Vil and Epel (pt4)

Vil regularly scolds Epel during Book 6. Epel surprises Vil by volunteering to help carrying the thunder spear after their first titan battle, explaining that he feels he should do something to compensate for how little help he was during the fight, so he wants to help in other ways.

Epel protects Vil from a phantom, and Vil comments on wishing to hear more about what Epel does in spelldrive club, to Epel’s delight.

The two work together in “a marvelous display of teamwork” to take out a phantom together, but when Vil compliments Epel, Epel is stunned speechless. He explains, “I’m used to compliments from Rook, but hearing one from (Vil) is a bit of a surprise…”

Vil responds, “I give credit where it’s due. You’ve grown so much in such a short time, I hardly recognize you. Keep it up.”

Later Epel explains, “I was just thinking about how reassuring it is to be with you two.” Vil responds, “You’re only now realizing this? Hah, took you long enough.”

Afterwards Vil compliments Epel on his quick thinking during their battles through Tartarus, saying, “I feel I can trust you now to have my back. Keep up the good work,” and a delighted Epel responds, “…yes, sir! You can count on me!”

At the end of the story Epel offers apple juice to the group, which Vil accepts immediately in contrast to when Epel offered him the same juice directly in Book 5 and Vil responded, “Perhaps if the mood strikes me.”