The resolve to draw closer
In the Fire Divine Plane, inside the newly built Taiyi Pavilion on Phoenix Mountain.
Lincoln's Dark Sovereign clone was stationed there. He wore an amused expression. "That brat's posture is ugly, but his talent really is impressive. At this rate, he should be able to completely fuse five Mysteries within thirty thousand years. Too bad he only has an affinity for the Thunder Element. Otherwise, I'd teach him a few more tricks. Apart from the Heavenly Martial Art 'Lost Paradise,' which has no elemental affinity and can be used as long as one is fast enough and physically strong enough, there's nothing else I can teach him."
"Nothing major should happen between now and the start of the Plane War. Palhouse will be returning to the Divine Plane soon, so I'll have him use this time to get everything ready."
Suddenly, a Divine Sense entered the pavilion, and a clear voice rang out. "Lord Lincoln, Lucy has come to pay you a visit."
Lincoln opened his eyes. Although he had sent Lucy back earlier, he had kept wondering why this ordinary Intermediate Sovereign had dared to intervene in the struggle between the Chiefs. He still had no idea. He hadn't expected her to return so quickly, either. But the more urgent she was, the more desperate her position must be—and the easier she would be for him to handle.
"Come in!" Lincoln's voice echoed through the pavilion. As it faded, the courtyard gate swung open.
Lucy took a deep breath and stepped inside. Rather than fly, she walked step by step up to the thirty-third floor where Lincoln was. Seeing that the pavilion door was already open, she lifted her skirt, bent her knees, and said, "Lord Lincoln, I'm coming in."
"Lucy, we haven't met