GLITCH

The Source of Sven's Anger and Lucy's Intervention

"Hey, Sven…"

…is this a dream…?

"Yes?"

"We shall be bestfriends forever right?"

"Of course we are!"

"Pinky promise…?"

"Yep! It's a pinky promise!"

No…this is a part of my memory.

Though, my vision is hazy, I was able to know that there's a little girl in front of me.

Who is she I wonder?

… Ah, I now remember.

She's a dormant aero Morph. Her name is Wenn, my one and only friend during my childhood days. Due to my peculiarity which is to befriend a Glitch, I was seen as an abnormal person. It's a norm here before that people shouldn't befriend Glitches – it doesn't matter if it's dormant or not – since they're the ones who bring calamity in the world. I don't care though. My parents, as well as my grandparents, supported my friendship with Wenn. That's enough for me to ignore their persecutions.

Before I went back home, we pinky swear on each other that the two of us will play and be friends forever.

I cherished that promise so much. When I got home, my grandmother, who went shopping, hurriedly hugged me tightly and started crying. When I asked her why, I was unveiled from the truth – she died just an hour when the two of us go in our separate ways. I was shocked and nervously laughed at my grandma, thinking that it's just some joke. But grandma's eyes are dead serious as she lets go of the hug and faced me eye-to-eye.

My grandma told me that the investigator said that she's been r***d and slain after the culprit made his way to her. This is frustrating. If only I knew that, I should've been escorting her on her way home.

That's the first time I felt the agony of losing someone precious to me.

Moreover, when Rylai and I came here, I hurriedly went to her grave only to found her grave dug out. Her body is missing and the only left there is her casket. I feel depressed upon seeing it, thinking that the hatred of the people here against the Glitches. So all I could do is to return back her casket underground and restore her grave to pay her respect.

And yet…

I've seen her once more.

Even though she's a bit matured physically, it doesn't mean that I can't know that it's her.

It's Wenn.

Her way of speaking, her gestures, her voice, even matured… I know that it's her.

For this pest to defile my friend's grave.

…I'll never forgive you.

•••

OUTSIDE CRYSTAL CITY

Tuesday, November 16, 2500

9:40am

Watching from the sidelines, Rylai and the others saw the enraged Sven assaulting the gentleman-looking guy in a swift motion. Rylai of course thought that this situation isn't good. If this isn't stop, Sven would suffer from irreversible injuries.

It seems that it isn't just her who noticed it.

Cram immediately sprinted towards the enemy but then someone intervene his movements – it's Sven.

"This guy is my prey. Don't you dare steal it", Sven said with a menace with his sharp gaze sharp enough to send anyone a shiver down to their spine.

"But at your state, it may prove fatal."

"I don't care, as long as I can avenge my friend."

"Friend…?" Rylai is dumbfounded upon hearing Sven's talking. "Is there some connection with him and that gentleman guy?" Rylai kept thinking about it.

Sven, with his maddened frenzy and his limits (the Moho temporarily) removed, swiftly strikes the man he wanted to kill. Heavy clangs from the swords echoed in the air and with the both of them moving in an insane speed, only Furio and Rylai could see it clearly; Cram and Bafne could only see it barely.

"Hoh, what insane speed that young man has…!" Furio started complimenting Sven. However, Cram and Bafne knew that this isn't a good situation. Sach, who just now finished restoring the city came back, she was astonished to see Sven fighting against an enemy in such a state.

Sach said in a loud voice, "Hey kid! Stop this! It might harm your body!"

Furio, with his left eyebrow raised, asked Sach.

"What do you mean by that Sach?"

"Don't you remember? When you got enraged and get in that state, you lose a portion of your lifespan! But thankfully that was recovered thanks to my fellow healer in the party before! If this continues, that kid will suffer invigorating pain and even I can't handle it!"

Rylai's eyes widened after she heard what Sach said. It just confirms her doubts and clearly understands the situation that this is truly a dire one for Sven.

As the fight goes on, they see Sven in a pitiful state; there's a lot of bruises and wounds all over his body, blood oozing out like there's no tomorrow, and his tears and sweat are now all tainted with blood.

Cram, as a Glint, fully understands the unwritten rule in this world; "Whoever fighting the battle will not be given assistance unless the one in question seeks it."

This is just all about pride. Cram know that this is nonsense, but as a man, he somehow understands the guy who is about to be slain by the opposing foe with a smug on his face, signifying that this fight is a child's play for him.

"All I need to do is to wait for an opportunity. That is to wait for that kid to be unconscious. Then--"

Just as Cram is thinking about it, Sven finally lost his strength and is now using it as a cane to support him as he's on the verge of getting slashed by his foe.

"So, this is it huh? When do I ever learn?" this is the only thing that came inside Sven's head. He closed his eyes and waited for his demise when suddenly a sudden magic barrage of multiple attributes came from the sky.

"Sigh, when does this grandson of mine will ever learn?"

Beside Sven is a familiar figure. An old lady with a magical prowess that is devastating to be true.

Its Sven's grandmother entering the scene.

"So, you're now in the side of darkness huh, George. It's been a long time since I saw you."

"Oh, is that you Lucy? What a great time this is! For an old teammate to see me again, it makes my heart melt", said the gentlemanly guy whom Lucy addressed as George while removing his hat and slightly bowed.

"Well? Why are you beating my grandson to death?" Lucy said fiercely while demonstrating her dense magic. The area surrounding he started to become violent; the wind swirls like a storm, lightning-like energy started appearing from her body. This made not just George, but all of the ones who spectated flinched. Sven, who appears to be still conscious, could only watch as his grandmother unleashes her wrath.

"Well then George, should we celebrate our sweet reunion with a blast?" Lucy said with a sharp gaze enough to even penetrate a platinum wall.

"Damn you woman, you're still as terrifying as ever! For you to be able to use [Full Moho Break], you still are the Lucy I know!" George said while taking his stance.

A new phase of the battle is about to take place.