Interesting.

Lugina...

...is this whom you were referring to when you visited the Sealed Crystal Cave alone?

Hey, Hans! I haven't said a thing, okay?!

Even that man named Ark still has his own doubts.

However, you keep pressing forward.

Very well then. I shall just observe you for now.

In any case, even if you were to break all of the seals...

...the real seal will still remain as long as I live.

Tsch. That must mean we still haven't made any real progress then. What a pain.

Hey, Hans!

How was it, anyway? How did you like me at full power? Now you're free to praise my skills even more than before.

Lots of annoying stuff has happened since I joined Summoners' Hall, but...

...I've definitely grown stronger since then.

I feel like I have a better handle of my Veda fencing skills too, even though I never used them after I left the Federation.

I mean, who knows how strong I'll ultimately get! Even I'm scared to think about it.

So you make sure to stick by my side.

There's still a million things you need to do for me before you go running off!

......

Well, guess that's it for me then. What are you gonna do?

So you noticed I was here. As despicable a man as always...

My apologies, Hans.

I didn't mean to pry.

But I just wanted to talk to you, alone...

Bah. Sounds like a drag.

Hans, I'm outta here. Make sure to take care of whatever she's dealing with.

And remember that if you don't, it'll be an even bigger pain to deal with later on. You don't want that, do you?

That man is just so awful...

But I must give credit to the Summoners of Old.

I'm sure they were aware of his ingenuity on the field, but to think his skills with the blade were such...

I wouldn't be able to win against him in a fair fight now.

Even I know that much.

Though I'd rather die before saying that to his face...

......

Listen, Hans.

I came here for the same reason I previously mentioned, to speak to you in private.

Would you mind lending me an ear for a short while?

......

He he he. I knew you wouldn't turn me down.

......

I...you...

Ever since long ago...

...I've always wanted to beat you in battle!

After you defeated me in Grand Gaia, I knew I had to change.

That's when I left the Empire to join Summoners' Hall.

And now I have decided to leave Summoners' Hall as well.

Though I can't say that I'm completely confident about my decision.

That's why I need to fight you once again. To disperse my doubts.

You understand what I'm trying to say, don't you?

Well then, let's begin.

And please, don't hold back on my account.

Because I believe I've grown stronger over time as well!