[: Daniel’s POV :]

It was now, lunch time.

A day like any other.

A week already passed since my enrollment, and most routines had settled into something almost normal.

With morning classes, theory-heavy lectures, Fendrick’s sarcastic quips, Silvia’s quiet elegance... and my attempt to live like a regular student.

But today, something felt different.

There was noise.

More than usual.

The cafeteria wasn’t just filled with hungry students, there was a wave of excited murmurs, chairs scraping, people standing on tiptoe trying to see over each other.

It was a commotion as though a celebrity had passed by.

I frowned slightly and nudged Fendrick, who was busy stabbing his steak like it had personally offended him.

"What’s going on?"

He didn’t even look up, just rolled his eyes hard enough I could feel it.

"Oh, that." He jabbed his fork toward the crowd.

"It’s the Saintess, the Holy Priestess or whatever she’s called"

"Chosen by the Holy Empire of Sanctaris and Everyone’s losing their minds because she rarely appear in the cafeteria"

"Saintess?" I repeated.

Fendrick sighed as if I asked the dumbest question in existence.

"You know, the Holy Continent? Empire of Sanctaris? Light worshippers? Wear white, act pure, judge everyone silently? Ringing any bells?"

Ah. That.

Previously, Manork and Caelira taught me and I had learned a bit in Introduction to World Powers.

Even though, there are 7 Continents that dominated, the world map, there were others.

But compare them to the 7 Continents, it still pale in comparison.

Nevertheless, the powers that they possessed were significant enough to be recognized by the 7 Continents.

There were many, but out of them all, only 3 were regularly mentioned.

The Holy Empire rules by citizens that believe in the power of holiness.

The Land of Golden Warriors, a continent that hid itself from the world but possessed the Bloodline of Sun, where they could be empowered by the ray of sun and obtained strength beyond numbers.

Lastly, a Continent that’s ruled by a single clan called Menoa, known to possese the abilities to subdue or tame a beast, monster or even a human.

Silvia took a sip of her tea and leaned in slightly.

"This generation truly is abnormal," she added.

"They say individuals who should only appear once every few centuries are emerging together."

She lifted a finger as she listed them:

"One of them is a A student personally chosen by the Sword Sain, a living legend said to have surpassed the pinnacle of swordsmanship"

"Another one trained by the Lance Tempestfall, master of wind and piercing force — the Stormpiercer"

"The Heir to the throne of the Golden Empire"

"The Prodigy of Tamers"

"A healer capable of restoring a dying heart, something even Archpriests struggle with"

"And... the Holy Empire’s Saintess where her affinity with Holy was so strong that she immediately became the Saintess"

Fendrick stabbed his food again.

"Great. So while we normals try not to die, prodigies get worshipped."

Silvia elbowed him lightly. "You’re not normal, Fendrick."

"Yes, I am. Painfully."

I huffed a quiet laugh.

But my curiosity drew me to the commotion. I stood slightly to peek around students.

And then...

Everything stopped.

A girl stepped into view, dressed in elegant white robes trimmed with gold, a silver staff in hand.

Her hair was a soft snowy gold, cascading like light itself.

Her skin carried a gentle glow as if the sun favored her presence.

Her eyes...were golden.

Calm as dawn and zoft as mercy.

And when those eyes turned, they landed on me.

I froze.

She smiled which was small, graceful and radiant.

And something inside my chest...moved.

A quick thump.

A second one followed.

What... was that?

It was ridiculous.

I’ve faced horrors, screams of dying monsters, bloodshed without end, and yet a single smile from a stranger sent my heart into panic.

I blinked, trying to look away.

It was kind of stupid and ridiculous.

She’s just a girl.

Just a Saintess.

Just—

Fendrick leaned toward me and smirked, voice dripping mischief.

"Oh? Daniel’s heart got shot by Cupid already?"

I nearly choked on my breath. "Shut up."

Silvia placed a hand over her lips, giggling softly.

"My, my. That was fast."

"It’s not— I didn’t— You two are—!"

They both leaned closer, grinning like devils.

"Daniel’s in love~," they whispered in unison.

"I am NOT."

Fendrick clapped my back, almost laughing. "Sure. And I’m the Empress’ long-lost son."

Silvia tilted her head innocently. "You were staring for quite a while."

"That’s because—" I paused, searching for words. "...she has a strong presence."

Fendrick snorted. "Presence, huh? That what the kids call beauty nowadays?"

"She’s pretty," Silvia agreed. "Even I admit that."

I groaned and buried my face in my hands.

This is humiliation.

When I finally looked up again, the Saintess was gone as she was swallowed by the crowd.

For some reason... I felt oddly disappointed.

As if sensing my thoughts, Silvia continued in a softer tone.

"She’s from the Celestine Order. They say her Affinity with Holy Light had already surpass her seniors."

"Separated from family at birth," Fendrick added.

"Raised to become a vessel of the Holy Light. She has no freedom and throughout her life, no mistakes were allowed."

His voice lacked its usual bite.

"She’s basically a slave for them"

So even her smile... was part of the act?

I felt an unexpected sting of irritation.

Before I could process it, the cafeteria staff began clearing space.

Students parted like a wave, bowing slightly.

And then came a scream, "Lady Arin!"

Arin.

So that was her name.

She stepped forward, performing a gentle blessing gesture with her hand.

Light particles floated around her, sparkling with warmth. Some students clasped their hands, faces flushed with admiration.

"She’s like an angel," someone whispered nearby.

"She healed a dying knight last year."

"She can purify curses too!"

"Her presence alone calms the heart!"

I looked away.

My heart wasn’t calm.

It was a mess.

Fendrick watched her and scoffed.

"Imagine being worshipped everywhere you go. Sounds suffocating."

Silvia nodded. "A lonely kind of life."

That made me glance again.

Just for a moment, her eyes flickered with something tired.

Something... sad.

I recognized that look.

I’ve worn it.

Pretending you’re fine when the world demands too much for you.

Once the Saintess left, the cafeteria atmosphere slowly returned.

Students settled, though excitement still buzzed.

Silvia resumed our earlier topic.

"This era... is destined to be turbulent. Too many prodigies. Too many future legends. When the young shine brightest, the world prepares for change."

"Change?" I echoed.

"Or calamity," she whispered.

Fendrick stretched his arms behind his head.

"Well whatever. I’ll just live long enough to watch the world burn. Preferably from a safe hill."

Silvia glared. "That attitude is exactly why you get detention."

"I call it realistic."

She sighed.

I laughed.

For a moment... everything felt normal again.

But fate isn’t kind.

Pieces were moving.

And soon, we’d be dragged into that great current too.

And more...

The future pillars of the world, gathered in one place.

Including the Saintess.

Including... me?

No.

I wasn’t part of whatever fate has planned for this world.

In the first place, I’m an anomaly, an existence that shouldn’t have belonged in this world.

On the other hand, Silvia finished her meal, eyes glimmering with mischief now.

"So, Daniel. What did her smile feel like?"

I stared at her, aghast.

"Are you seriously asking that?"

"Yes," she said enthusiastically.

Fendrick nodded. "For research."

"Research?"

"Of your heart," they said together.

I dropped my head onto the table.

"I hate both of you."

Fendrick sipped his drink smugly. "Oh come on. It’s good to see you act like a normal teenager for once."

Silvia nudged me gently. "It suits you."

I felt... warmth.

Annoying warmth.

But warmth nonetheless.

I couldn’t deny it anymore.

The moment I saw Lady Arin...

Something inside me reacted.

Not Void hunger.

Not the beast of Oblivion stirring.

Just—

A simple human heartbeat.

*Thump.*

It scared me more than any monster.

Because power, I can control.

But feelings?

That’s unknown territory.

Still...

Why do I feel like an idiot in love?

No, this isn’t love.

Maybe it’s just curiosity.

Nothing more and nothing less and it’s not like I’d immediately chase her.

"...Her smile was nice," I muttered before I could stop myself.

Silvia beamed.

Fendrick snickered.

I regretted everything.

But...

I didn’t take it back.

Students slowly dispersed, returning to classes.

The excitement over the Saintess faded into whispers and gossip.

Our little table remained the same, a safe space I didn’t realize I’d needed.

Fendrick stretched.

"Back to class. Theories await."

Silvia giggled. "Try not to fall asleep this time."

"No promises," he replied.

I stood, adjusting my uniform.

But before leaving, I glanced back once more toward where the Saintess had stood.

The air still shimmered with faint light particles.

I exhaled slowly.

A girl of pure light.

Separated from the world.

Maybe, someday, you and I will know if...fate allows it.