Lin Luo was boasting, and what's more, he was doing it with a completely straight face, utterly unconcerned. Indeed, given the inherent fragility of the Sorcerers in this world, if he could deploy the Life Two-Sword Style—a technique so perverse it could practically reverse causality—slaughtering them would be incredibly easy... Although, with his current power level, he couldn't achieve true reversal of causality; not even Yaomeng, who had steeped herself in the Life Two-Sword Style for years, could manage it. Only that one perverted old man could actually reverse cause and effect.

But even grasping a mere fraction of it, something that could influence the power of causality, would make slicing through the mages' magical defense shields as simple as cutting watermelons. Therefore, as long as his body could recover to its normal state, and his opponent wasn't a wide-area Sorcerer like the adult version of Gale, he could truly achieve instantaneous defeat.

Furthermore, his Mist Rain Sword was no common trinket. As one of the Three Sacred Artifacts, the Grass Yong Sword already possessed formidable magic resistance and anti-magic properties. In his hands, it was practically the bane of any Sorcerer.

However, the prerequisite for all of this was that his physical condition had to be sound!

In his current state, managing even three swings was pushing his limits. Just those two simple swings earlier had already left him feeling spent. If Prescia hadn't been right in front of him, he likely would have collapsed right then and there to recuperate... After all, employing the Life Two-Sword Style demanded the use of Source, and his Source was severely depleted.

Considering everything, Lin Luo was merely puffing out his chest, putting on a show. The reason he asked Elfe to bring him a chair was also to seize an opportunity to rest; otherwise, his unsteady footing might have been noticed.

Of course, even this display of arrogance placed considerable pressure on Prescia. Because the sword strike Lin Luo had just unleashed was difficult even for her to follow—it was swordsmanship that far surpassed human limits, something she had never witnessed in any world.

Undoubtedly, this was a power Prescia did not comprehend.

The unknown is always the most terrifying. Thus, even though Prescia could discern that Lin Luo was not in peak condition, she still dared not make a move—because her own state was hardly better than his. Her body, having undergone too many experimental studies, was already riddled with damage and could not sustain a prolonged fight.

Besides, she had no need to battle someone of unknown origin. She needed her serviceable body to resurrect her daughter.

Thinking this, Prescia allowed the whip in her hand to revert to the form of a magic staff, and simultaneously, Fete’s bonds were loosened. Her small frame immediately tumbled down. Elfe rushed forward quickly, catching Fete’s body, her face a mix of heartache and fury.

“Enough of today’s lesson. Next, you will complete your mission. I have already prepared lodging for you in that world,” Prescia said emotionlessly, no longer looking at Lin Luo, but turning to Fete. “Those things are indispensable for realizing Mother’s ideals. You are a kind child; perhaps you hesitate sometimes. If an enemy impedes you, eliminate them with all your might. Do you understand, my daughter?”

“Yes, Mother,” Fete replied without hesitation.

Although Lin Luo appeared engrossed in his book, the corner of his eye constantly flickered between Fete and Prescia. It was evident that Prescia viewed Fete merely as a tool. Though she uttered the words "my daughter," her tone lacked the affection due to a child; it was utterly frigid.

Fete, however, was the exact opposite. Despite Prescia’s harsh treatment, Fete remained without regret or hatred, treating Prescia’s words as sacred decrees, showing no inclination to refuse them whatsoever.

While Lin Luo had known this beforehand, witnessing it firsthand made him feel intensely that Fete was being wronged. But given her nature, changing it was impossible—otherwise, Fete would no longer be Fete. Aside from sighing inwardly, Lin Luo could think of no better course of action.

After all, not everything could be resolved by force.

The mission Prescia mentioned must be the theft of the Seed of the Magic Crystal. Because Lin Luo, an outsider, was present, she spoke vaguely rather than clearly. However, since Fete’s mission to seize the Seed of the Magic Crystal had begun, it meant Nanoha must have already encountered that indispensable ‘partner’ of a magical girl—the ferret. If nothing unforeseen occurred, she should already be a Sorcerer by now...

Speaking of which, the Seed of the Magic Crystal that transformed into the Killing Stone had existed in the Shokurei World for millennia. It probably wasn't the Seed dug out by Yuno. But the other one was clearly one of the 21 Seeds central to this incident. The problem was... he had possessed that Seed for over two months, whereas here it had only been lost recently. Indeed, the timelines of different dimensions must differ.

Thinking this, Lin Luo couldn't help but frown. He had vaguely sensed the direction of time ever since he saw Ryougi Shiki. The last time he entered the Type-Moon world, it was during the Fourth Holy Grail War, and Ryougi Shiki was only about nine years old then. Her last appearance was at least fifteen. In other words, at least six years had passed in the Type-Moon world since he left...

Only four years remained until the Fifth Holy Grail War. How much time, then, was left in his own timeline?

Lin Luo felt a touch of unease, but worrying about such ethereal matters now was too far removed. He shook his head inwardly, temporarily setting the Type-Moon world aside. He then spoke to Prescia, “I don’t know what mission you’ve assigned Fete, but it sounds somewhat dangerous. Allow me to assist.” “You?” Hearing this, not only Prescia was slightly stunned, but Fete and Elfe also looked up in surprise, their expressions complicated as they regarded him.

Lin Luo offered a faint smile. “Fete is my savior. Perhaps you don't care for her safety, but I cannot stand by idly. I believe my abilities might be of help. You wouldn't refuse, would you?” “...” Prescia paused in contemplation. She didn't want anyone else interfering with the matter of the Seed of the Magic Crystal, especially someone of unknown origin like Lin Luo. Moreover, he had appeared in the Dimensional Sea holding a Seed of the Magic Crystal; heaven knew what his connection to the Seeds was. This introduced great uncertainty into her plans. Originally, if Fete hadn't shielded him, she would have tossed Lin Luo into the Dimensional Sea long ago.

But on second thought, Lin Luo’s concern for Fete was not feigned. He protected Fete while dragging his own severely damaged body, and he currently seemed to have amnesia... Perhaps by using Fete as leverage, she could secure a useful tool.

“Fine, go if you must. But if you disrupt my affairs midway, I will show no mercy,” Prescia stated gravely, glancing pointedly at Fete, clearly using her as a threat against Lin Luo.

“Rest assured, I repay kindness and avenge grievances,” Lin Luo replied unconcerned, smiling. But the hidden meaning in his words was quite clear: I help you because I owe Fete a debt of life; if you harm my savior, that becomes a grievance, and I will not be polite either.

“Hmph.” Prescia snorted, ignoring Lin Luo’s implied threat, then turned and walked toward the inner room. “I’m going to rest for a while. Work hard, my lovely daughter... Fete.”

There was a more significant reason she agreed to let Lin Luo accompany Fete in retrieving the Seed of the Magic Crystal: she worried that if Lin Luo remained here, he might pose a threat to her. It was better to let such an unpredictable bomb wreak havoc in other worlds than to keep him here, making her constantly anxious.

“Fete, is your body alright? Does anything hurt?” Once Prescia left, Elfe immediately asked loudly. Although Lin Luo was blocking the front, Prescia’s usual demeanor cast a deep shadow in her heart; that invisible pressure had prevented her from even uttering words of concern earlier.

“I’m fine, I’m not hurt at all. Elfe worries too much,” Fete replied quietly, looking down, acting as if nothing was wrong. But anyone could see the lack of light in her eyes... she was definitely not fine.

“How can I not worry! That woman is too much!”

“It’s not like that. Mother is doing this for my own good, so...”

“How could that be! She’s just throwing a tantrum, taking it out on you every time she’s in a bad mood. That woman is really...”

“No, we are mother and daughter. As long as I can complete this mission and return, Mother will surely smile at me. She will surely become kind again, just like before, and she will surely be kind to Elfe too. So... Elfe, please stop talking. I’m really fine.”

Yes, she would surely become kind, but... the object of her kindness would only be Alicia, not you, Fete!

Listening to Fete’s forced strength and optimism, Lin Luo felt heartbroken. He truly wanted to tell her the truth, but he knew that the current Fete could not bear the shock of reality.

“Let’s put this matter aside for now. We should prepare quickly and then go carry out your mission,” Lin Luo said softly. He felt it necessary for Fete and Nanoha to meet quickly; Nanoha was essential to opening Fete’s heart.

His words immediately drew their attention. Elfe’s eyes naturally showed gratitude, but Fete’s gaze was more complex. She opened her mouth, hesitated, and finally managed to ask, “Thank you... Why are you helping me?” Lin Luo smiled gently. “I want to help, so I help. Such things don't need a reason, do they? Just like when you saved me, did you stop to think why you saved me?” “Uh!” Fete was instantly stunned silent.

“Alright, let’s drop this topic. Before we leave, you should take a bath and refresh yourself. And...” Saying this, Lin Luo looked towards Elfe, “Help me up too. I exerted myself too much just now, and I can’t quite stand.”

Fete: “...”

Elfe: “...”