The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in the usual dojo.
"Ah, you're awake. How do you feel?" [Vincent]
As I had just awoken, I felt that there was one thing I needed to point out.
"This is the first time I've woken up while standing. By the way... why did you change the illusion back to the dojo?" [Solace]
Master looked at me blankly.
"You haven't noticed yet? You're now out of the illusion." [Vincent]
"Eh?" [Solace]
There wasn't much I could say. The illusion before was so realistic that I still couldn't tell whether my master was lying or not.
"...Why did you take me out? I thought I didn't graduate." [Solace]
Master shook his head.
"That's where you're incorrect. As a matter of fact, you endured my attack. However, you didn't stop it." [Vincent]
"...I don't get it." [Solace]
"In other words, your body is now strong enough to take a blow of that level. I grant you permission to go help Fina. Have confidence." [Vincent]
I wasn't quite sure what to say.
"Here, take this." [Vincent]
Master handed me what looked like a terribly old book with a simple title with no art cover.
"What's this?" [Solace]
"It's a skill book." [Vincent]
That moment, my eyes lit up.
("This is just like a video game!") [Solace]
I opened the book, excited to see the contents.
"You have acquired the skill |Doppelganger|." [Spirit Guide]
"...What skill book did you just give me?" [Solace]
"I gave you |Doppelganger|, so you can leave a clone next to Fina." [Vincent]
"...Why?" [Solace]
"In case you need to leave her side for some time. From my experience, you can control it remotely, and you can switch places with it if you evolve the skill." [Vincent]
Now that he mentioned it, that did sound very useful.
("Let's try it.") [Solace]
I put out a hand and struck a pose for showmanship.
"|Doppelganger|!" [Solace]
A white fog erupted before me, leaving behind a perfect copy of me after fading.
"Woah..." [Solace]
I inspected the clone closely. It was strange. Not only was it perfectly like me, I could see through its eyes and my own at the same time.
("We could do one of those synchronized dances if I wanted to.") [Solace]
I controlled it to do the exact same motions as I did, which was quite funny. It was still super weird how natural it felt though.
"Are you done having fun?" [Vincent]
"Uh..." [Solace]
My clone and I looked at him, somewhat embarrassed of the little motions we were doing.
"...Anyway, do you know what you will do from now on?" [Vincent]
"Stay next to Fina?" [Solace]
Master sighed.
"That isn't what I gave you that skill for..." [Vincent]
"...Then what?" [Solace]
"To catch a fish, one must know prosperity." [Vincent]
There he goes again with his cryptic sayings.
"...Are you going to explain it, or...?" [Solace]
Master remained silent. I really didn't want to have to figure it out myself, but I was left with no choice.
("Let's see... It has to do with the |Doppelganger| skill.") [Solace]
Thinking back on his words, Master spoke about how I could leave Fina's side with the skill.
("Now why would I leave her side at this time?") [Solace]
As I thought about it, something clicked.
("Information... I need to find more information...!") [Solace]
The moment I found my answer, Master looked at me with a satisfied smile.
"As expected of my disciple." [Vincent]
I was quite surprised when he said that. At that point, I thought he had a mind reading skill.
"Tell me, what are your plans now?" [Vincent]
He asked such a simple question, in which I answered.
"I'll leave a clone with Fina, and research Medwin. I'll make it so the wedding never happens." [Solace]
Master nodded his head in agreement.
"I suppose it's time I give you this." [Vincent]
He raised a hand, and a black vortex appeared in the air.
"Wh... What is that?" [Solace]
"It's |Interdimensional Storage|." [Vincent]
Reaching into the vortex, he pulled out two gauntlets dyed crimson.
"Take it. That is, if you can." [Vincent]