49 Mentor
————————
Letter to Bang
Hey Bang, I know what you're thinking. Why did I sacrifice myself for Resi, right? Truthfully, I would have sacrificed myself for any of my members here. I know, I know, it doesn't seem to be cost-effective right? It's not about that. I do not necessarily value myself lower than Resi but I just love the kid to death and I would do it again if I could.
He is my family. Family will make you do things that are not rational or effective, you will know that soon enough. You have the markings of a true leader, Bang. You have what it takes to take your crew members and soar high into the skies and the unknown.
I have observed you in these past few days and I noticed that you seem to be making your decisions based on your own benefit. I'm not saying that it is wrong, matter of fact that is good for your crew members but a good leader has stability and integrity built into their bones. Like in all things in life, you should have balance. You will only be a great leader once you integrate emotions into your equations.
You have to be considerate of your crew and how things affect them. There will come a time when you will have to choose between listening to your crew and between rational and effective reasoning. You have to be prepared for that and to always stick with your decisions no matter what.
Being a leader will give you burdens and responsibilities that will make you falter and give you doubts. That is normal. You will never be able to bear the weight of the world by yourself but that is why you have your crewmates. They will help you lift your problems once you trust your crewmates. Share your problems, don't be like me.
I know it will be hard for the first time but always move forward even if it is baby steps. Start with Ligi. Talk to him, know his current state of mind and how you can make it better. Conversations will rule a nation.
Why am I telling you all this? It's because I know you are special. You and Ligi seem to be going against the natural flow of the world and I admire that. I know you are going to go far into life and I want you to take Resi with you.
He might seem like a troublesome kid but he is a nice person at heart. You just have to give him a chance. After my death, Resi will have the hardest time of his life. He has already suffered two tragedies before and I do not think he can survive this one without help. He will most likely leave the Defending Tip due to trauma and I trust you to take care of him after that.
And lastly, do you remember your question back at the underground tunnel? You asked me how I was able to see in the darkness without faltering. The truth is that I couldn't see anything either. I just kept on walking hoping for the best because sometimes life will throw curveballs at you and you will not know how to react. The best solution is to go forward and search for a silver lining every time.
With all my aspirations, I wish you all the best.
From your friend and fellow leader, Gotang.
———————
Bang watched as Gotang submerged his whole body into the acid, never to be seen again. Gotang's unyielding and carefree face was immortalized in his mind. He couldn't believe that even with all his strength, Gotang was not able to save himself. Then what was the purpose of power if in the end death is inevitable?
He thought about the words that Gotang gave to him. It was profound, insightful, and it hit right into his personality. Everything Gotang guessed for him to be was true. He did think that he values practicality rather than emotions.
Gotang's persistent walk in the dark tunnel underground was still embedded in his mind. No matter what happened, Bang always thought of Gotang as a good leader. He was able to lead his men into prosperous positions and was able to take into consideration the group's feelings. He remembered how Gotang was able to ease the mood by making his members relax and play games. Gotang was a great leader, probably the best he will ever see.
As he absorbed the words, he reflected on his actions. He truly was just treating Ligi as a bodyguard. Not once was he able to talk with Ligi man to man about everything that happened. He blamed Ligi for the failure of the mission in protecting Tab the merchant but he shouldn't have. He should have been grateful that someone was willing to save him when the going gets rough. He always talked to Ligi because the system told him so, not because he wanted to.
Bang decided to honor Gotang by trying to live with a new outlook in life.
————————
Letter to Ligi
I'm sorry I won't able to teach you more skills in the future. I'm not worried though, I know that you are a natural born defender. You will learn on your own and even master the skill that better than me.
I know there was something going on inside that you that you nor I could not explain. That demonic form of yours gave you troubles that you didn't want yet it also gave you a new power. The demon was more powerful than I could have ever thought, even rivaling the powers that be inside the city. If you are able to subdue and control that demon for yourself, then you will be stronger than ever.
Always remember that you are in control, not the demon. It will feel like you have to surrender to your demon but you are stronger than that. You are your own person.
I'm very thankful of you that you were able to save Resi. That demonic form allowed you to save him and be impartial in letting my death go. It is the right decision and I hope that you will not blame yourself after my death.
You think that defense is always the best option, I thought that too. We are both alike and I know the pitfalls that you will encounter in life. Defense is good but without striking, you will never win. You need to find the balance between passiveness and aggressiveness, only then can you be a strong and independent person.
I found it fascinating that you and Resi get along so well. You two are very different in the way you look at things. Resi was always aggressive and you were always passive. That may be the case but the two of you have more in common than you thought. If the two of you were able to settle your difference and work together, nothing can stand in your way. Your flaws were his strengths and his flaws are your strengths. I hoped that by putting you together that you will learn from each other and become a better person.
Once Resi sees me dead, he will blame you. He will let out all his frustrations and anger and vent it out to you. I don't know if he will ever forgive you but give it time and patience. Do not feel sorry for him and let him run amok. Teach him a lesson for me would you? Punch him, kick him, and do whatever you need to do to get to his level.
He will feel guilty about my death so he will pick a fight with you. Do not shy away from it and reciprocate his attacks. Resi is a troublesome kid but if you are there with him to keep him out of trouble, I would feel at peace in the afterlife.
You, Bang, and Resi would make a good team. If you all cover each other's bases then nothing can stop you from advancing further into the world. Bang is your leader and he will show you guys the right path but that doesn't mean he is always right. He will make mistakes and it is your job to prevent that. You are the reasonable one in the group so it is your responsibility. Resi will be your group's sword. He will run wherever you want him to, he will slash whoever you point him to. Resi may get a little bit too reckless but it is your job to reel him in. You are gonna be the pillar of support in the group.
I know I have said this before but I am proud of you.
From your mentor, Gotang
—————————
Ligi looked back at the resolute expression frozen on Gotang's face. He was already dead at this point but his expression still showed the same vitality and determination.
He looked at death and found no sorrow from it. He knew that he should have been feeling grief, regret, and guilt but he couldn't muster up the emotions. It was like he was cut from all emotions except being impartial to the death of Gotang.
Ligi turned his face away from the pool of acid with an expressionless face.
