Chopin's Emotional Scars

From the perspective of Eric, who has become Elize

"Are you okay? You're shaking."

"Ah, yes. I'll manage to fight somehow."

"Don't overdo it."

I recognized the pair talking ahead.

Chopin and Bouree.

They had mocked us and grievously hurt Akira.

They should have started an hour before us, but it seemed they had fallen behind so much that we had caught up to them.

I wanted to overtake these guys and make them feel ashamed.

Angered, I thought of ignoring them, but something felt off.

They were really shaking, not in a state fit for battle.

Even though this floor could be considered a rest area, they were struggling against the Flame Lizard, an enemy that shouldn’t be too tough here.

"Are you... afraid of fire?"

"Trauma... I have a trauma..."

Apparently, they were suffering from some trauma related to fire.

"Akira!"

I whispered to Akira.

"I know a spell that can heal emotional wounds related to fire. I'm skilled in battlefield healing magic. What do you say... should we help them, even those guys?"

"Elize..."

Akira thought for a moment before replying.

"You must have already decided what to do, right? I know better than anyone that you are a kind person. No matter how I respond, you'll want to help them. Follow your heart."

His words were so admirable.

Truly, being with Akira makes me forget I'm a man, and I almost feel like just another girl.

"Bouree, let me take care of Chopin for a moment."

I cast a diagnostic spell and confirmed that he indeed had a fear of fire.

"What exactly happened to you...?"

"Well, actually..."

That’s when I, as Elize, first learned that Eric, in his original body, had shattered Chopin's heart.

"That's too much, no matter the circumstances."

Eric, or Elize, must have had their reasons during their duel with Akira, but it was awful.

"Step back, I'm going to cast a spell to heal the trauma caused by fire."

I sang the spell in a soprano voice, and Chopin's complexion visibly improved.

"Thank you. I'm sorry for the terrible things I said."

"If you understand, that’s good. Remember, anyone can start over, so keep at it."

I said kindly, and he started to sob.

"What have I done... to such good people?"

Ultimately, these two left the race on this floor, but they looked fulfilled and satisfied.

"It’s never too late. From here on out, I'll make my way up stronger," they said as they left.

"Let’s go, Akira. The magic I really want is on the 65th floor!"

Yes, it's the magic I've been longing for to return to my original male body.

"Joking, right? Even students in the Dragon class don't usually need to go past the 60th floor."

"There's nothing we can't do. Let's go!"