The summer night breeze was slightly cool, and starlight and moonlight illuminated the tranquil countryside. Beneath the great tree at the crossroads, the Elf Girl blushed slightly under Shade's gaze:
"Alright, I understand. I'm just a little afraid, but I also want to be like those heroes from the legends—and, and like you—and accomplish something great.
"I'm not after fame, and I know accomplishing great things often requires sacrifice. But I dream of becoming that kind of person too, someone who can make other people's lives better."
"Then hold on to that hope and wait for Destiny to give you a suitable opportunity. It doesn't necessarily have to be something like defeating a Demon again. Sometimes becoming a Hero is simple—even if it's only saving a child from a fire."
Shade spoke, and Emilia pursed her lips and nodded. Then, seeming somewhat relieved, she raised her head to gaze at the stars beyond the tree canopy:
"Angelina was right, Shade. You really are good at comforting people. You're so kind. No matter how dark the future becomes, I'll remember what you said. This is... a ray of light you gave me."
The praise made Shade feel a little embarrassed. After thinking for a moment, he spoke with great seriousness:
"Don't let someone else become your light, Emilia. Remember—"
He coughed softly, then spoke in an elegant yet somewhat tongue-twisting nonhuman language:
"No matter what darkness the future brings, you must believe in your own light. It is the purest power we, as extraordinary humans, possess. (Elvish)"
The Elf Girl looked at him curiously, only to see that Shade was also looking up at the starry sky:
"That was something my teacher told me a very, very long time ago. (Chapter 381)"
"Miss Danist?"
"No, Miss Feliana. Miss Mana Falianna."
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