Author note: To move things along, I decided to combine 3 chapters which were split into 3 parts into 1. 

 

Dalis and Sister Edna departed the Caleyar Orphanage and set foot in the centre town of The Missionary Church of Vanquish. 

Although the Town of Vanquish was quite large, relative to other towns across the Pedlar Continent, this town was a little different. Unlike most towns, the Town of Vanquish was firmly situated near several villages, only separated by a few kilometres apart. As a result, it was often that one would see itinerant villagers around this land visit the Church of Vanquish as their home ground. This is because the Town of Vanquish wasn't just a town; it was also a military base that was home to a vast number of Vanquish soldiers and village escapees. The town was located on the inside of a defensive brick wall, spanning many tens of thousands of kilometres, separating the Pedlar continent from The Land of Demons. In fact, it was placed right near the middle of the wall as it contained the Church of Vanquish, which was their military command.

About every fortnight, some traders from Cresuilge Kingdom visit here to exchange products and services. These traders are not to be undermined as it was not rare for officials or some honorary knights to appear to exchange pleasantries and discuss serious business transactions, usually military-related. 

To the Church of Vanquish, besides the provisions from the Head Church in Zetral, Cresuilge Kingdom is considered to be their arms and legs. It was known that Cresuilge Kingdom provides 40% of the Church's equipment in aid in defence of their territory. After all, it was close to the outskirts of The Land of Demons. It should be known that the sole existence of the Church of Vanquish is to nurture and develop warriors to combat against the demonic creatures. Though it was constructed 94 years ago, it was relatively strong due to the implemented training facilities and programs.

Moreover, as it was not rare to encounter a demonic beast, many lives are forfeit here, and the Missionary Church of Vanquish provides homes for those who have lost them in battle. 

Children who are sickly or have elderly and other relations go to domestic educational boarding schools to help support the combatants, who live in the main Caleyar Orphanage, to train for self-defence and battle against the beasts. 

This is open to everyone.

Melvin, who originates from Feeria, was one of the few hundreds of children from other nations, not from the Head Church, who had entered the internship program.

"Let us hurry, It would be a problem if someone were to recognise me," Sister Edna warned. 

"Understood."

Sister Edna and Dalis soon arrived at one of the residential areas of the Town of Vanquish. This residential area tended to be quite wealthy in comparison to other district areas. This is because it was home to many of the combatants and officials who live in this town. Although occupied, it wasn't rare for houses to become on sale or to be used by other people due to the passing of the owners. The landlord is said to be strict and thorough in maintaining order to avoid conflicts and abuse. 

"Sister Edna . . . Isn't this?" Dalis whispered.

"Yes, that is why at this point we need to be extra careful." 

"Where exactly are we going?" 

"To my house."

"What, your house??" Dalis almost shouted.

"That's right, so keep those sharp eyes of yours intact."

"Sister Edna, I thought you lived in the Caleyar Orphanage with the other sisters . . . That's what you said right?"

"That's right, and big sister isn't lying. I live there but I also have a home here too."

"Eureka . . . " Dalis mumbled.

There were times in the past where Dalis would visit this area in order to carry out errands. Usually, these errands would involve sharing some of the morning rounds with these residents. However, the privilege to be able to perform this was only given to the responsible orphans. Dalis was seen to be mature and responsible. Besides his occasional tardiness, he was often picked to come here along with other children.  This was to help them gain experience by engaging and creating relationships with these distinguished residents. 

Dalis overtook Sister Edna and continued to keep his pace as he walked at a particular direction.  

"Eh? Dalis?"

"Sister Edna, it's this way correct?"

"How do you . . . "

"Let's go. We need to hurry, right? If we are away for too long it could arouse suspicions. I will race ahead. Try and keep up with me."

Dalis smiled and turned his back away from her. He then continued to carefully power walk towards the direction of Edna's house.

"That boy . . . "

Sister Edna slightly quickened her pace and attempted to catch up with Dalis. But, she noticed that Dalis maintained the same distance away from her. 

Sister Edna was soon about to lash out at him. However, she then saw that Dalis was standing still, waiting for her, to check if she wasn't left behind before continuing to walk on ahead. This was repeated about five times before they had reached their destination.

"Dalis . . . you . . . "

"Sorry I couldn't help it. It was fun." 

Dalis still retained the exact same smile he had before; it was a mischievous smile.

"Jeez. But from here on out you have to be obedient, alright? No more games," proclaimed Sister Edna. Dalis noticed that she didn't seem to mind at all.

"Understood," Dalis concurred, appearing a little disappointed.

Sister Edna's house was considered to be quite high quality. The house was made of bricks, it had a couple of windows, had a chimney, and even two more floors. The interior was layered with floor tiles of purified demonised wood. There were a couple of furnishings here and there too. 

"Sister Edna I'm quite awed that a lone sister is able to have such a house."

"I can't tell if you're making fun of me. This was where I lived before I worked in the orphanage. My parents’ house." 

"It's a good house deserving for my Sister Edna. But I'm surprised, I didn't think you were allowed to own this type of floor tile."

"Yes. Back in the past, it was a conflicted issue as to whether the construction of these was allowed. After all no matter how durable and surprisingly appealing they are, the wood was still demonised wood. However, thanks to the blessings of the Church, that is no longer a problem. In fact, many of the main infrastructures in the Town of Vanquish use this. You have likely to have seen them in some parts of the orphanage itself."

Dalis knew this as he had asked about this peculiar wood in the past, but he didn't reveal this.

"Alright then, please make yourself at home. I shall brew you some tea and get you to eat something, as it is dinner time."

"I will do so then. Sister Edna please prepare yourself with a serving as well. Otherwise, I will leave some food for you to eat."

"Very well. Always considerate towards me, aren't you? You need to show this side of you more often towards your peers." 

(She prepared dinner for everybody else but forgot to make dinner for me. Was this intentional? We were supposed to be in a hurry right?) Dalis pondered as he sat on the rocking chair, swinging back and forth.

A couple of minutes passed by. Fresh aroma began to seep the living room. Dalis couldn't help but gulp at what was to come.

"You may come to the dinner table now. I have prepared everything. I hope you will enjoy it," Sister Edna called.

Upon entering the Kitchen, Dalis saw Sister Edna standing beside the table. She waved her hands to gesture Dalis to sit down on the left out chair. 

Dalis did not stand on ceremony and hastily sat to show his eagerness to eat. Seeing this, Sister Edna expressed a bright smile.

"Sister Edna, I won't start until you sit with me to enjoy this gourmet meal," Dalis sternly stated.

"My apologies."

Sister Edna took a chair next to him.

"Roasted rosemary citrus hen. Did you make this in those couple of minutes?"

"No no no, these are just leftovers. Unless there was a spell or some other sort, it would be impossible to make this in a span of a few minutes. I used a lessor artefact and other preparations which made the hen seem like it came straight out of the oven."

"Oh . . . this is still quite deserving of praise though," Dalis commented as he continued to take bites in the delicacy. 

"Meals should be freshly made! This is already pushing my borderline!" Sister Edna declared.

(Ah I see now . . . )

Dalis stared at Sister Edna with an understanding look. While he was drowsed in this enlightenment, he had noticed that Sister Edna had been staring at him too. Sister Edna had rested one of her arms on the table with the free hand being rested on her chin.

"Sister Edna. Are you not going to eat?"

"Oh sorry. I was just satisfied watching you eat <3 hehe."

Dalis's body froze as his face flushed bright red with embarrassment. Dalis, in his life, had probably never ever felt his chest tighten to this extent. A strong feeling that was quite surreal to him swelled his heart. No one would believe that Dalis out of all people who always remained so level-headed and cool would ever act like this. 

"S-Sister Edna . . . W-what did you mean by that?" Dalis stuttered the words he tried to convey.

"Hm? I just was pleased by watching you eat. What's wrong Dalis? Your face is red. Could you perhaps be . . . " 

Sister Edna left her chair and worryingly approached Dalis. She raised an arm to place on his forehead. The distance between them had suddenly become very close to the point where each of them could hear each other's breathes. 

Consequently, Sister Edna's scent naturally crossed over to his nostrils. Sister Edna's warm hand was also placed on his forehead. Dalis's heart felt like it was ready to explode as it continued to race non-stop. 

"Sister Edna. Please mercy, I give in . . . Do whatever you want with me." 

Dalis had been defeated.

Sister Edna was very confused and tried to question him. However, this was to no avail as Dalis remained utterly silent. Refusing to speak nor look at her.

 

***

 

"We have spent a little more time than necessary, but it's alright. It's time to tell you why I wanted to talk to you in private. There will be a few things, so be prepared." 

Dalis nodded. 

"Firstly, did you intend to kill Halio?" 

Sister Edna straightforwardly asked apathetically.

Dalis was silent for a bit before speaking up.

"In truth, I saw an image overlap with Stilla the moment Stilla was knocked out. However, it was so vague and transient that I can barely remember it now. Admittedly, my emotions were genuine: I wanted him to pay for hurting Stilla and Melvin. I was angered when Stilla was knocked out, and then after Melvin fell . . . I lost my cool. I'm unsure as of present whether I wanted to kill Halio. Nevertheless, I know that such a reason is unacceptable and is against the Church's teachings. At the last moment, it was not a slip up when I missed the back of his neck. It was an intentional change of direction. I'm still conflicted about it."

Sister Edna listened carefully to Dalis's words and then asked.

"Do you resent Halio for what he has done?"

The response was quickly brought up; it was a contrast to the previous question.

"During that time I did, as of now, I no longer harbour such feelings. While I believe that Halio was perhaps maybe too harsh in the training, one can argue that Halio was carrying out his duty. After all we are all becoming future vanquishers in the future. If he was lenient, It might come back to bite us on the back someday. Later, I learned that he was forced to unleash that violent strike against Melvin, in order to prevent him from imploding his mana."

"Yes . . . Dalis you're very clever and observant. If it was the usual you, you would be able to notice the irregularity with Melvin." The disheartened Sister Edna sighed. 

Sister Edna pondered for a little and then asked another serious question.

"Dalis, do you think killing is wrong?"

" . . . "

"I want you to be honest with me, tell me your true thoughts." Sister Edna firmly pressed.

"If I had to be honest . . . I don't think it's right or wrong. I only remember three years of my life and from what I understand, it is considered to be morally wrong. I can understand why, but at the same time, I don't really understand. It's not something I particularly thought about . . . I think?" An odd complexion was worn over Dalis's face. He shook his dazed head and continued: "I am sorry, Sister Edna. I do not have an answer."  

Sister Edna's eyes slightly widened from his response as she began to utter. 

"Dalis, there is no need for you to say sorry. Even though at times you act so mature, you are still a young child. I'm sure you will find your answer in the future. However, you must understand that killing is . . . unacceptable. I don't know how you lived before we found you three years ago, nor do I know what is truly correct regarding the weight of human life . . . But in the orphanage you live in now, you can't have such ideas. That way of thinking is dangerous. Not only for others but also for you. Human life is precious Dalis."

"Weight of human life . . . " Dalis mumbled softly.

"Understood Sister Edna, I will make an effort to imbibe these values into my mind. " Dalis nodded to affirm. 

He had an inkling feeling he somewhat understood this very well. Yet, at the same time, it was confusing. 

"Good. If you have anything you ever need to talk about you can discuss it with me okay? Big sister will always be there to help you."

Dalis felt that some of his thoughts that weighed in his mind were put to rest after that discussion with Sister Edna. Once more, he had become ever so closer to Sister Edna. 

"Now it's time to move onto the next topic. Dalis do you really not recall anything besides the three years of your life at the orphanage? Are you certain you are unable to recall that moment with Stilla?"

Dalis's shoulders drooped, following a sole no. 

Sister Edna looked at him with pity. "This memory loss is too strange. It's as if they are locked away . . . or perhaps your memories are repressed unconsciously?"

!!! (Locked away? Me suppressing my memories?) 

Dalis felt his mind quake at Sister Edna's remarks. In these three years, especially within the past two, Dalis had, for the most part, accepted that his memories were lost and realistically wouldn't return. However, the vague image he saw and Sister Edna's words sparked a curiosity that had lurked deep within him. It had risen up once again. It was extremely strong, and for some reason, he felt that these three years of obliviousness was absurd and deplorable. This compelled Dalis to intensively ponder Sister Edna's previous question.

"Sister Edna, Unfortunately, I barely remember a thing or two. From what I remember, I was very exhausted on one particular day, and my consciousness was on the verge of fading. Yet I was vigorously trying to continue on in order to fulfil something . . . "

"Fulfil something?" Sister Edna couldn't help but interrupt.

"I had to carry something . . . "

"Carry something . . . ?"

"I had to carry something . . . something . . . something . . . "

"You were tasked to carry an item of some sort?"

"No, it wasn't an item. It was more abstract. "

"A dream? A wish? A will?"

"Dream . . .  Wish . . . Will . . . Ahh, it's very close."

All of a sudden Dalis's eyes lit up with great emotion. It became a reflection of his spirit.

"Hope . . . " Dalis slowly said as his eyes flashed. 

Dalis's demeanour underwent a drastic change. The presence that Dalis emitted was not one of a young boy would have. It had power, a mysterious charisma, and distinguished standing. 

Sister Edna, who had inexplicably noticed this sudden change, felt the person she was standing before him was not Dalis. Or was this the real Dalis?

"Sister Edna I also recall meeting a young girl. I don't remember her facial features, but we travelled together. In addition, I was very likely to be wounded severely as the feeling of pain from being stabbed comes to mind."

"That's certainly strange. When Mother Michelle brought you back 3 years ago, you didn't seem to have such wounds." Sister Edna said. Oddly, her tone had altered to be a little respectful.

"Allow me to reaffirm, Mother Michelle was the person who had found me in the borders of The Land of Demons."

"Yes, she was the one who picked you up."

"She stated that I was barely conscious at the time, to the point where I could barely talk."

"That is so. The first time we were able to know about who you are as a person, was when you woke up in the infirmary. You had lost entirely any memory of who you were as a person. Yet, you had retained the necessary abilities to communicate, understand, and adapt to the environment around you. While you may have been very reclusive . . . nevertheless, you were able to perform essential human functions.

"Yeah, and Mother Michelle was also the one to tell you my name was Dalis, am I correct?"

" . . . Yes, she was the one who introduced you as Dalis. She said that you mentioned it to her after managing to remember your name."

" . . . When was this exactly?" (My name was not given?!!!)

"It was when she picked you up. Before you arrived at the infirmary."

"Why would I have mentioned to her that I managed to remember my name. Did I perhaps briefly fall unconscious and then after awakening tell her that I was unable to recall a thing, with the exception of my name? Or was I from the very beginning unable to remember who I was?"

"Eh? Wait, your big sister is not seemingly able to follow." Sister Edna panicked in confusion. 

"Did she ever mention anything about this?" Dalis questioned as he raised an eyebrow.

"No Mother Michelle did not mention such a thing . . . I didn't even consider such a thing . . . "

(Mother Michelle . . . She likely knows something or perhaps hiding something) Dalis thought.

The room turned eerily silent for a while. Even the slight sound of a pin dropping would be heard.

"Sister Edna, has Mother Michelle asked anything particular about me?"

Sister Edna was a little hesitant, but she told Dalis the truth.

"Yes she did, but it wasn't anything concerning. Much of it was small talk such as wanting to know about your wellbeing. However, there was indeed one particular request she handed to me that may be in question."

"Could it perhaps be about my mana seed?" Dalis guessed. 

"Ah, you are correct Dalis. Mother Michelle wanted me to report back about the state of your mana seed. Though she said that it wasn't necessary to let her know right away. Rather there wasn't a time limit."

(Not right away, then it may mean I'm just overthinking too much. Maybe it's because it's likely deformed as she is worried? Or . . . Mother Michelle may be intentionally hiding things. Perhaps the degree of importance is not to her concern. Perhaps as long as things stand the way they're as of now, then nothing needs to be revealed?) 

Dalis's intuition is ascertaining him that Mother Michelle holds the key towards learning about who he is. 

"Will big sister check my mana seed?" Dalis asked virtuously.

Sister Edna felt as if she was in a deadlock. On the one hand, she had been ordered specifically to check the mana seed of Dalis. On the other hand, it was natural as his Sister to be up to date with Dalis's progress. After all, Sisters are in charge of overseeing the development of the children they are allocated to.

Yet whichever option she chose, she was forced to contend with a sense of guilt. It was likely that the relationship between them would deteriorate due to the circumstances if she were to check his mana seed.

Dalis, who saw Sister Edna in a pickle, couldn't help but force himself to make a gracing comment.

"Sister Edna. If you'd like to check my mana seed, then you are more than welcome to. After all you're one of . . . You're my big sister. I trust you."

Hearing this, Sister Edna felt a mountain of guilt weighing on her mind. How could she be so stupid for thinking along those lines?

"As your big sister I have disappointed you Dalis." Sister Edna shook her head to dispel her past self.

Sister Edna approached Dalis and placed the palm of her hand onto Dalis's chest. A faint, magical, blue glow appeared around the contours of her hand. Sister Edna Edna glimpsed into Dalis's body and detected the mana seed. The mana seed was seen to be vigorous and a little larger than regular mana seeds. This tends to be an indication of the individual's aptitude being higher than the average. Sister Edna would be overjoyed to see her child be lucky enough to have such characteristics. Though reality was cruel, Dalis's mana seed was dormant and did not appear to have any signs to indicate a prospect of transformation. Dalis may be one of the few people in this world to never be able to undergo a transformation in their lifetime. 

A deformed mana seed.

Sister Edna's face was immersed with sorrow and a great sense of pity. To Sister Edna, Dalis was one of her most treasured children, in actual fact, Dalis was her favourite. While it may seem wrong for a caretaker to have preferences over another, Dalis was an exception. Perhaps it's due to her kindness and care, Dalis would always look after her in some way or another whether it was subtle or direct. Dalis would always seem to appear to know when she was in trouble and actively attempt to aid her in her problems. Dalis maturity for his age accompanied by his reliability was mystifying for Sister Edna. Sometimes she would even subconsciously rely on Dalis and Dalis would exploit this as if to allude to her that she should depend on him. 

Fortunately, that saddened face of Edna could not remain for much longer as Sister Edna had discovered a very eccentric matter about Dalis's body. It was unlike anything she had seen before . . . 

 

***

 

In the body of a mana practitioner, mana was controlled by the mana seed organ in their bodies. By learning to control this seed through acts of physical training or mental means, one would be able to effectively transfer the mana to be circulated across each and every one of the bodies cells and tissues. In doing so, they're able to dictate and strengthen the mana energy in their bodies into practical uses which vary depending on their mana seed.

However, one would need to have a degree of understanding with the laws of their mana to accomplish this. Each mana type has their own uniqueness, which usually makes it quite difficult for one mana pathway to be able to perform acts of another pathway. 

Movement mana tends to be seen as an exception as they're able to manipulate the natural mana of the air along with their own mana. If competent enough, users are able to bring forth effects that appear to mimic other mana types. 

For instance, the Principal of Feeria, Acclaimed Research Professor Norman was able to perform complicated incantations such as “Reinforce body”. The incantation consolidates and compresses the natural mana onto the body of the user to strengthen them, likewise to the average training body consolidator. 

In the body of Dalis, Sister Edna discerned that Dalis's anatomy had a strange flow. The passage of mana seemed to not flow out from its, mana seed, origin. Instead, the circulation was arbitrary and ubiquitous. 

It suggested that Dalis's figure was a container of mana. 

Much like an ocean: unfathomable and formless. 

Yet, it was not water that Dalis gave the impression of embodying. It was a bottomless pit of darkness. Notably, the darkness was very dull in saturation. It was barely considered black. To Sister Edna, this darkness was not at all dreadful. It merely existed naturally. Moreover, she felt unexplainably secure when touching this darkness with her mana. Regardless of how weak it was, it felt pleasant. It was very different from her preconceived beliefs. This was the darkness element.  

Sister Edna had an epiphany if Dalis was to develop this darkness. He would be able to obtain immense strength that would be able to compensate for his lack of mana seed power. However, the impact of doing this would be . . .   

After a reasonable period of contemplation, Sister Edna removed her hand from Dalis's chest. Dalis was the first to speak.

"Sister Edna . . . "

"Dalis, your mana seed is likely to never be able to transform again in the future. It is most likely a deformed mana seed."

" . . . "

"However, perhaps Lord Caleyar may have blessed with you this deformed mana seed on purpose. To balance something else that resides within you."

"Something else that resides within me . . . " Dalis softly uttered.

"Yes, deep within you, there is a powerful darkness that shrouds you. That darkness is mysterious, and contrary to what I expected, it wasn't dreadful. Rather it felt like a safeguard when I used my mana to explore it. Perhaps this is because it knows that I wasn't a threat to you."

"It's as if you are saying that dark energy or dark mana is living," Dalis commented. (Our Holy God shrouded me with darkness eh? Silly Sister Edna.)

"Yes, it honestly might be. In any case, I believe that this darkness should be used by you Dalis. If you're unable to take advantage of this, I really worry for what is to come in the future. Since you don't have a transformed mana seed."

"I see.. but there's always the option of having blessed mana correct?" Dalis suggested.

"Blessed mana won't work on a deformed mana seed. Three years ago we asked if you'd like to be baptised and you rejected it saying you would desire to pick another pathway. I can't blame you for that after all blessed mana is not suited towards who you are as a person. Besides, my Dalis wouldn't accept blessed mana whether he had a deformed mana seed or not."

"That's right, your Dalis wouldn't do that," Dalis voiced in an obedient manner. 

The two intimately smiled at each other.

Blessed mana was truly a god's magic. For blessed mana users, one would not require to work as hard or put in any effort as the other paths. Almost their entire foundation was focused on controlling the artefact, unleashing its powers, and consolidating faith. If they were to be unarmed, their power source would be cut off. Although this path may seem unpleasant and off-putting, it was still seen as a representation of Caleyar's descendants and the Church. Furthermore, they were respected as the majority of blessed mana users were Vanquish soldiers. One could not merely choose this path and expect to be able to defend against the outbreaks of the demon beasts threatening the border. Without proper education and training, it was foolish.

"Did you ever know about this darkness within you?" Sister Edna asked.

"I always had a nostalgic . . . resonate . . . sensation when I stared deeply into the darkness. Whether it was looking at the darkness of my room in the middle of the night or staring at shadows, I always thought it was just a reflection of my solitary nature, or just a strange delusion of mine to break free from being in this Church. I frequently felt as if I don't belong here, and I can't remain here. This feeling became stronger after bonding with you and the others . . . my comrades. That is why I abandoned this darkness. I no longer stared at this darkness, that seemed to follow me like a shadow, and pretended it didn't exist.

"Moreover, nobody in the Church practised dark elemental arts, since it was considered to have a linkage with those demons from The Land of Demons. The darkness element was borderline heretical. That is another reason as to why I abandoned it and the main reason as to why I never told you Sister Edna."

" . . . "

Sister Edna, having heard this, felt awkward and ashamed of herself. She never knew about Dalis having to handle such a personal dilemma. It was unlike the dilemmas of the other children in the Orphanage. His confession revealed some clarity to his behaviour in the past. 

She pondered to choose her words carefully before speaking.

"Dalis, I urge you to leave the Vanquisher territory," Sister Edna requested with a severe dead look in her eyes.

Dalis's posture abruptly shuddered.

"Sister Edna . . . so you did say those words." Dalis felt a little disappointed. 

Sister Edna approached Dalis and placed her hand on top of Dalis's shoulder. Her eyes were tender and strong, yet there were clear ripples. Was she trying to hold back her tears?

"Dalis, that darkness within you can't be hidden forever. If there is a chance that any of the authorities get a word of this, then even I won't be able to save you. Besides, that darkness . . . perhaps it could be one of the keys to uncovering your past," Sister Edna prompted.

"Yes, you are right. But even so." 

The eyes of Dalis presented a glimpse of fiery desire, yet simultaneously there was an apparent show of unwillingness: unwillingness to leave.

Sister Edna held back the feelings that she really wanted to convey.

"Dalis do you love the Church that much?~" Sister Edna sweetly teased as if to break the tension.

"Ah well, despite the restrictions and lack of freedom it has indeed treated me well. But to answer Sister Edna's question, not as much as you would probably think," Dalis flatly said.

"EH?!" Sister Edna was taken back.

"I just treasure my kinship with a particular few." Dalis turned his head to the side to hide his embarrassment

Sister Edna's palm of her hand closed in her face as her mouth was agape. Her cheeks rose to a blush. 

"Dalis you're so cute! I'm taking it home with me!" [Omochikaeri!]

Sister Edna hugged the unaware Dalis and started rubbing her face onto his cheeks intimately.

"S-sister Ed-edna . . . you're now saying the opposite of what you have been saying. Or are we going to elope?" Dalis stammered as he remained docile from Sister Edna's sudden cute assault. He felt troubled. 

It appeared that Sister was not listening as she was busy fawning over him.

"Ahem . . . sorry about that. Sister Edna couldn't help it," Sister Edna said as she used her index finger to wipe off the two tears that were let out, unknowingly. 

"It's fine, I don't mind," Dalis said casually. He had clearly seen that action but chose to not mention it.

"Going back to where we last left off, would you listen to Big Sister?" Sister Edna sternly asked.

At the given moment, Dalis felt as if most of his inner turmoil has been eased.

"Understood. I will listen to Sister Edna's request and make sure to comply with it to the best of my capabilities." Dalis nodded his head.

"How diligent of you. I haven't even discussed the plan."

There is an upcoming annual expedition event where soldiers-in-training and Vanquishers take groups of children out into various parts of the Pedlar continent for experience and voluntary church work. However, only the most qualified children of the Orphanage are allowed to partake, and this is determined strongly through academic test results and combat tournaments. Thus, Sister Edna advised Dalis to achieve well in the, soon to be held, Academic Exam and Pre-Soldier Exam. Therefore, he will be able to take the opportunity in the expedition to swiftly disappear and escape the influence of the Church. 

"Would they be willing to track me down across the whole Pedlar Continent?" Dalis asked.

"No, you should be fine. They don't have the time and personnel for tracking you down. However, there would likely be a notice of it. So if you were to encounter Church authorities, then there is a likelihood of being taken away. Make sure to avoid them if possible," Sister Edna warned gravely.

"Understood. On another note Sister Edna, when would I be able to see you again after that . . . ? " Dalis asked apprehensively.

"That is . . . " Sister Edna struggled to reply.

The room began once again silent. It was unknown how many times this had happened this very day.

" . . . " 

" . . . "

"Whenever you'd like. As long as my Dalis becomes powerful enough that he can do anything he pleases~" Sister Edna winced and teased with a wry smile. 

"Hmm . . . " Dalis tilted his head up a little and appeared to contemplate.

"Understood. Then you don't have to worry. It's a promise."

"A promise with Big Sister? Hehe alright then, it's a promise." Sister Edna smiled. She felt a little more at ease from his response.

"Oh wait! I forgot to append a very important matter onto that promise!" Sister Edna exclaimed.

"What is it?"

"You must remember to use your power to protect those in need. If you can do this, then I don't think I will need to worry." (About you straying from the right path)

"Power to protect . . . " Dalis repeated. 

"Likewise to your actions in the past to defend your peers and me. Don't ever forget it. But know the limits and the extent of your actions. However if it is n-necessary . . . t-then . . . "

"Understood Sister Edna, there is no need to go on further." 

"Good. Now with regards to Mother Michelle . . . "

"Ah, yes when it comes to her . . . "