Esper Story: Leora

Why should she be allowed to join the Union? She's with the Shadow Decree!

Perhaps she wants to atone for her sins?

I don't like those people as well, but the decision was made after Gaius and Raven investigated her motives.

I heard she had fallen out with the higher-ups of their organization, and they even sent assassins after her.

If it weren't for Discboom spotting her in time, she might have been "erased" from this world.

Still, this whole thing could just be another one of their cunning tricks. They're known to be despicable villains.

*ROAR*

Li Ling, there are too many Miramon. We gotta stick together!

No, I can handle them all by myself. Head off somewhere else.

No, I can't leave you alone. They could easily surround you.

Then find somewhere safe to hide, if you're scared.

(Finally got rid of her. She's so annoying.)

Ha, tremble before my spear!

*ROAR*

Tsk, told you I can handle this easily.

*Howl*...

Li Ling! Watch out!

Hiss!

!!!

Are you all right?

I'm fine. Just a scratch.

...

Sorry, I was too careless.

It's not your fault. This area has way more Miramon than other regions.

Debia can only handle some of them on their own. They should've requested the Union's support.

Humph, they'll never turn to the Union if they still have another option.

Raven contacted them to offer some help before, but they rejected her.

But why?

It's because they think our kindness comes with a petty man's schemes.

They always think we want to meddle in their affairs, treating us like politicians with ill intentions.

...

We'll deal with the rest of Miramon tomorrow. You should return to get your wound treated first.

I'm fine. It's just a small...

It's not a small wound at all. Your lips are turning pale due to the loss of blood.

She should've abandoned you for that horrible attitude you gave her.

I know... that's why I...

That's why you feel bad about it, right?

Okay...

I don't think she is the cunning villain you thought she was.

She's just a poor girl who has been betrayed by the very organization that she had entrusted years of her life to.

So you've thought it through?

Well... I was troubled by the thought of it after talking with you. I only managed to fall asleep at dawn.

Then, I accidentally overslept and delayed the start of our mission time...

*ROAR*

...

*Huff*Huff*

...

Anyone who can face a group of monsters alone and defend their line, even when injured, can't be a selfish villain.

Good to know you've thought it through. Always better to gain a new friend than an enemy.

Li Ling, I'm amazed at how much you've matured.

What? I've always been reliable and mature.

Besides, she didn't tell anyone that I overslept.

Loyal friends like that are hard to come by.

...

I'm curious to know if the journalists managed to capture my brave actions on the front lines!

Miss Leora, good to see you again. How's your Miramon clearing work coming along?

Most of the Miramon have been taken out. The Union will soon be able to help the people rebuild their homes.

Miss Leora, that's the reason everybody loves you, you're so reliable!

I can't believe I didn't make the news today. That's so lame.

"A Rising Star! The Battle Maiden of the Esper Union!"...

"A Sight to be Seen on the Battlefield... An Exclusive Interview with Ops Chief Leora."

"Newly Released Popularity Ranking of Esper Union Members! The Dark Horse, Leora, Narrowly Lost to Gaius!"

Darn it. There isn't a single article about me?!

No, This can't be. I can't let her replace me as the new media darling!

David, are you sure this trip won't be in vain?

The Union has predicted that Miramon will arrive in this area soon.

What if they don't?

Be optimistic, dude. When some Miramon come, you can be the first to report it in.

Besides, it'll give me my chance to be in the headlines. It's a win-win situation for us.

I don't think one can be in the headlines for an incident like this...

Huh? I see people up ahead.

...

*Scream*

I won't let you pass!

!!!

So breathtaking!!!

David? What are you doing here?

I couldn't sleep so I asked my friend out for a walk. Why are you here?

Oh, I had nothing to do and wanted to find a place to do my morning exercises.

Then I remembered the Union predicted some Miramon would come this way. So, I decided to head on down in the hopes of getting a nice workout.

Whoa! Miss Leora! So the fight you were in just now was only part of your morning practice routine?

Yeah... I guess you could call it that.

After your morning exercise today, please contact me. I would like to do an exclusive interview with you.

The Special Morning Practice Routine of the Union's Beautiful Esper... Yep, that'll be the title. I'm sure it will go viral!

Hey, I thought you just said this sort of thing wasn't suitable for a headline!

I might not get up as early as Leora, but I can stay at work later than her!

If I'm the last working member, I'm sure the news will mention something about it.

Ahhh... I'm so tired... and drowsy...

I've come to claim some supplies.

Please wait a moment, I'll get it.

I'm here to pick up my benefits package.

Okay, sir. I'll mark it down for you. Our representative shall contact you later.

Leora... aren't you tired?...

I'm used to it. When I was working for... them... I often had to perform missions in the middle of the night.

David, you look so pale. You should take a break.

No... I...

Do you still have things you need to get done? It's okay. Let me help you out.

No, I can still... I need...

...

Hashtag Leora and David? I'm finally trending?

...

Why did they report this?!

Phew...

Leora, why are you looking so weak?

It's nothing, I'm all right.

Really? Your face looks pale. Are you hurt?

No, I'm just...

Ah!...

You're definitely not all right! You...

...

Leora, are you hungry?

I think I'm low on blood sugar...

When was the last time you ate?

Uhhh... Last night...

What? Why do you always forget to eat? You won't be able to keep working hard if you don't feed your body.

I know a nice restaurant in town that should be still open. Let's head there and fill our bellies.

No, thanks. We are leaving tomorrow morning. I'll just eat some of the biscuits I have in my bag.

No, I won't let you just eat some biscuits for a meal!

Sorry, we're just closing.

I can see many customers inside right now. Besides, you just let someone else in.

We only accept customers we want to accept.

What are you implying?

Forget it, Li Ling. They won't let me in.

But why?

It's because...

The media found and have been posting some old photos of me.

The rumors have been getting more absurd too. They now claim I'm a cunning criminal who wants to destroy the world.

...

So, it's not that you forgot to eat, but that the only restaurant in this town refuses to let you in?

Sorry for my silly behavior.

They've gone too far.

Don't blame them. I should pay for my past wrongdoings.

Some biscuits will be enough. Let's go back.

Leora, did you wake up?

Yeah, what now?

Are we having an emergency mission?

No, no. Not at all.

Leora, I've brought you some snacks.

I bought some drinks in town too. Here, Leora, these are for you.

???

I also brought you breakfast. Let's eat.

If you need anything, just let us know. We'll run errands for you.

Sorry for troubling you...

Miss Leora, don't say that!

Yeah, you saved our lives many times. I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for you.

Leora, you're our companion, and a companion doesn't trouble anyone.

Come on, let's eat our breakfast.

Li Ling, isn't this too greasy for breakfast?

Yeah, let me go buy her a sandwich instead...

Ah, but Leora didn't eat any meat yesterday. She needs a good, proper meal today, right?

Right, but not for breakfast. What if she gets a stomach ache?

Hm...

It's okay. A chicken leg is exactly what I want. Thanks, Li Ling.

Happy Birthday! Leora!

Leora, happy birthday!

Happy birthday! We should celebrate after work!

Happy birthday.

Hold on, Tang Xuan. Why does everyone know it's my birthday?

Oh, you weren't here in the morning. Someone left you a gift.

We saw it and now everyone knows that today's your birthday.

The gift is over there. It's quite a heavy box.

A birthday gift for me?

...

No wonder it's so heavy. It's full of books.

Red River Love? Looks like it's a comic for girls.

Yeah... it was my favorite story... when I was young.

I was too poor to afford the set when it came out, and it was out of print by the time I grew up. I've never been able to find a complete set.

So you must be really happy to see that someone gifted you the whole set, right?

Yes...

Then why do I feel you aren't very happy about it?

No, I'm happy, thrilled to be precise. I just don't know how to reply to her.

Her?

Yeah... I suppose she's the only one who'd know to get me this gift

Her name's Elaine. She's my childhood friend from the orphanage.

She was always sickly as a child and could only stay in her room.

I would act as her eyes and hands...

Helping her to collect fun toys, and telling her interesting stories of things that happened around the orphanage.

There were several issues of Red River Love in the library. We used to guess how the story might unfold together.

We also agreed to collect the complete set when she got better.

It's a shame that...

She hasn't recovered yet?

No, she already fully recovered, as she became an Esper like me.

Then why...

We had bigger and bigger arguments after joining the Shadow Decree until finally, we decided to walk our own different ways.

I always criticized her for being too cruel, hoping she might change...

But I forgot to put myself in her shoes. I should've asked what she wanted.

...

You should take this chance to speak to her then. You'll finally be able to learn her thoughts.

Do you think she'd be willing to see me?

She gave you this birthday gift. It's a sign that she'd like to repair your broken relationship!

Really? Then why did she send me this gift but refuse to see me?

Is she a bit shy? An introvert?

Yeah...

That explains it! She's not refusing to see you, she's just too shy to do so.

!!!

Actually... I have a little brother who's a lot like your friend.

I ignored his feelings, just like you ignored hers, and now he refuses to talk to me.

He deliberately avoids me, never giving me a chance to apologize...

Since there is a change in Elaine's attitude towards you, you should grab this chance to speak to her. Strike while the iron's hot, as they say.

Really? But...

You're usually so decisive. Why are you being hesitant when it comes to Elaine?

She... she's unlike everyone else...

There's an old saying in Tangton, "you get nervous when you're close to home." That's you right now.

If you're shy, just pick a date that's special for both of you. Then you can invite her out in the guise of a celebration.

Her birthday is next month...

That sounds like a good opportunity. Plus, you can send something to her in return.

Yeah, Elaine likes cakes. I should be able to learn how to bake one in a month.

Thank you, Tang Xuan.

You're welcome. I'm looking forward to hearing the good news.

After a month of practice, I can finally make one similar to those from a bakery. I hope Elaine will like it.

But... why hasn't she replied to my message...

Maybe she doesn't want to see me?

No, I shouldn't imagine such things.

Great, she's agreed!

Elaine, long time no see!

Yeah, long time no see.

...

...

Happy birthday! I've brought you a gift. It's your favorite, pound cake.

Well, it was my favorite when I was a child. I'm not interested in sweet things anymore.

...

It's not that sweet. Give it a try.

What happened to your hands?

Oh... it's...

Great, she's agreed!

Ah! Hot! Hot!

Thank goodness the cake is fine...

I was too careless and burnt my hands when baking the cake.

You made the cake yourself?

Yeah, isn't it nice looking? Just like the ones sold in a bakery.

I bet it also tastes wonderful. Come on, give it a try!

...

What do you think? I wasn't lying, right?

Yeah, not bad.

I wouldn't have given it to you if it wasn't tasty.

Yeah, all the fruits you used to bring me were always sweet. I remember that well.

Elaine, I received a set of Red River Love last month on my birthday. Did you send it to me?

Yea, I happened to come across a set and so I brought it.

Where did you find it? I've been looking for such a long time.

...

Just give it back to me if you don't like it.

Not at all! I love it so much. Thank you, Elaine!

...

Elaine, I'm sorry for what happened in the past. I never put myself in your shoes...

But now... Now I want to hear about your thoughts and feelings. You can share all of your worries with me.

I don't really have anything to share.

...

Don't give me that look. I'm not blaming you for anything.

Really? So you've forgiven me?

(I didn't blame you in the first place...)

What did you just say?

*Ahem*... Nothing.

Anyway, I'm doing okay, and I really don't need to rely on anyone.

I see. It's good to know you're living the life you want to live. I'm really relieved.