1646 Fatigue

Seeing the unconscious Nagi lying on the ground with a smug grin on his sleeping face, Vahn couldn't help shaking his head in mild exasperation. The boy certainly had the drive expected from a 'protagonist', but, as was often the case with such individuals, their personalities were more than a little extreme. If not, they wouldn't be able to perform the impossible feats that allowed them to go from something like an orphan to the strongest person in the world over the course of a few years.

With Nagi down for a few hours, at the very least, Vahn shifted his attention towards nothing in particular, his expression a mask of calm as he said, "I'm no longer in the mood for games. If I have to force you out, none of us are going to have a good day."

In response to Vahn's words, a phenomenon similar to Space peeling opening like the page of a book appeared a few meters from his and Nagi's position. It was a rather peculiar application of Space Laws that bordered on the realm of Reality Manipulation, a point Vahn made a note of as he stared at the purple-haired man standing behind the other two.

Noticing Vahn's gaze, the purple-haired man, Albireo Imma, stared back at him with what could only be described as soulless purple eyes, smiling as he said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Vahn Aldrnari Mason..."

Immediately following the scholarly man's words, the tallest among the group, a Japanese man in his late twenties or early thirties, retorted in a huff, "A pleasure? Don't give me that crap! This guy just tortured our disciple! Are we just going to ignore that!?"

Answering the man's question, the shorter among them, a youth with unkempt white hair, silvery-brown eyes, and permanent blush marks answered, "Relax, Eishun. This incident will help Nagi grow much stronger in the future. We all saw the look of conviction on his face. He didn't give up to the very end, so, while the Sage Dragon Emperor's methods were certainly a little excessive, it wasn't to the extent we should enter hostilities against each other. That wouldn't benefit anyone...is that not so, Mr. Time Traveling Dragon?"

Understanding why they might refer to him as a time-traveling dragon, Vahn's only reaction to the youth's words was the simple raising of a brow before answering, "There is no sense in talking here. I've also grown rather tired of this current situation so I'll just state my opinion directly..."

Though he had also been intending to help Nagi train, Asuna's words reminded Vahn of his feelings regarding the rearing of children soldiers. He certainly understood the merits of helping the young grow stronger, but, rather than guide him for his own benefit, Nagi, Negi, Asuna, and several other children had been selfishly pulled into a war, acting in the interests of people they hadn't even met.

Just imagining the group across from him attempting to shape Asuna into a weapon, even going as far as to erase her memories, Vahn's expression darkened. Then, finishing his previous statement, a heavy atmosphere descended upon his domain as he stated, "All three of you are unworthy of your status as mentors..."

Hearing Vahn's remark, the only person to display any anger was the inordinately tall Japanse man, Eishun Konoe. While the other two had masks of calm, his expression morphed into one filled with hatred, resentment, and, though it was difficult to see for others, Vahn could see a fair amount of guilt in the man's eyes as he shouted, "Shut your mouth! You have no right to say such things when you weren't even there to help Nagi when he needed it most!"

Rather than deny the man's words, Vahn just nodded his head, his expression still as dark as before as he said, "You're right. I can't be there to help everyone that deserves it. The best I can do, at least for the time being, is become a deterrent to prevent even greater tragedies. I am willing to shoulder the burden of hatred in order to make the world a better place. I am also willing to fight against any and all who would threaten the stability of this world, even its creators. Now, tell me, Eishun Konoe, how does my not being present to prevent Nagi's suffering justify the three of you turning him into a weapon with virtually no regard for the consequences of his actions!?"

With Vahn's aura growing progressively stronger with each passing second, Eishun found himself unable to come up with a response. Part of him just wanted to attack Vahn outright, but, with the latter giving off an even more dangerous impression than his Grandmother, the most he was able to manage was gripping the hilt of his sword a little tighter. Then, noticing Asuna standing beside another version of Vahn, a ridiculing smile began to spread across his lips.

Anticipating what the man was going to say, Vahn just shook his head, preempting Eishun's words by saying, "Your ignorance is only rivaled by your stupidity. If you dare to speak such inconsiderate and petulant words, don't blame me for the suffering you will experience. I've already grown tired of this situation, and, as I said previously, this isn't really the place to have a discussion. If you want to continue this, search for me North-East of Tempe. You can also wait until I next appear; it doesn't really matter to me."

Having genuinely grown tired of the current situation, largely due to ever-increasing mental fatigue, Vahn didn't wait around for the trio to respond. Instead, he used Unit Management to recall Asuna and Fenrir back to their base before allowing his two vessels to simply fade out of existence, a large volume of Source Energy flooding into the surroundings and breathing renewed life into the craggy wasteland...

---

Surprised by the sudden disappearance of Vahn and his entourage, even Albireo Imma showed an expression of confusion as he mused in an almost inaudible tone, "This isn't spatial movement...it is like he just stopped existing suddenly...?"

Hearing the mysterious Mage's musings, Filius looked up at him with an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face as he asked, "Are you implying that he can simply 'exist' when and wherever he pleases?"

Shaking his head, Albireo was about to answer Filius' question when Eishun, seemingly having just processed what happened, exclaimed, "What kind of coward calls someone else an idiot and then just runs off!? I swear, the next time I meet that damned lizard...I...I'll do something...!"

Unable to think of a way to even get a pyrrhic victory against Vahn, Eishun couldn't help but recall his Grandmother's words about taking his training more seriously. Now, she had even instigated a succession competition, threatening his status as the incumbent head of the Shinmei-Ryu School. This thought alone was enough to make him feel depressed, as, prior to his arrival in the Magical World, he promised his wife that he would settle down and assume the position upon his return...

Suddenly feeling as if his soul had left his body, Eishun ignored the pitying looks from Albireo and Filius as he looked over at the sleeping Nagi. The latter had what some would describe as a 'shit-eating grin' on his face, but, rather than feel annoyed, Eishun couldn't help but recall Vahn's words, wondering whether or not they were doing the right thing.

As if he had read the man's mind, Albireo Imma helped to calm Eishun a bit by saying, "Nothing is set in stone. That man's presence in this world has already altered the course of history in ways we can only begin to imagine. I suppose it would be prudent of us to track him down and attempt to form an alliance. If his words regarding his willingness to face this world's creators ring true, there is a chance this little excursion into the Magical World will simply remain an exciting adventure for our young charge..."

Though he still had a few doubts, Filius found himself agreeing with Albireo's statement, adding, "If his ability to reverse time is anything to go by, it is safe to assume he truly did arrive here from the future. That being the case, he must have some confidence in his ability to succeed. His decision to guard the Key of Twilight is a testament to this fact, so, before our enemies take action, we should unify our forces."

Having just recently learned about their 'true enemy' a few minutes ago, Eishun didn't have much room to refute the two youthful monsters standing before him. They had yet to explain everything, but, at the very least, he understood the fate of all worlds was at stake. This included Mundus Vetus, so, even if it meant putting his life on the line in a world that had nothing to do with him, he would do everything within his power to protect the people waiting for him back home...

Releasing a profound sigh that made him appear even older than the two antiquated monsters at his side, Eishun walked over and picked up the unconscious Nagi before asking, "Well? What are we waiting for? The world ain't gonna save itself."

---

After returning to the sanctity of their secret base, Vahn's wanted nothing more than to soak in the bath and spend a few days within his Realm. Before that, however, he determined it was necessary, as a 'proper' Mentor, to follow up with Asuna. She had experienced a number of firsts throughout the day, and, though she was mature enough to cope, he wouldn't forgive himself if she developed some kind of trauma.

While the Chacha Sisters prepared a light meal, tea, and snacks, Vahn allowed Asuna to snuggle up next to him as he pulled out a Memory Orb containing his memories of her battle. She had already learned a lot from the battle itself, but, with the benefit of his ultra-high-definition perception, there was a lot more to learn from viewing the battle from another perspective.

Using his Telekinesis, Vahn positioned the Memory Orb at a comfortable distance, but, before he was able to activate it, Asuna surprised him by saying, "I am the one who wanted to grow stronger. I practically had to beg you to start training me so please don't let other people's words get to you. This world is not your burden to bear. It is none of ours. We do so because we choose to wield our power responsibly. That's what you taught me, so, when the time comes, please trust me to do what I think is right according to my own convictions. Even if I end up making a few mistakes, I will never regret the path I have chosen..."

As he had actually been thinking about talking to Asuna regarding Eishun's words, Vahn was a little caught off guard by her resolution. He had even been considering having her remain in the Garden of Avalon whenever he went out to deal with their enemies. After all, she hadn't even turned twelve yet, and, even though he had prevented her from killing people, the fact remained that he had been allowing a child fight against people who would not hesitate to kill her...

Feeling that he should say something, Vahn attempted to speak, but, as if she had been waiting for that exact timing, Asuna's eyes flashed like a master swordsman who had just discovered the single weakness in their opponent's defense. Then, preceding her using a short-range teleportation spell to run away, Asuna stole a kiss so brief that Vahn wasn't even sure their lips had actually come into contact with each other...

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