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Text between " ", thoughts of characters.

Text between «", consciousness or voices of tertiary characters.

PVO MAAM

"One night before the battle against Vearn and rescuing Hyunckel and Crocodine.

Can I talk to you about something? I ask Popp, embarrassed.

He nods his head affirmatively and asks me to continue and although it is not an easy subject, I dare to express my doubts regarding what I feel for Hyunckel.

-Ever since I met him, I've had the need to be by his side, but I still don't know if that can be called love... Before, I wasn't worried about that dilemma, but when Miss Amy confessed that she loves him in front of everyone, my heartbeat and that's when my mind began to wonder if it's jealousy out of love, or because I'm no longer the only one who understands his pain.

Popp listened attentively. Then he smiled and said the following.

-Maam, you know the answer, but you still refuse to accept the truth because we are in a war and you don't want to divert your attention with romanticism -his smile is bright and for the first time I think that I really like seeing him smile like that, because with that small gesture he is able to make me feel better -you love Hyunckel more than anyone in the world, I know because when you look at him, your eyes shine, that's why you have to fight for him. You mustn't let them separate you.

-But Miss Amy... -I try to make him see that my fight would bring suffering to another person, but he places his gloved hand on my shoulder and looks at me seriously.

-When you truly love someone, you shouldn't be afraid to fight for the one you love. Especially when the feelings are mutual, and even though Miss Amy is going to suffer, that won't change the fact that Hyunckel loves you.

-Hyunckel loves me? -That surprises me because he has never shown those feelings towards me in his behavior.

-Yes, he loves you, and you love him back! So go and fight for the man of your life."

Several images crowd my mind.

Some are blurry and I ignore them, but others are too clear and cause me to doubt because my heart shrinks with pain when it should be beating with excitement seeing myself hug the man, I supposedly love with all my soul.

"Since when is Hyunckel so affectionate?... I even see us kissing, but even then, I can't get my heart to feel joy."

The confusion makes me scream with all my strength in an attempt to escape from this dream that seems more like a horrible nightmare due to the immense pain that attacks my chest.

Fortunately, I open my eyes and with a sudden movement I find myself sitting on the bed.

I breathe with difficulty and with my hands on my chest I try to make the pangs of my heart subside.

Moments in my head keep appearing in which I am confessing to Hyunckel that I love him and in all of them I kiss him passionately, however, it seems so unreal and what I feel contrasts with the happiness I should feel when being with the loved one.

-What's wrong, Maam? -Leona's worried voice forces me to focus my attention on her, but I can't get any words out.

Looking at her face, I notice that she has been crying because of the tear tracks she still has on her cheeks.

-I think that... -I find it difficult to speak because of a burning sensation in my throat- I was going to tell you that I'm fine, but I feel like my vocal cords are hurt... Do you know the reason why I feel like this?

Leona remains silent for a long time and since I see that she doesn't want to tell me anything, I push aside the sheets that cover me and try to stand up, but I can't get my legs to support me either and I fall back onto the bed.

-What the hell is going on, Leona? -This time I'm scared and, in my desperation, I demand an explanation. -Did a monster attack me?

-It wasn't a monster -is her brief response.

-So, what happened? -I insist when she falls silent again.

-A very powerful sorcerer cast a terrible magic wave on you, and as you refused to succumb to its objective, the fight between its spell and your willpower left you without a drop of energy... You fought for ten days to overcome its power, but the battle was inside your mind, that's why we were very worried when we saw that you didn't wake up. We even thought that you wouldn't be able to return to us.

-Did a sorcerer attack me? -Leona nods -Besides Zaboera, is there an evil wizard with such a high level of magical strength?... I thought Popp was the new wizard with a higher rank than any other wizard, but if I ended up in this situation, it means he couldn't help me -an even greater fear arises when I think that maybe he was hurt and that's why he couldn't protect me -Popp is okay, right?

-Don't even mention that stupid sorcerer to me - an aura full of anger covers Leona and I am surprised because even though she is always bothering Popp, we all know that deep down she appreciates him very much.

-Leona, if he made you angry because he couldn't protect me, I beg you to forgive him. Popp is only recently learning to manipulate large amounts of magic and it's only natural that he'll still have a hard time opposing more experienced sorcerers.

-I see you do remember that you have been traveling with him... I thought he would get rid of that part too, but apparently, he didn't think it was necessary to do so.

-Did the evil sorcerer erase my memory?

-Did I say that? -Leona got very nervous, and I realized that she wanted to hide more information from me than she thought.

-If you mention my memories, it is logical that you are referring to my memory - I stood up despite the weakness of my body - right now you are going to tell me everything that happened and for your own good, do it the good way.

Leona began to take steps back, while I began to approach as quickly as my body allowed me.

Having her cornered against the wall, I put my arms beside her.

- Who is the evil sorcerer who wanted to erase my memory?

Leona shook her head and although she didn't want to hurt her, she would have to use a little force if she wanted her to tell me the truth, but when I raised my hand to threaten her, the door opened, and Popp entered along with Master Aván and Hyunckel.

My heart beat hard, but I didn't know why it did it, (or rather, I didn't know who it did it for).

-I'm glad you're awake, dear Maam! -Master Avan was the first to speak and approach me -you are truly a great fighter. Spending ten days in mental combat must have been very hard for you if we take into account that your physical strength was not going to give you an advantage against such magical power.

-Will you tell me who the sorcerer was who attacked me to erase my memory? -I held his jacket so he wouldn't get away.

-How do you know that was the wizard's goal? -Popp asked in a serious tone that he has been using lately when the situation is dangerous.

-Leona said it, and although she had no intention of revealing that she had tried to erase my memory, in the end she said too much, so if they are trying to fool me, they are wasting their time.

-I'll tell you what happened -Popp walked towards me and my heartbeat as if it were excited, with that I understood that what happened a while ago, he caused it.

-Don't you dare... -Leona rushed to reach him, but Hyunckel stood between the two -what's wrong with you?

-Let's let Popp explain it to you!... He is the most qualified for this because it is a magic that he knows better than anyone.

-I know very well that he knows it -Leona said, looking reproachfully at Popp -this better be worth it.

Leona ran out of the room and shortly after, Master Aván and Hyunckel did the same.

When we were alone, Popp held my waist to help me back into bed.

My entire body trembled at the warm touch, and I had to take a breath repeatedly because I got nervous in his presence.

-So... well? -My throat still hurt, but that wasn't why I was stuttering -what happened?

Popp told me that when he left us in the forest, he didn't realize that the wretch KillVearn had prepared a trap to attack us separately and since I went out at night completely alone, he took the opportunity to send an evil sorcerer who used a magic that took me to the world of dreams. In that place he was casting various spells to erase my memories with Hyunckel. Beautiful moments that we had lived as the couple in love that we have been for more than six months.

The story included a detailed history of the beginning of our love.

Apparently, I had declared my love for him during the battle against Vearn, and although Hyunckel still believes that he does not deserve to be loved for his past sins, he accepted my feelings because he loves me with the same strength as I do.

As I listened to him, all those moments began to play in my mind, however, something didn't fit in that story, and it's that even though I was seeing him in my thoughts, the clarity with which those memories appeared seemed strange to me. My other memories are not as clear as these. They even shine so much that they feel unreal. Not to mention that my heart doesn't beat as hard when I see my displays of love for Hyunckel.

- KillVearn doesn't want you two to be together - Popp said, looking me straight in the eyes - his plan is to separate you and he will do anything to make you think that their relationship isn't real.

-Why is my relationship with Hyunckel so important to that monster?

-You'll find out soon enough -he ran a finger down my cheek and it immediately colored when he smiled at me. -The only thing I can tell you for now is that it's something wonderful that will bring hope to the entire world.

-What kind of hope? -I rested my head on his hand and closed my eyes to enjoy the tender massage he was giving my cheek.

-The hope for a world at peace and for Dai, the opportunity to have a normal life with the woman he loves most.

-You talk about the hope of the world, but the reality is that you only care about Dai's happiness - I opened my eyes as I felt my tears wanting to come out of them - Have you ever cared about my happiness?

-Making sure that hope materializes is proof that I care about your happiness -his eyes crystallized and I realized that he also wanted to cry, but he was avoiding it- you have no idea how much I am capable of sacrificing in order to see you and Dai happy.

We both looked at each other for long minutes. As we did so, I looked closely at his features and realized that they were no longer those of a child. His face is acquiring the maturity of an adult and every day he seems more handsome than the last, however, his gaze is the one that has become sad and seeing that the beautiful glow that he radiated has almost completely disappeared, fills me with anguish and I cannot stop my tears from coming out of my eyes. Popp takes off one of his gloves and with his free hand of the fabric, he tenderly wipes them away.

A genuine smile finally appears on his lips, and I immediately respond to his gesture with a smile that comes from the depths of my soul. The admiration I have always had for him grows because I reaffirm that he is a very strong man. Unlike Hyunckel, he never allows anyone to see how broken he is. His priority is to instill courage in all of us and thanks to that none of us have lost hope of finding Dai and we continue to fight against the enemies that try to destroy us.

Motivated by his courageous aura, I sit up and hug him like I do when we survive a battle. Popp wraps his arms around me and the warmth emanating from his body calms me down.

Time seems to stop every time I find myself wrapped in his arms. Before, I didn't want to accept that it was thanks to him that I wanted to become stronger, but on this journey that we started for Dai, I have realized how much I need him by my side. His cheerful and tender character fills me with peace, and his courage gives me confidence that despite the difficulties, there is always hope.

My heart beats so hard when he's around, that's why I have a hard time believing that I'm Hyunckel's girlfriend, because the memories that appear in my mind don't have a logical order. I've been traveling with Popp all this time and now it turns out that I'm in a long distance relationship or something, but why do I feel like those memories are fake?

-How many times have we spent time with Hyunckel's group?

Popp's body stiffened and he tried to pull away, but being stronger than him, I kept us together, although I moved away a little so I could look at his face.

-The memories where Hyunckel appears are strange. As far as I know, we never met his group in these six months. I could even swear that the images where I am with him are part of a spell.

- How can you know they are from a spell if you are a warrior, not a sorceress? - he says laughing, but I notice he is tense.

-Only those have shine... The memories of our trip look normal, besides, what I feel when I see them is rejection.

-If Hyunckel hears you say that you reject his moments together, it will make him feel very bad... You know he is a little depressed, and that will break his heart.

-He's not the typical romantic man who goes out of his way to do cheesy things to please a woman, that's why I can't believe these memories are true.

-You've changed him -his smile becomes more and more nervous as this conversation goes on... what makes him like this?

-And how do you know they are true if I have never seen you with us?... Were you spying on us? - I squint my eyes and wait for his answer.

-What?... Oh, Maam!... You guys aren't very discreet. You even kissed him in front of poor Chiu and you know that little mouse adores you.

"I don't believe that. I'll be whatever they want me to be, but I would never dare make a fool of myself in front of my friends, much less Popp."

-Let's say I believe you, but what about the timelines I can't remember.

-What timelines? -This made him even more nervous.

-For example, I can't remember the moment when you managed to make your badge shine. The last thing I remember is Merle being mortally wounded while trying to protect you and after that there is a time skip where I find myself fighting Albinas, but again there is a gap between Dai and Hadler's battle and many gaps during the fight against MystVearn.

-Well... it's just that... I don't...

Suddenly his face takes on a seriousness that overwhelms me and I feel a wave of energy emerge from his body so intense that it forces me to let go.

-I'm sorry! -he reaches out and places a finger on my forehead -go back to sleep! When you wake up, those gaps won't matter to you anymore.

My eyes close and I feel my spirit being absorbed by the darkness.

PVO POPP

Maam's will is too strong and refuses to allow me to destroy the memories of my failed love confession from the past, however I am no longer the same useless magician as back then and although it pains me to hurt her, I manage to completely eliminate them and along with them I make her desire to recover them disappear. Additionally, I correct the false memories of her relationship with Hyunckel.

Recreating those romantic moments between the two of them breaks my heart, but I understand that it is necessary to stimulate her desire to be with him so that their union can be faster.

Unfortunately, all this will bring you some days of weakness and too many hours of sleep.

Once the spell is finished, I lay her down on the bed and cover her with the blankets.

Even though I know she will never be mine, I can't help but notice every detail of her beautiful face, but it's not her beauty that has me in love, but her charitable soul and the strength of her spirit.

With my ungloved hand I touch the soft skin of her cheek again, but as soon as she notices me, several threads of tears slip from her eyes.

-No... please... -she says with a lot of pain and my soul fills with sadness because I know she is suffering for him.

-Relax, Maam! It won't be long before your dream comes true.

I'm about to leave when her hand captures my clothes and with her enormous strength, she manages to make me fall on her breasts.

The blush on my cheeks doesn't take long to appear and I try in vain to free myself from her grip before someone comes in, but as always, my bad luck is what dominates my life and the scream of the most insufferable rat in the world makes me fear for my safety.

-Damn perverted magician! -He jumps on my back and starts punching me in the head -You weren't satisfied with having Miss Maam on the verge of death, now you even take advantage of her while she's weak.

-I'm not... ouch!... stop hitting me!... I'm not taking advantage of anyone.

Chiu doesn't stop, so I try to get up again, but Maam's arms are around my neck, keeping me lying in the worst possible place for my survival.

-And then you say you don't do it on purpose - he pulls my hair and that's the straw that breaks the camel's back.

I concentrate a large amount of magical energy to throw it at him.

Chiu is thrown several meters upwards and then falls backwards onto the ground.

The wave of my power helps me free myself and I jump away from the bed.

I'm too agitated and it's not exactly because of all the magical power I've been using these days.

-You were supposed to have run out of magic power -Chiu gets up with difficulty and I am embarrassed to discover that he has a wound on his head, probably caused by my magic -The princess told us that you spent ten days fighting against Miss Maam inside her mind and that what surprised her was not exactly your strength, but your resistance.

-That's exactly what I think -my teacher entered the room and although I know he's upset with me (as is everyone else), he helps me stay standing -not even ten wizards in relief could last that long using astral magic... can you explain to me how it's possible that you can do it if you're a normal human?

-That matter is better dealt with elsewhere -I look at Maam and sigh with relief when I see that she is still asleep. -If she hears us, I will have to erase her memory again.

My master doesn't say anything but accepts my suggestion and leads me in a very bad manner, (pulling my ear), to the meeting room of Papunika Castle.

At the huge table, Princess Leona, Merle, Crocodine, Him, Larhart, Hyunckel, Miss Amy, and to my surprise, even Maam's mother is here, are already seated.

My master lets go of me and I almost fall to the ground due to lack of energy, but I manage to pretend that I am in excellent condition and walk safely to the seat assigned to me by Princess Leona, (in front of her, to my misfortune).

If looks could kill, I'd be dead already. Everyone is killing me mercilessly with their eyes (except Merle), and they don't even know the full story yet.

-Well? -my master begins. -The night you attacked Maam, you begged me not to intervene because what you were doing was necessary to save Dai and for our world to have peace. The appreciation I have for you made me allow you to almost kill her. I thought that after those terrible ten days, you would finally let her rest, but you have used your astral magic again to enter her mind and continue with this absurd memory erasure.

-Unlike what Baran did to Dai -Leona continues- an attack at an astral level is almost as if you are fighting against her real body, but instead of killing her physically, you are able to destroy her soul and that is equivalent to a living death.

-To project yourself inside her mind requires a power that few sorcerers can handle - my master takes the floor again - I know you are very strong, but until a few months ago I still held my place as the most powerful when it comes to magic, however, I am not able to use astral magic and even less for so many days because I would need a body as resistant as that of a Dragon Knight due to the enormous amount of vital energy that is consumed that we humans are unable to withstand.

-I had the ability to use the dark aura -this time Hyunckel intervenes- Mist taught me to endure it, but an aura of light and one of darkness also consume themselves very quickly and although their base is energy, it cannot be materialized. In your case, by invoking astral magic, you can enter the minds of your enemies with a projection of your physical body. That means that you have bodily splits that allow you to use any spell you invoke and the damage you inflict is greater than what you would cause in the real world.

-The strange thing here is that you have that level of power being so young and in such a short time- my master crosses his arms and for the first time looks at me with a seriousness that intimidates me -Dai would be the only one who could do it without any problem, but you...

The master leaves his words hanging in the air. For others this is strange, but not dangerous, however, the intelligence he possesses has already given him an idea of the effects that using this type of magic will have on my human life.

-Excuse me! -Maam's mother manages to get them to stop looking at me and look at her -I understand that you want to know what magic power they used to attack my daughter, but for me it is more important to understand the reason why the person who was supposed to appreciate her, almost led her to death.

I guess I shouldn't have felt relieved so soon. After those words everyone looked at me again and the worst thing is that now the mother of the woman, I love is also giving me a look full of disappointment and that is a thousand times worse.

-How much longer are we going to wait for your answer, "Evil Sorcerer"? -Leona ironically points out that absurd nickname she gave me when the Maam thing happened.

No one takes their eyes off me. They all want a convincing explanation, and I know that once I give it to them, they will agree that this is for the best, but talking about what I saw will break my heart again.

I take a breath before starting and in my mind, I visualize the moment when the hope that one day Maam could see me as the man of her life, was destroyed forever.