Chapter 13 - Strengths Lklein Manni: Airio! Airio Sis: *Through mouthfuls* Lklein! You and Dr. Tauran must be exhausted because of what happened yesterday. Lklein Manni: ...What are you eating? Airio Sis: *Swallows* Trail mix. I've been on the move nonstop. Want some? Lklein Manni: No, thank you. Lklein Manni: More importantly, did you happen to see the man you were fighting last night? Lklein Manni: Tall, powerfully built, wielding a great sword. Airio Sis: No, I haven't seen him... Lklein Manni: ...I see... Please let me know if you do. Airio Sis: Sure, but why? Lklein Manni: Airio. Answer me honestly. Do you think I could beat that man? Airio Sis: No way. Even I'd barely stand a chance. Lklein Manni: Ah... Lklein Manni: ...Still, I can't give up. Airio Sis: Huh? Lklein Manni: It's nothin- [Lklein’s stomach grumbles.] Lklein Manni: ...Wh- Airio Sis: See? You must be hungry, right? Airio Sis: Go ahead, eat something. Lklein Manni: ...Thank you. Airio Sis: *Munch munch* Lklein Manni: *Munch munch*... Lklein Manni: ...Airio. Airio Sis: Mhmm? Lklein Manni: ...Do I look like a coward to you? Airio Sis: A coward? I'd say you look more like a cautious guy than a coward. Lklein Manni: ...I see... Airio Sis: Why do you look all gloomy? Being cautious isn't bad, is it? Lklein Manni: But it's not brave... I’m not even strong, either. Lklein Manni: I've lived my whole life being cautious. I've behaved wisely, carefully, watching every step. Lklein Manni: But because of that... I have no honor, no achievements to my name. All I've done is avoid failing. Lklein Manni: I can't stand still any longer... Even if there's no chance of winning... Airio Sis: ... Airio Sis: Being cautious is brave, too. That's what I think, anyway. Lklein Manni: Airio... Airio Sis: I mean, I'm the type who gets scared just waiting around, so I end up acting without thinking things through. Airio Sis: If I had real courage, I bet I'd be able to stay calm and read the situation carefully, the way you do. Airio Sis: You're always so composed, Lklein. I think that's amazing. Lklein Manni: ... Lklein Manni: You're the amazing one, Airio... Lklein Manni: Not long ago you were still a rookie, and now you're one of the strongest Echo Knights we have... Airio Sis: That's... thanks to the echo-fusion. It's more like luck than anything. Airio Sis: Hey, Lklein. Didn't you just say something about a battle you can't win? Airio Sis: Are you actually planning to fight that man with the great sword? Lklein Manni: *Inhales*......Yes. I do. Lklein Manni: You can laugh if you want. I'm sure it sounds ridiculous to you. Lklein Manni: Even so, I have to do it. Airio Sis: ...Can I ask why? Lklein Manni: Sigh... Lklein Manni: He's the one who killed my father... Airio Sis: ... Lklein Manni: I'm the prince of the fallen kingdom of Manni. My father was the king of Manni. Lklein Manni: My father was...He was killed by Euro Gallu, of the Asheria Federation...! To be continued...