That night, Lucia met Master in the Virtual World.
She had not yet spoken when Master asked first, "You went to the dojo."
Lucia hesitated before nodding. "Why weren't you there?"
Master looked at her with a bright smile. "Because I died."
"When a person dies, they're gone. It's that simple. You do understand that, don't you?"
Lucia froze for a moment, then felt a pang of sadness. She had already guessed this was possible; she just hadn't been willing to believe it. "How could that be? You were so strong, and you were such a good person. Why did you die?"
"Do good people not die?" Master burst out laughing. "You should know that good people are the ones who die the most in this world!"
"When your enemy is stronger than you, you can either run or die."
"I didn't want to run, so I died. That's probably all there is to it."
"I'll avenge you, Master!" Lucia found herself a new goal.
Master only looked at her. After a long while, he said softly, "Wait until you become stronger than me before you say that!"
As he spoke, he let out a faint sigh. "Lucia, are you ready to embrace the opportunity to face a challenge?"
"I'm ready."
Looking into her amber eyes, Master's smile clearly held a different meaning. "This war is far more complicated than you imagine."
"Challenges won't necessarily come from outside. They may also come from within—or even from those closest to you."
"Don't trust anyone too easily, but don't casually reject anyone either. Lucia, just as your name suggests, carry the will and power of light, and let them guide your life!"
Training was extremely arduous, especially combat training. The Dojo Master was usually all smiles and jokes, but he became exceptionally