“Our clan will not allow it,” Lucy said resolutely, refusing Epherene’s suggestion, then untying her eye patch to reveal her face.0

Epherene's shoulders gave a noticeable start.0

"... When an eye is lost, they say the bones and flesh of the face flow and warp its shape. Therefore, I inserted a glass marble and stitched it myself," Lucy continued.0

Lucy’s face was marred by red threads tightly stitching her eyelids, giving her a ghostly appearance, as Epherene turned her eyes to Deculein with a sorrowful expression, while the very individual responsible for such a sight offered no comment.0

"If I gained anything from losing my eye, the foremost is the discernment of waves—the ability to sense the waves and sounds objects emanate. Through them, I perceive the world and manipulate it as if it were my own body."0

Lucy continued in a composed tone, yet Epherene could sense the frozen rage beneath her words. 0

"My second gain was responsibility. I merely sought to conceal myself in Padahal. Abandoning my clan, I considered only my tribe's well-being. That should never have been," Lucy concluded, her mana building. "I came to kill Deculein, and I will certainly do so."0

At that moment, Lucy’s voice flared like a blade, and the air around them grew frigidly sharp—as if her claim of controlling the wave was no empty boast, but a threat capable of rending one’s very body at the slightest movement.0

"It can't be helped, Professor. I can't persuade her because you're here," Epherene said.0

Since persuasion was ineffective with Lucy, Epherene enveloped herself in a suit of mana and unleashed a Barrier.0

Clang—! Clang, clang, clang, clang—!0

A metallic chime echoed from the barrier's contact with the air, clearly signaling that Lucy had undeniably weaponized the very atmosphere around them.0

"... Mage Epherene, do you not also wish Deculein's death?"0

"No, I want to survive. We need Deculein here, otherwise...0