When Faust learned that it wouldn't be Klint but Lieben who would accompany him to the Winter City and stay by his side from then on, he was shocked at first, left standing with his mouth open. It wasn't a problem, of course—but it was so unrelated that it caught him off guard.
Lieben didn't even have a Sovereignty yet. Sending Lieben alongside him for something this difficult wasn't neutral, let alone helpful. It was a minus.
This wasn't because Faust looked down on Lieben or underestimated him; it was because he was thinking realistically. Facing the 10th Heir of Victory while having Lieben at his side would be a limiting factor... but Faust more or less understood why Klint had done this. Despite not wanting to do it and changing his mind, Klint wanted Lieben to improve himself and learn something as well. It wasn't a bad idea—but it was poorly executed. Like jumping from counting to ten straight to a hundred while still learning how to count.
It had been about an hour since they left the Corehold barrier behind and set out on the road.
Something occurred to Faust, something about Lieben. Yet his memory wasn't very good as always, he couldn't remember. He had to ask.
He held out a hand in front of Lieben, stopping him to ask his question.
"Yo Lieben!"
Lieben turned his head, waiting for Faust to talk.
"You know what Zueka is?"
He didn't say anything, but his expression made it clear he had no idea.
"I'm assuming you don't know?"
"Hm~"
Faust grabbed Lieben by the chin, squeezing his cheeks between both hands, making Lieben's lip pucker and stick out.
Faust had gotten furious again.
"Listen to me you little fuckwit!! I'm trying to make sure that you come back to Corehold with a beating heart and a warm body, get it!?"
Lieben nodded in panic.
Faust released his grip and wiped his hand on him...
"Good! Now talk, have you ever even heard about Zueka!?"
"No sir!"
"Don't try to be formal. Calling me "sir" like I'm some goddamn teacher or sum because... I ain't no goddamn teacher!!!"
"Well... it seems like you're abou to teach me something...?"
Faust's face twisted in displeasure, and he briefly looked away from Lieben.
"Well... Yeah but still I ain't no goddamn "sir" got it!?"
"Copy that!"
"...(-_-)..."
Faust let out a heavy breath and slowly rubbed his eyes.
"Oh my god... please tell me I've heard it wrong. You didn't say "copy that" right?"
"I did—"
"Consider killing yourself Lieben."
"What!?"
"I'm not saying. Do it, you should or anything like that... but consider it as an option. Please."
Lieben put his hands on his hips in despair.
"Just say what you gotta say about that Zeka thing."
"Zueka is..."
Zueka is a system that becomes usable through effort and meeting certain conditions, unlike Sovereignty abilities that are granted through a selection event by unknown powers. Behind every human's physical body lies their soul. The energy that protects and surrounds the soul is called Zueka. Zueka exists within every person, but being able to use it for one's own benefit—control it, perceive it, or do anything related to it, requires discipline and perseverance.
Zueka is the most unique form of energy, capable of surpassing physicality and providing protection to the soul even on a different plane of existence.
With Zueka, not only the soul but also the body's physical layer can be protected. It can increase the force, impact, and damage of attacks, while also reducing the harm and damage of incoming blows. Because the layer of Zueka within the body that surpasses physicality is almost fused with the soul, a user who can sense Zueka well enough can even predict an opponent's movements.
This is because the soul represents a person's absolute self and existence—knowing the soul means knowing the opponent, but knowing the opponent does not mean knowing the soul.
Some people who don't have a Sovereignty choose to master this ability and throw themselves into life's dangers instead of giving up hope or living quietly in distant places. But can Zueka stand against Sovereignties? This is unknown... because Zueka's limits have almost never truly been tested...
"...So you understand now Lieben?"
"..."
After seating Lieben beneath the shade of a tree and explaining all the fundamentals he needed to know, Faust saw that Lieben still showed not the slightest sign of understanding.
"You can't be real."
"Just kidding. I got it, it's not that complicated."
Faust still doubted whether Lieben had truly understood, but if Lieben said he did... there was probably nothing more to be done. After all, he had spent twenty minutes just explaining and teaching the basics. There was something more he could do... but he was too lazy to bother...
"Okay then come on. Show me something."
Lieben stood still and wondered whether Faust was talking to him.
Pointing at himself with his index finger...
"Me?"
"Of course you, dumbass. You see anyone around here other than you?"
"But you literally JUST explained what Zueka is."
"Your point?"
Lieben couldn't believe what he was hearing, but considering that the one standing before him was Faust, questioning it felt foolish. Of course he would ask to see something just five minutes after explaining what Zueka was—if he didn't, he wouldn't be Faust.
"Okay then..."
Lieben began lightly hopping in place and doing warm-up movements. Slow, deep breaths in a steady rhythm. Eyes closed. No one but himself could know what he was thinking.
Calm....Calm as water. Soul. I am the soul...Zueka may I feel you?...
When Lieben started warming up, Faust considered warning him, because physical movements couldn't help him form a connection with Zueka... but a moment later, he understood. Not everyone relaxed and focused in the same way.
Still, one single problem remained. Faust hadn't given him any hint or advice on how he could connect with—or reac, his Zueka.
Faust couldn't know what state Lieben was in right now. Forming a connection with his Zueka was extremely difficult. The only reason Faust had asked this of him was to embarrass him a little and make fun of him. Because for ordinary people, reaching Zueka took years—or, with the best results and a lot of luck, months.
And since each attempt at forming a connection could take hours—and because the person who was forming or trying to form that connection was almost like being in a dream, unaware of how much time had passed. Faust might have to wait there for hours.
Just as Faust was about to lose his temper, a sly smile crept onto his face. His cheeks stretched up toward his eyes so much that they seemed to narrow. His brows were drawn together, and the eyes caught between his cheeks and brows sharpened as he continued to watch Lieben. Was it anger or aggression he felt? No. It was nothing but excitement.
What the hell was I thinking? Hahaha— "The time needed to connect to Zueka is, months or even years for normal people" Why did I even give that sentence a thought.
Faust's smile sharpened as he started laughing like a maniac. The things he wanted to say... he wanted to shout—but since it would affect Lieben's concentration he could only think to himself...
Who the FUCK cares about normal people!? Hah! We have already surpassed many expectations as Fânirs.
I'm glad to have you as a member of my family
Lieben Fânir.
Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but one day.
You will become an absolute unit like every single one of us...
Even without having any Sovereignty.