Dimensional Descent

"Huh?"

Radlis and Balthorn looked back in confusion.

In truth, of the four youthful geniuses had been paying attention. Or, rather, they simply didn't have the luxury to do so. Walking up the mountain pass was difficult enough, how could they have time to waste on looking back?

But, at a certain point, it simply couldn't be ignored any longer.

The rushing winds, the trembling grounds, the second oppressive aura that seemed to be bearing down on them from the back… They simply couldn't continue to pay attention to the path before them any longer.

When they did finally look back and see what was happening, their eyes couldn't help but widen in shock.

By now, Aina was already no more than ten meters behind them. But, just as quickly as they gazed back, they were level just as fast. And, even faster than that, they were surpassed.

Radlis and Balthorn stumbled. Their loss of concentration made them feel as though the pressure on their bodies had been multiplied several times over and in the end, they all but fell to their knees.

Aina blazed a trail by them. To an outside observer, she was only sprinting as fast as a normal human, a speed that was less than impressive for a Fourth Dimensional existence. However, in the face of these youths, she might as well have been flying.

A gaze of determination lit Aina's every step forward. Even though her speed was continuously slowing, she seemed to show no intention of stopping. She pushed harder and harder, her steps eventually becoming so heavy that miniature cracks began to appear beneath her feet.

At some unknown time, Leonel had crossed his arms, his fingernails digging into his biceps. But, at the same time, the smile on his face didn't fade, almost as though to keep up a strong front just in case she looked back.

a 50 meter distance from

face was blocked by a mask, the weight of her determination alone painted a broader picture than what her expression

Leonel had underestimated just how much this matter meant. He had only come here for Aina's sake, but it wasn't until this moment that he truly grasped the kind of determination it took for a young woman to send herself across the universe alone and without

of coming to Valiant Heart Mountain with Leonel. In fact, maybe

time she hadn't even been aware of if Leonel managed to survive or not. But, Leonel couldn't find it

more than a teenage infatuation. However, the weight Aina carried on her

the betrayal of her family. She carried the scars of a little girl. She carried the death

ahead of him in importance. It would

another form of sacrifice,

a goal no matter what you had to sacrifice… Though Leonel couldn't understand it, he respected it down to the depths

wonder if he'd ever have such great drive. Would there ever be something he was

made

he really have to give up the things that he loved for the sake

looked up

where I have such a

feel as though he was expressing his own thoughts properly. He had emotions deep within him, emotions he knew existed but

moment,

more. And, the man I want to be doesn't

forces me at an impasse where I must choose between the things that I love, I'll cut a path

like to