“How much do you know about Lunaria?” Ayano asked as she took off her hat.

“I only know that it got destroyed and you guys managed to come here before it got destroyed.” Oswald answered.

“It was not quite the destruction you are thinking about. Lunaria became a decaying world where nothing could live anymore.” Ayano said with a weak smile. “A man who we all thought was Magicless did it. He absorbed all the Magical Energy on Lunaria. Now with my new knowledge, I should say he absorbed all the Mana in Lunaria. He became more powerful the more Mana he absorbed.”

“A Magicless man!?” Oswald was surprised. His hands were shaking uncontrollably. “Then why haven’t the Lunarian Rankers come after me?”

“Because that man manifested his powers at the age of 25, so you’re not seen as a threat yet. But Two noticed something off, so I had to investigate for myself. That’s when I got those monsters to attack your class during the dungeon exploration. I am sorry I did that. I put you at risk, but I wanted to confirm whether you could use Magic like that man or you were truly Magicless.” Ayano responded. “At that time, I was excited to finally find someone like that man. Maybe you could defeat him if he ever showed up here on Earth. I was just thinking of taking revenge; I never considered your feelings or thoughts. I am a terrible person. You know after teaching you all these months, I can say that I don’t want you to fight. I want you to be happy, Oz. Forget about fighting.”

“Mrs … No, Granny Ayano, I forgive you! You’re an excellent mentor. I am so grateful for your teachings.” Oswald smiled.

“You’re really like him. Like my first apprentice, Oliver. I remember when I first met that Moon Unit technician, he was so good and a fast learner, so I decided to take him under me. He became an excellent Magic Researcher. He is the one who developed the Elemental Gun. He was so excited when he finally completed it. He and my daughter Aria became a couple. I knew they were going to end up together after witnessing their first meeting. Those two had a crush on each other for a long time. I was so happy when they became a couple. I wish they could have gotten married. But that never came to be as they confronted that man to give us the opportunity to come to Earth.” Ayano’s eyes were full of tears. “They are our heroes; they sacrificed themselves for us. But I lost them, I lost my older daughter and my first apprentice. You know my younger daughter Mei admired her older sister so much and when her daughter was born she named her Aria. Those years were happy until I also lost Mei and my son-in-law. I have lost so many people; I don’t want to lose anymore; I don’t want to lose you or Aria. But that man might come to Earth. I have an ominous feeling. I hate that man, yet I am terrified of him. I will never forgive him.”

“What do you mean?” Oswald became terrified.

“I left some of my research back in Lunaria. I believe he could use that knowledge to eventually figure out how to get to Earth. We were so pressed for time to finish the Inter-World Spaceships, it slipped my mind to take all my research with me.” Ayano said. “He might come to Earth someday if that day comes, I hope you’re able to defeat him.”

“Just how strong is he?” Oswald asked.

“There is no individual on Earth at the moment that can match his power. If we team up there is a chance we could defeat him if he hasn’t grown beyond when he was in Lunaria.” Ayano answered. “His power increases as he absorbs more Mana. Are you able to also absorb Mana?”

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“I …” Oswald hesitated. “During the fight against the Abyss Creature, I realized how to absorb some of the environmental Mana to replenish my Mana reserves. I don’t know how to convert that into power, but I wouldn’t use it like that. That power wouldn’t be my own, so I have no right to use it!”

“I understand, but if necessary please use any means necessary to protect what you love.” Ayano said with a smile. “The leader of the Lunarian Rankers wants to meet me or more specifically Seven. I know he is going to ask about you after yesterday’s incident. All of them are afraid of that man, Jin-Woo. They might want to get rid of you, but I’ll hide the fact that you can use Magic; that should buy you more years before they actively target you.”

“Thanks. Can you tell me what actually happened during the Lunarian Mass Suicide?” Oswald asked.

“I’ll tell you the truth once you graduate high school.” Ayano answered. “To you and Aria. She needs to know what actually happened, but I believe she and your father are close to finding out the truth. How much do you know about it?”

“I know that in the city founded by Lunarians, Sol, many Lunarians couldn’t cope with living on Earth. So they planned a rebellion to get themselves and the other Lunarians killed.” Oswald answered. “That was ten years ago, then three years later the Lunarian Rankers started their attacks.After those attacks people began discriminating against Lunarians, so many people with Lunarian ancestry just hide the fact they are Lunarian.”

“It’s a tragedy all around; they even used the word suicide to describe it, putting the blame on Lunarians. When I became Seven, I contributed to the bad name of Lunarians. I have done so much damage, yet I never used Oliver’s technology to help the Lunarian Rankers.” Ayano said with a sad expression. “If Oliver knew I used his inventions like that, he would blame himself for all the death and destruction. I can’t do that to Oliver’s memory. The truth will be revealed to you in due time, Oswald. Do you still wish for revenge?”

“I won’t let Four get away. I’ll make him pay for killing my Grandma.” Oswlad’s eyes were full of rage. “I won’t rest until he pays!”

“I see. But then what would you do once you accomplish that?” Ayano asked. “Become my successor, Oswald. I would like for you to become a Magic Engineer.”

“Becoming your successor?” Oswald was surprised. “I want to do that. When we finally have peace, I’ll become the best Magic Engineer!”

“That’s the spirit.” Ayano smiled. “Please focus on that goal. Make that a top priority. Someday you’ll create something as wonderful as the Moon Units or the Elemental Gun. I know you’ll do it because you are my apprentice.”

“I’ll make sure that you don’t regret taking me as your apprentice. I want to learn all I can from you, Ganny Ayano.” Oswald said. “After spending the past few months learning from you, I have come to see you like a grandmother. I just want to be spoiled by you.”

“There is no rush in growing up. You still have plenty of time.” Ayano said. “Take your time and enjoy your loved ones; you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

“How do you think I will perform in the Adventurer’s License Exam?” Oswald asked.

“You’ll pass with flying colors. Take the next week to rest. That’s my next part of your Magic training. Meditate and relax. I know you’ll do fine; don’t worry too much.” Ayano said, patting Oswald’s arm.

“Then, I’ll do as you instruct.” Oswald replied. “I’ll hang out with my girlfriend and friends later. That should help me relax.”

“There will always be hope as long as you’re alive. I have learned that throughout my life multiple times. The first time I felt my whole world collapsing was when my parents died, Then when my husband died. After that when Aria and Oliver died. And last time when Mei and her husband died. I managed to not lose hope because I had people by my side. So please cherish the connection you make with those around you; they’ll fill your life with hope.” Ayano said with a bittersweet smile.