I heard you sparred with a Warden.
The girl nodded lightly at her superior's words.
"How did it feel?"
"They're strong—stronger than I imagined."
The girl paused, reflecting on her thoughts before asking her superior,
"Are all Wardens this strong? If so… what should I do to become as strong as them?"
"The secret to getting stronger isn't important. What matters is why you want to get stronger."
"Why I want to get stronger…"
The girl tilted her head, seemingly unable to understand her superior's words.
"Wardens fight against witches. Most people become Wardens because they feel a sense of duty to protect humanity, but some have no choice but to choose this path. For example… revenge."
Revenge. This unexpected word made the girl's spine chill, as if an icy blade had sliced through her.
"Are you talking about that Warden…"
"His eyes were filled with the anger of having lost something important. For such a person to become a Warden means that their family or someone equally important was harmed by a witch."
He has such a secret?
What surprised the girl the most was that her superior knew this secret.
"Did you investigate that Warden beforehand?"
"Of course not. I just sensed that aura."
Her superior's words made the girl sigh. Her superior had always been like this. No matter the situation, they could see through everything at a glance. They could perceive hidden truths. It made her feel both awe and fear.
"Those who are stronger than anyone else are often those who have experienced despair. They have a reason to grow stronger, a task they must complete. But many others get lost in despair, unable to return. "You must have despair, but beware of it."