fluffy tails?" Minka asked with a tempting face.
"Keep talking." Noel answered while tilting her head.
"You see... if you ask Sannet to turn into a hybrid feline in exchange for your help. You get to touch some really fluffy tail and maybe even pat her head!" Minka explained.
Noel stared at Minka for a while, then she sighed and shook her head: "Fine, I'll help... but only because I want to touch the nice fluffy tail." She answered: "Also, you cannot tell your aunt about this... if she knows that I taught Leanna about the moves... she will skin me alive."
"Okay! I won't tell her!" Minka answered: "Thanks Aunty!"
After Minka goes back, the group begins to train Leanna under Sannet's and Noel's instruction. When Noel told Sannet her request, the look that Sannet gave to Minka can definitely kill someone. But since Minka already promised Noel, Sannet can't do anything. Eventually, Sannet had no other choice but to agree to the request and ask Trazyn to give her cat ears and cat tail. But she did ask him to give it to her after the training was done. She didn't want to lose her 'human' appearance in front of other people.
The training has been going well, Noel taught Leanna many moves that were used when Nova was training her. It's not an official style of martial art, but it is very useful when it comes to fighting her: "Alright let's train you how to take a hit." Noel said: "There's an art called hard defense. It's just a martial arts technique that focuses on taking hits rather than avoiding them. It is mostly used by boxers and martial artists that use their bodies as shields. But in this case you should know that the general can take a hit like no others... I can't tell if she's a human or not honestly." She said: "Anyway, you just need to be able to absorb the force of her attacks." She added.
"What if I can't?" Leanna asks while gulping.
"You will enter a shock and probably cry in mid fight." Sannet answered: "It's painful but it will work. She'll be too confused to attack for a few seconds. Which gives you some time to counter attack." She added.
"But... isn't this kind of move very limited? If she hits me really hard, won't I die?" Leanna asks.
"That's the good thing about this kind of martial art, you can limit it in a way that you can only absorb the force and not the damage. It's more of a defensive skill than an offensive one, but it will allow you to win the duel." Sannet answers: "Also I don't think your mother will do a killing blow on you."
"Okay then... I guess I can give it a try." Leanna answers.
Sannet steadies her fist and raises it towards Leanna's stomach: "Alright... let's start by absorbing a punch. Just grab my fist and then when I pull it back, let the force go inside your body." She said,
Leanna nodded but when the fist came, she failed to grab it and make the fist land directly on her stomach. It causes Leanna to cough and fall on her butt: "Ow... that hurts..." She said while rubbing her stomach.
"It's your first time, just remember that it's painful, and work through it." Sannet said: "Let's try again."
After many failed attempts, Leanna is finally able to absorb the force from Sannet's fist. The result was that Leanna was still unable to completely block the hit but at least she can stand it without falling down. But the consecutive pain caused from many blows still makes Leanna short on breath.
"Well, you are getting better." Sannet said: "Next is a leg kick. Same thing, just grab it and let it flow through your body."
This time Leanna managed to grab the foot but the kick itself was too powerful for her and caused her to fall down again. However, she got a bit faster this time and didn't have to take many hits after that.
"My, you're a quick learner." Noel pats Leanna's back: "You're like general Nova but have a nice personality." She added.
"Yeah... but I prefer to be my own person, she's not a role model for me." Leanna said while wiping away her sweat: "But one day, I will beat her and prove that I am not 'the daughter' of Nova Terra. I am much more." She added.
"Well said." Sannet said: "Keep this up and you can win." She added: "Now it's time for some special training." She said,
"What kind of training?" Noel asks.
"You and Noel began sparring. Now you've got the hang of getting hit, use everything you've learned so far and fight Noel." Sannet answers.
Leanna looks at Noel for a moment before nodding: "Alright!" She answers: "I'll give it my best!"
Sannet then went to watch from a distance while Leanna and Noel began fighting each other. The group noticed that Noel is taking it easy on Leanna. Which makes Leanna getting the hang of her moves much easier. She started getting faster and stronger, she also started blocking some of Noel's attacks. It's true that Nova Terra was very fast and strong, but she also had the experience. However, with Noel's help, Leanna is able to figure out where to block, how to dodge and how to counter attack. Eventually, the two women started to spar more seriously. Sannet is amazed at how strong Leanna is, she clearly has a lot of potential.
The fight ends with Noel slams Leanna on the ground and lifts her index finger up: "T-time out!" She said while panting.
"That's unfair..." Leanna mutters while looking at the sky.
"But... i am using my full strength."Noel pants: "Are you sure you are a complete newbie in hand to hand combat?" She asks.
"Well... I don't know... I think... you just caught me off guard... I will win next time!" Leanna said with a grin.
"Okay then, we're done for now." Sannet said: "Let's have a short break, then we can get some more training for your movement and reaction speed. Next we will do some wrestling." She said,
Noel helps Leanna up and three of them proceed to grab something to drink. They sat down at the same table where they had their first meeting with Sannet. The air was filled with laughter and happiness. It's been a while since they felt this relaxed, it was really a nice moment. Leanna drinks her cocktail while looking at Noel: "So... how did it feel to serve under my mother?" She asks.
"Oh boy... I figured this question would come eventually. Well… where to begin, I served her while she was a Major. She was already a veteran when i met her." Noel answers: "... she was just in her early 20s... and was already a Major. She was promoted very quickly and all of us were surprised about it." She added: "But that is the thing about your mother... she's smart, quick, and always doing things her own way." She continued.
"I see... What kind of person is she? What kind of leader?" Leanna asks.
Noel looks at Leanna for a while: "You know, it's hard to describe Nova Terra. She's not like us. She has a strong will and always pushes her subordinates to do better. She never asked for opinions nor let her subordinates voice out their opinion, and she proves that she's always right eventually. That's why everyone respects her, she is a great leader and a great soldier. But she's also arrogant, headstrong, stubborn, and just... there's a lot of things to say about her."
"Hello, Noel." Nova suddenly decloaks herself from behind Noel and puts her hands on her shoulder: "What were you talking about?" She asks with a smile.
"E-Emperor's mercy! How long have you been here?" Noel asks while trying to shake off her hands.
"Not long, I was looking at Leanna training and then you started talking, so I just decided to come closer and listen." Nova said while smiling menacingly.
"I-It's nothing special! I was just telling her how you are a great person!" Noel said while trying to remain calm. She then gives Leanna a look to let her get out of this situation.
"Mother, what did you think of my training?" Leanna asks while trying to sound confident.
"You were doing pretty good for a first timer." Nova said: "But your movements need some work. Also your grip is too weak, you need to be firm on your enemy. But other than that, not too bad." She answered.
"So, you are giving her advice?" Sannet said: "I thought you were about to fight her."
"Well... I can't help but watch her, she is my daughter after all." Nova said: "Also, I am curious if she can beat me. I will give her as much time as i can and try to hold back as much as i can."
"I don't need you to hold back." Leanna answered with a stern face.
"Well, well, well... someone is feisty today." Nova said: "Don't get cocky, or you are going to lose." Nova then sips her drink.
"How about a bet?" Leanna asks: "If I win, you give me a favor." She adds.
"And what is the favor?" Nova asks while raising an eyebrow.
"Give me everything you know about Legend." Leanna said: "I know you were working with him. So if I win, you will tell me everything."
"And what about if you lose?" Nova asks.
"Then you can do anything you want with me." Leanna answered: "I won't say a word or go against you."
"Lea, this is not rational." Nova said: "You once infiltrated a security camp for information in the disguise of me. How did you think it went away? Did you think that everyone just forgets about it? I dealt with it, and now you want more information regarding whoever this Legend person is." She added: "This is foolish."
"But... it's a great opportunity...We are set to discover something really important." Leanna answers: "I need this, mother. Please..." She said.
Nova frowns at Leanna for a moment before sighing: "Lea... I don't wish to tell you this but... whatever you are trying to find, it will end in nothing." She said: "But you are my daughter, I can't stop you." She adds: "If you want to bet your freedom on this, I will accept your request." She said,
"Then it's settled." Leanna said with a smile: "I will beat you, and you will give me all the information you know about Legend."
Nova shakes her head helplessly: "You younger generations really know how to get on my nerves..." She muttered. Nova then let out a long sigh and left the building.
"Damn... you surely stood up to her." Noel said while clapping: "But... I am kind of worried about the outcome."
"What do you mean?" Leanna asks.
"Well... if you lost, you might lose your freedom for real." Noel said: "Your mother is not someone you can defeat with strength alone. You are skilled, but she has a lot of experience. No amount of training can get you on her level in a matter of weeks. " She added.
"I know what I am doing." Leanna answered: "I will win." She said with a determined face.
Unlike Noel, Sannet is rather silent. But in reality she's worried as well, it's not just the bet that is concerning her. It's also about how the whole thing will end. But she couldn't say anything about it and decided to let it pass.
After the break, Sannet decided to continue with Leanna's training. They practice wrestling and punching each other, she teaches Leanna how to avoid being grappled by Nova and how to throw her down. After the spar, Noel helps Leanna with the breathing, stretching, and reflex. By the end of the day, Leanna has gotten a lot stronger and quicker. She's no longer a newbie but she still has room to grow.
"I think we can end today's training." Sannet said: "How do you feel?" She asks.
"I feel fine... but I still feel unsatisfied." Leanna answered: "I still want to get stronger." She added.
"Don't overwork yourself." Sannet answered: "But keep this up and you can win." She added.
"I will." Leanna answered with a smile: "Thanks for your help, Sannet."
"Sure thing." Sannet answered.
"Oh! And thank you too, Aunty Noel." Leanna said while shaking hands with Noel: "I will bring some nice snacks the next time we meet."
"I'll look forward to it." Noel answered: "Well, I better get going back to the imperial high command." She said while getting up: "The paper work is going to kill me..." She mutters while leaving.
Leanna looks at the time, she can go home for the night but she isn't really happy with how she left things with her mother. She remembers the conversation she had with Nova Terra and decides to walk towards her home. She has to have a word with her mother and clear out any misunderstanding. When she arrived, she saw that her mother was drinking on the balcony and sitting on the chair. She walks over and sits beside Nova.
"It's rare for you to visit me without calling." Nova said without even looking at her.
"I wanted to talk to you." Leanna answers.
"About what?" Nova asks.
Leanna sighed: "About what I asked of you today." She said: "You said that whatever I want to know about Legend, it'll end up in nothing." She said,
"And that is correct." Nova answers: "There is nothing to know. Just that he's dead. It's nothing." She added.
"But that's not true, there is something! Please mother, just tell me." Leanna begged.
"No." Nova said: "Whatever it is you are looking for, it's best that you give up on it." She added: "Your quest to find Legend is foolish and you are putting everyone else in danger. I understand that you are curious about the world, but this is not worth it." She continued: "You will regret this for the rest of your life."
Leanna remains silent for a while before sighing: "So, it's true what they say about you... you don't know how to care about someone else's feelings." She muttered.
"And what did you say?" Nova asks.
"You are too prideful!" Leanna said while standing up: "You're so full of yourself that you can't see the world is bigger than you! If I knew that you were going to be this kind of person, I wouldn't want to be related to you!" She added: "I don't need you as my mother!"
"Be very careful with your next sentence." Nova said while staring at Leanna.
"I am not scared of you!" Leanna said: "And you...WHY DID YOU EMBARRASSED ME IN FRONT OF ALL MY FRIENDS?!" She exclaims.
"What are you talking about?" Nova asks with a frown.
"I am talking about how you came out of nowhere and challenged me to a duel!" Leanna said while pointing at her: "So what if I'm just a C-tier adventurer? I will become better eventually! Why did you have to humiliate me like that? Is this your way of showing your mother love?!" She added.
"What do you want me to say?" Nova asks.
"That you're sorry!" Leanna answered: "That you didn't mean to embarrass me, that you just wanted to train me and let me become better, that you are proud of me-" Leanna suddenly stopped talking, she realized that she said too much.
"That i'm what?" Nova asks while glaring at Leanna.
"I... um..." Leanna stutters.
"That I'm proud of you?" Nova asks while leaning towards Leanna.
Leanna nodded slowly.
"Lea." Nova said while taking Leanna's hands: "Of course I am proud of you." She said: "But that is not what is important right now. What is important is that you keep this up, and become the best person you can be." She added.
Leanna just remained silent and tried to avoid looking into her mother's eyes.
"You see... I don't want to admit it but... you are my weakness." Nova said while looking down: "I want you to become the best, not becoming someone like... myself. I know it's hard for you to see, but you can do much better than me. You don't have to follow my footsteps... but if you are trying to find Legend... just let it go." She said,
"But-" Leanna tried to say something but Nova silences her with a look.
"Let's call it a day." Nova said while standing up: "You need to rest. Tomorrow, we'll talk about this again. But not right now." She added.
Leanna nodded and went to her room. She looked at the star above her from the balcony, it seems that the star that she saw before has faded. She didn't know what to think about it but she did feel a bit bad that her mother told her that she was proud of her. She knows that Nova will never say that if she didn't have to say it. She wondered if she really meant it.