"However, Oko, just as I said earlier, being a hunter is an extremely dangerous profession."
Oulin added softly.
"And being 'strong enough' is both the easiest thing to say and the hardest thing to accomplish."
"After all, there are always greater people beyond greater people, and higher heavens beyond higher heavens. The Auling Labyrinth will always produce someone stronger than you. Take your former foster mother, for example—let alone me, even ninety-nine percent of the Auling Hunter Corps' active hunters today would be unable to defeat her alone."
"Suppose you really encounter an enemy like that in the future. What would you do then?"
At this, Oko's expression immediately wavered. After a brief silence, the girl gave her answer in an uncertain tone.
"If I really ended up in that situation, what could I do besides accept my fate? I suppose it's like how birth, aging, illness, and death cannot be avoided?"
Oulin did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"You child—sometimes you seem so innocent, and other times, so realistic."
Yet after that teasing remark, Oulin's expression suddenly turned solemn.
"But Oko, if you decide to become a hunter, then you must always remember one thing."
"No matter how perilous a situation you encounter in the future, you must never casually give up."
"Just like those difficult days I spent in Sweet Home."
"I don't know how many times I felt that the road ahead was pitch-black, that I would never be able to escape that place, and began entertaining thoughts of ending my life."
"Yet it was precisely because I persevered until the end that I had the chance to enjoy a peaceful and wonderful life with you in Flower House, just like this."
Oulin reached out to stroke Oko's long hair, her eyes filled with tender