The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"Teacher, is that all you wanted to say?"

Naka felt a deep aversion to divination, this act of arbitrarily deciding someone else's future. Especially after being prophesied that "you will be killed by the hero," she was even more unwilling to hear any more talk about interfering in other people's futures. "Becoming a goddess" was nothing more than Mitian's prejudiced judgment, mixed with her own selfish motives. Naka had thought Mitian would say something insightful, but she realized that she shouldn't have had any expectations of her in the first place.

"Huh? Naka, why do you seem unhappy?"

"Is there anything else?"

Mitian had done her utmost to praise Naka, bestowing upon her the supreme honor of "becoming a goddess." Although the term "goddess" was mostly used in jest, Mitian believed there was no saint who didn't yearn for Shimaya, nor did she not aspire to be a goddess... at least that's what she thought. But Naka responded with disdain and dissatisfaction, her voice filled with anger as she questioned whether Mitian had finished speaking. Clearly, she was impatient with her words.

Naka's unusual reaction also puzzled Mitian. If this was considered backfiring on her attempt at flattery, then Mitian didn't know how to praise her anymore.

"No, it's alright... Let's stop here for today. I'll teach you other things tomorrow."

"I see. Goodbye, teacher."

After saying that, Naka turned and left. However, she didn't head towards the museum's exit, but rather deeper inside. Mitian, thinking she was lost, reminded her...

"Naka, the door isn't over there!"

"I know. But there are some other things I'd like to look into at this museum."

"Yes, I see... Then the teacher will head back now. Don't stay here too late."

Naka didn't respond to Mitian's final greeting, but simply continued walking. Her figure gradually blended into the crowd and disappeared from Mitian's sight.

"I can't believe there are saintly women like this in the world..."

Jasmine had known Naka for two years and still couldn't figure out the same thing, so Mitian, who had only recently met Naka, was naturally completely baffled. All the topics Mitian had prepared to cheer Naka up failed to work; instead, they backfired and angered her. Mitian could only sigh that there are all sorts of people in the world, and even with considerable experience in adventure and teaching, these unpredictable individuals still existed.

Mitian reached into her pocket and pulled out a tarot card. This card was the result of Mitian's private divination for Naka.

A single card can be interpreted in many ways. "Becoming a Goddess" is merely one interpretation chosen by Mitian herself, based on a divination result completely devoid of scientific basis. However, as a former adventurer, she possesses considerable confidence in her judgment of character. No matter how eccentric Naka may be, her hidden talents are genuine. Compared to Jasmine, compared to Pais, compared to the beginner or even higher-level saintesses, and even her favorite, Vilia, she shines far brighter. This alone is not merely Mitian's own delusion or conjecture.

There are many talented new students, but helping them accurately find their place and strive in a clear direction is sometimes more important than simply imparting knowledge. That's why Mitian specifically brought Naka here today, hoping to inspire her growth with the stories of legendary adventurers. Even if Naka seems completely uninterested, even if she only has a tiny bit of understanding and acceptance, Mitian feels that today's time wasn't wasted.

Therefore, while interpreting the divination results, she also incorporated her own dreams, hoping that Naka would achieve the outcome she desired. She really didn't want to interpret the card according to its original meaning; that would only lead to a completely different conclusion.

"But this card really startled me... If it were Naka, she should be able to turn bad luck into good, right..."

The tarot card in Mitian's hand depicts a fully armed knight riding a white horse. The black flag held by the knight clearly bears the number 13. The image is upright, facing Mitian, the diviner.

In Tarot, this card is called "Death".

The Thoughts of Two Heroes

In the simulation training hall, which mimics various natural environments, many combat professions conduct realistic training and enhancement exercises. The simulated environment also allows them to experience the power of natural elements, thereby increasing their magic power.

Tatia and Oz, two heroes who knew nothing about magic, were now closing their eyes in front of a pile of flames, sensing the fluctuations within their bodies.

Although it was just a shallow pit with artificial flames created by an ignition device inside, according to Teacher Wolse, it was enough for a hero with a high aptitude for fire magic to gain some insights from it.

"..."

"..."

But apart from the scorching air that burned their mouths and noses, making it difficult to even breathe, the two felt nothing else. To put it another way, the pain was worse than being in a sauna. After a while, drenched in sweat from the intense heat, the two finally gave up. They quickly switched off the ignition and collapsed onto the ground.

Oz roared in dissatisfaction.

"It's so hot! I'm already two or three meters away from the flames, how come it's still so hot! I'm so hot, why can't I feel anything?!"

"Are we still a bit too far from the flames...?"

"Is this far? If it were any closer, our clothes would catch fire! You come if you want, I'm not coming."

"...don't want"

That solves it.

Since neither of them wanted to endure the trials of this scorching hell any longer, there was no reason to linger. The two stood up and left. In the end, they could only attribute their fruitless efforts to the conclusion that "neither of them was suited to use fire magic."

While sensing the flames, the two remained motionless, but the profuse sweating also depleted their bodies of water. Their physical exertion was very evident. They hadn't gone far before Tatiya collapsed onto a bench in the rest area, panting heavily.

Are you alright?

"No, no... I just feel a little heavy."

"...Wait for me a moment."

Oz, who had relatively more stamina, could still move freely. He thought for a moment, then turned and left. Tatia didn't know where he was going or what he was doing. But since he said "wait a moment," he should be back soon. So, taking this opportunity, Tatia got a good rest.

"Wow, so much sweat..."

Originally, Tatsia had changed into clothes that were looser than her actual size to conceal her figure. However, as the clothes became soaked with sweat, they gradually clung to her body, revealing the curves of her form. To avoid revealing her identity, Tatsia quickly stood up and adjusted her clothes.

This time it was just sweat, not from being kicked to the bottom of the lake by Naka. So the level of dampness was naturally incomparable. Back then, even if Tatiya wanted to cover it up, it was too late. Now it wasn't very noticeable, which reassured Tatiya somewhat. However, such a massive amount of sweat still exceeded Tatiya's expectations.

"I've tried everything, but I still can't feel any magic within me... Could what Oz said be true? Am I really not suited for magic?"

For several days, Tatsia was exposed to various elements in different environments, undergoing various trials. But whether it was water, wind, light, earth, darkness, or fire... none of the elements seemed willing to resonate with her. Tatsia felt increasingly frustrated by her incompetence. Fire was the last place on the list that Wols had given her. If this didn't work either, Tatsia would have no choice but to return to Wols and ask her to find another way.

"I thought I was really suited for fire magic..."

When Tatia uses the awakened form of the weapon entrusted to her by her mother, Vilia—the Fairy Paradise—one of her skills involves unleashing a massive flaming scythe. If she's not skilled in fire magic, how does that skill work?

Now, thinking back, what exactly was "Fairy Paradise"? How could she use "Fairy Paradise" again? Was "Crimson Lotus Ichimonji" and the other skills truly magic? Tatia was lost in confusion. More importantly, she felt completely dehydrated, and even if she wanted to think, her mind was completely unable to function. She was like a fish out of water in the desert.

"Sorry to keep you waiting! Here, take it."

Just then, Oz, who had run away, returned. He was carrying two bottles of water.

After long hours of training and combat here, thirst is a common occurrence for the students. Therefore, the school has set up water stations throughout the simulation training hall. Oz went there to get water. He kept one bottle for himself and took the other to Tatsia.

Tormented by thirst and with her throat almost burning, Takiya snatched the bottle and opened it for a hearty drink.

"Hey, slow down!"

Her drinking style was so unrestrained that much of the water didn't actually reach her mouth, but instead flowed through the gaps in the bottle opening onto Tatsia, wetting her already damp clothes. Oz, worried she might choke, kindly reminded her to "chew slowly."

Perhaps it was the coolness emanating from her body that made Tatsia realize her clothes were getting even wetter, and wanting to drink as much water as possible to avoid wasting it, Tatsia restrained herself a bit. With a more composed demeanor, she accepted Oz's kindness, swallowing the last drop of water with a smile.

Her previously parched body seemed to be reborn, regaining its vitality. Tatia exhaled a long, satisfying breath. Only then did she remember that she hadn't thanked Oz for his help. After setting down the bottle, she gave him a respectful, slight nod.

"Um, thank you, Oz."

"Oh, it's nothing..."

Oz hadn't expected that Tatia, who had recently punched him unconscious and cruelly abandoned him here, leaving him to spend the night alone, would express her gratitude so directly. He just smiled awkwardly.

Before going back to find Wolse, the two of them sat down together on a bench to rest for a while. Oz quietly drank his water. He wasn't as thirsty as Tatsia, so he just sipped it slowly, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Taqia, who was sitting next to him, also seemed to be looking ahead, but she would occasionally glance at him to her left out of the corner of her eye.

This unruly guy had become surprisingly well-behaved after being disciplined by Naka. That day, when Tatia dragged her bloated stomach to class, Oz was already at the training gym, bowing repeatedly to Wolse in apology. His sincerity was so great that Wolse couldn't bring herself to pursue the matter of his unexcused absence the previous day. The matter was considered closed there.

Tadiya still felt a little guilty about hitting him that day and wanted to apologize. But before she could even speak, he changed the subject, only greeting Tadiya amicably and discussing the lessons.

He had stormed into the cafeteria that morning demanding an explanation for that matter, but it seemed he had completely forgotten about it after just one meal. However, Tadiya knew the reason for his sudden change in personality. It must have been Naka that morning.

Tadiya didn't know what method Naka used, but she made this guy understand the principle that "there are always people better than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding." He stopped being so arrogant and started to improve himself steadily, step by step, by building a solid foundation. The guy who used to clamor that he wouldn't learn magic is now obediently going with her to various facilities to experience the power of the elements. Looking at it this way, Oz, who can humbly accept reality, isn't such a bad guy after all.

What made Tatia happiest, however, was that Naka was willing to confront someone with considerable strength and powerful backing for her sake.

Tatsia understood that Naka's hostility towards him was a way of protecting her. She hadn't revealed Tatsia's name in public to avoid causing her unnecessary trouble. Everything she did was for her own good.

The effect was remarkable. Oz became more composed after that incident and maintained a certain distance from Tatsia. This not only significantly reduced Tatsia's psychological burden from living with a man, but also decreased the likelihood of her identity being exposed. Although Tatsia had tried to stop Naka at the time, she was now genuinely grateful to Naka for what she had done.

"Ah, Naka is such a kind and considerate person... I owe her another favor, how can I ever repay her..."

Naka, who already held a very high position in Tatsia's heart, rose even higher. Her eyes were on Oz, but her mind was filled with Naka's image. Thinking of her, and of what Naka had done for her, Tatsia's heart began to race. Soon, her cheeks flushed red. Her eyes shifted from Oz, gazing into the distance.

Sitting next to Oz was a teenage girl whose mind was already wandering far away, and he himself was also preoccupied with his own thoughts. Coincidentally, the person he was thinking about was exactly the same person that Tasia was currently longing for.

"Who exactly is that saintess...?"

On the surface, he acted as if nothing had happened, but in reality, Oz was still bothered by what happened that day.

Judging from Naka's attire, he knew she was a saint. He just didn't know her name. His public announcement of his free admission to the entire school during the lecture was bound to provoke resentment from many. Oz didn't care why she had come to him. But the strength of her grip, her cold gaze, and the invisible yet undeniable, mysterious danger emanating from her kept Oz awake at night.

Oz made his boastful statement publicly, but he himself meant no boasting. His parents died young from illness, leaving him destitute and dependent on nothing but his own hands to survive. He had never received formal training, nor had anyone guided him on his path. Even so, he never feared any opponent, no matter the outcome. Even when he first met Frost, he only saw him as a formidable opponent, not someone intimidated by Frost's strength.

But Naka was different. Just one glare from her sent shivers down Oz's spine. When she grabbed his wrist, he instinctively felt death was imminent. The fearless Oz had to admit in that instant that the emotion that overwhelmed him was "fear." He was "afraid" of the girl before him who looked even younger than him and Tatia.

This feeling was new to him since he embarked on his solo adventure. He desperately wanted to know why this feeling would arise in a saint who shouldn't have any fighting ability. How had that saint acquired such power? She clearly hadn't used her full strength. Just how powerful was that saint? As a warrior aiming for even greater strength, Oz was filled with both fear and curiosity and excitement about the unknown power.

"I want to fight her... I want to see her true strength, and I want to see just how vast this world really is!"

Oz shouted his dream in his heart.

To overcome his fear of her, to get as close to her as possible, and to one day be able to fight her, Oz was willing to set aside his previous arrogance, to stop being so impulsive, and to learn magic, which he had previously looked down upon. He knew that without doing so, it would be impossible to rival the saintess. To defeat her, to reach new heights he had never imagined, Oz decided to be even more demanding of himself.

The thought filled the hot-blooded young man with excitement. He abruptly stood up, startling Tatya, who was still lost in her own erotic fantasy.

"Wow! What happened to you?"

"Tasia!"

Oz walked up to Tasia and bowed deeply to her.

"Let's have a match right now!"

The second showdown

Unlike their first meeting, this time Oz openly and honestly challenged Tatsia. While his frankness was commendable, Tatsia was still quite surprised.

"A battle? For, why?"

"Because I want to become stronger."

The reason is very simple, and sufficient enough for a hero. Oz wants to surpass Wolse, surpass Fros, surpass "that nun" he met that day, and even surpass the only being in the hearts of all heroes: the hero Isard. He needs to accumulate as much combat experience as possible. Tatia, by his side, is naturally the best opponent.

Such a competitive person would undoubtedly feel extremely resentful and unwilling to accept defeat after such a setback. Tatya could understand his impulsive urge to become stronger. She herself had embarked on the path of a hero with the goal of slaying the Demon King. Naturally, she wasn't opposed to sparring with others and exchanging techniques and experiences. However, that was only under the premise that it wouldn't cause any other consequences. Thinking of the trouble she had caused by their previous private duel, Tatya waved her hand and refused.

"No, no, that won't do. In this lesson, Ms. Wols said we were only allowed to experience the existence of magic, not to do any actual combat training. If we're caught fighting on our own..."

"What are you afraid of? This place is so big, we won't be discovered. And even if we are, so what? We'll just get a scolding. It's not like we haven't been scolded before."

"But..."

"Besides, those guys in our class, two of them... what were their names again? One was an older man, and the other was a long-haired guy. Haven't they already started sparring? They're on the same level as us. They're not much better than us. If they can spar, why can't we? That doesn't make sense."

"but..."

"Besides, haven't we already tried everywhere as Wolse asked? And we still haven't learned a single spell. So let's not waste any more time on this. There's still some time before get out of class ends, wouldn't it be good to stretch our legs?"

"..."

Oz's words were very convincing. Tatya also felt that she hadn't made any progress in the past week or so, and had completely wasted her time. If she really needed ranged attacks using magic, she could easily replace them with skills like "Crimson Lotus Ichimonji" once she mastered "Elf Paradise." Not knowing magic wasn't a serious deficiency she urgently needed to fill right now. The most effective way to improve her overall combat power was to level up as quickly as possible.

"Huh? What he said seems to make sense..." Tatsia gradually accepted his explanation. Her strength had almost fully recovered, and her muscles, which hadn't been used in a long time, were now brimming with a desire for improvement. Finally, Tatsia gritted her teeth and stamped her foot, throwing all those trivial matters to the winds.

"Alright! Let's have a competition!"

"This is my perfect rival and roommate. I won't hold back," Oz said confidently.

"Me too," Tatia retorted, clenching her fist in response.

Oz always boasted about single-handedly defeating a band of bandits. Tatya didn't know the actual skill level of the bandits operating around Sunflower Town, and had no real idea how exaggerated his claims were. However, to be fair, she had also almost single-handedly taken down an entire mansion full of wolf demons. Being a non-magical person herself, Tatya didn't feel inferior to him in any way. Now was the perfect opportunity to truly test her abilities as a hero against Oz.

Since their weapons had been confiscated by the school, the two agreed to fight hand-to-hand. The rules were the same as when Tatia fought Naka: whoever was knocked down three times first lost.

This was merely a friendly spar, not a fight to the death. So the two warriors shook hands as a gesture of goodwill before stepping back and assuming their fighting stances.

Oz's arms are outstretched with his fingers slightly curled back, while Tatia's arms are clenched into fists.

"Who goes first?"

"Anything is fine"

At first, both sides observed each other. Even when Oz tried to lure Tatia into making a move, Tatia didn't take the bait. So, Oz decided to seize the initiative.

"drink!"

The slight bend in his fingers might make his opponent think he's trying to grab them. But when Oz actually makes his move, his fingers clench instantly. A right straight punch is aimed straight at Tatsia's face.

An ordinary adventurer might hesitate for a moment due to misjudgment and be unable to parry this punch. But for Tatia, who had learned many fighting methods from Naka, this was nothing. She remembered Naka's words, "Observe the opponent's movements carefully, and then counterattack in the way that is the least forceful and most effective." She slightly tilted her head to dodge the punch. She grabbed Oz's wrist with her right hand to prevent him from creating distance, and then launched the "most effective attack against male enemies" that Naka had taught her: a kick aimed at Oz's groin.

but...

"Wow, you're really ruthless, coming straight for here with your first move."

Tatiana's kick failed. Before her shin could touch Oz's two...things, Oz's left hand pressed down on Tatiana's knee, preventing a tragedy. He smiled at Tatiana, half smug and half surprised.

"Although you seem to be trying to strike later, your intention to attack this place is still too obvious. But it's also too dangerous. Let's add another rule: no attacking vital points."

When teaching Tatsia this move, Naka also mentioned that it was a man's sensitive area. If too much force was used, it could have irreversible consequences. Unless it was an opponent who absolutely needed to be killed, one should think twice before using it. Therefore, Tatsia's kick wasn't very powerful. Even so, she was still very surprised that Oz blocked it so easily.

But she doesn't think that this is the only way to fight against Oz.