The Grandmaster said, "So, young Liebe, I'm guessing you aren't satisfied with your victory."
Liebe clenched his fists. "Sir… I'm frustrated. I'm goddamn weak. If it wasn't for Mother, we would've died."
Astreous nodded. "I understand your frustration."
Liebe's voice cracked as he began to cry. "Sir… I'm not worth anything if I'm not strong. The truth is, because of me, their lives were at risk multiple times."
Astreous spoke calmly. "That battle was a challenge—physically and mentally."
Liebe continued, "Now that Mother is pregnant… I'm the one who's supposed to be taking care of things. But I'm stuck in the hospital. Weakness is my sin. I couldn't protect anything— not my father, not my grandfather. And I lost my mother to circumstances. I thought I'd grown stronger… but reality exposed me. I'm weak. I can't even protect the ones dear to me."
Astreous's tone sharpened. "As of right now, you have two options: either stay here and rot… or get back up and train."
Liebe said, "Sir, please train me. I don't want to lose anything close to me ever again."
Astreous took a deep breath. "Liebe Al Faust—a man who lost everything because of the sin of weakness. And now, you're trying to atone by growing stronger. I know in recent years your mother hasn't been very kind to you, but don't blame yourself. I've seen you since you were just a few months old, and now when I see you, I feel proud. I'm sure your mother feels the same."
He paused, then added, "Yet for you… I can sense it—you're suffering. Suffering from strength. Those born to the strong are burdened with the duty to protect others. And it seems your burden is larger than any other. The weight is crushing you."
Liebe said softly, "That isn't true…"
Astreous looked him in the eye. "Then what do you want?"
Liebe stood tall. "I want to grow beyond a Grand Knight. I want to become a hero—one who watches over the truth and saves others, no matter what."
Astreous smiled slightly. "Heroes aren't born. It's the circumstances surrounding them that shape them into the titans they're meant to be. And being born with dark magic, you've already taken the first steps."
Liebe dropped to one knee. "I know I'm weak, sir. But please—help me grow stronger. Help me."
Astreous nodded. "Very well. But how long do you want to train?"
Liebe replied, "Ten hours a day—until I join the Royal Knighthood on Galahad Island."
Astreous laughed softly. "How about a compromise? Since I'm the Grandmaster, and my wife is also expecting, let's say… three hours a day. Except on weekends."
Liebe nodded eagerly. "Okay then, sir!"
Astreous said, "We begin in 48 hours. Now, let's get back to the others. I have something I want to say to everyone."