The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

However, at this moment, Tatia made a request.

"Teacher...could we not cure it all at once, but just do some initial treatment?"

"Huh? Why?"

"Once I receive your magic, my injuries and pain will disappear..."

"Of course, I am also an experienced saintess, and I have seen many injuries like this."

"I won't hurt myself anymore...but..."

Tatia opened her large, sincere eyes and looked at the medical teacher in front of her.

"I want to spend more time, to feel more deeply, and to remember the pain I'm experiencing now. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll forget it."

The pain she inflicted on herself was not merely physical. Tatiana bore a far greater anguish and burden within her heart. She wasn't trying to remember the physical pain, but rather to remember what had happened to her, to remember how she felt at that moment.

"Then let's do as he says."

Wols also noticed her psychology and began to chime in.

"Because of him, I've missed so much of my class time. Curing him so easily is too lenient on him. It'll prevent him from forgetting the pain once the wound heals, or from thinking that he can be cured just by coming to you, and then taking his body for granted. Letting him experience more and reflect on how stupid his actions were isn't a bad thing."

Healing and saving lives is the mission of medical personnel. Doing their utmost to restore the injured to their best condition as quickly as possible is what they should do. They had never heard of such a request before. But after a moment of contemplation, the medical staff finally relented.

"...Your injury isn't exactly serious, but it's not minor either. If we just treat it with medication, you'll probably be in so much pain for the next ten days to two weeks that even making simple facial expressions will bring you to tears... Can you endure that?"

Tatia nodded very firmly.

"Oh well"

The nurse's magic vanished instantly. She then used alcohol and iodine to disinfect the wounds, and applied gauze to the larger wounds. That completed the simplest treatment.

"Alright. It's been handled as you requested. Are you satisfied now?"

"Um"

"Alright. Go back now. Remember to come back in three days for your dressing change."

Tatia stood up from her chair, bowed to the medical teacher in gratitude, and then left the infirmary with Worth.

The teacher and student walked one after the other along the school's main road. Tatya, lost in thought, moved very slowly. Wolse, however, didn't abandon her, keeping pace with her as she walked slowly ahead.

On the way here, and after leaving the infirmary, Wors remained silent. Tatia understood that what she had done had caused Worsia a lot of trouble; although Worsia didn't say it, she was definitely still angry with her.

Whatever happened to her had nothing to do with Wors. But because of her, Wors had sacrificed her precious time. Tatsia wanted to apologize, but she didn't know how to begin.

Before Tatia could speak, Wors broke the silence.

"Tia"

"Yes, yes!"

You don't need to come to class today.

"Huh...?"

"Don't misunderstand. I'm not angry."

When they reached a place where there were no other people around, Wors stopped. She turned around and placed her hands on Tatsia's shoulders.

"You'd better go back and calm down. I don't know why you'd be so cruel to yourself. It's fine if you think I'm being sarcastic. But as someone who's been through a lot, I still want to give you some advice: there are no insurmountable conflicts in this world, and no insurmountable obstacles. You're still young, and you'll face countless unexpected and emotionally impactful things in the future... No matter how big the problem is, you should always be thinking about the best way to solve it. Hurting yourself is pointless. Understand? Missing a class or two isn't a big deal; I'll make it up for you later."

One of the school's principles is to respect the privacy of every student. Since Tatia was unwilling to talk about herself, Worth and the others couldn't force her to open her mouth or extract information from her brain.

After Tatsia's injury is treated, training alone shouldn't cause any problems. However, Wors believes that forcing her to attend classes now will only result in her being distracted and perfunctory. It's not only a waste of time, but it will also cause distress for both Tatsia, who doesn't want to learn, and the teacher, whose teaching efforts aren't being rewarded. It's better to let her have some peace and quiet first, and adjust her mindset. Tatsia is a promising talent. Wors only wants to see her energetic and hardworking on the training field.

"Okay, I understand, teacher..."

Just as Wors had suspected, Tatsia wasn't really in the mood for class. Her transgression and Naka's parting words filled her mind, leaving her no time for anything else. Since the teacher had given her the green light, Tatsia naturally accepted it. However, faced with Wors's empathetic help, Tatsia unconsciously blurted out a sentence.

"Ms. Worth is so understanding..."

She knew that Worse was a rare strong woman, and she saw Worse as her role model. But now she realized once again that in addition to her physical strength and imposing presence, Worse's keenness, thoughtfulness, and concern for her students all demonstrated her strength as a "human being."

The sudden praise startled Worth for a moment. She was somewhat taken aback, but still returned a gentle smile.

"Instead of praising me with words that don't suit a tomboy like me, you'd be better off doing less of this stupid thing. Wouldn't it be better to save me some trouble?"

"I'm sorry, teacher."

"Alright, go back now. If you've figured it out tomorrow, come to class; if not, think about it some more."

"I see"

Tatia thanked Wols sincerely. After a brief farewell, she headed towards the men's dormitory.

Wolse's concern and Oz's obstruction were both for her own good. This warmed Tatsia's disheartened heart somewhat. However, the unresolved issues still lingered in her mind.

Even if she had lost her mind and become someone she wasn't, the unforgivable thing she had done to her greatest benefactor was an undeniable fact. Tatya knew she had to resolve the issue. But how? Would Naka still talk to her? After finishing her studies, would she still team up with her? What would become of her dangerous feelings? The answers to these questions, and even the seeds of solutions to the worst-case scenario, hadn't yet sprouted in her mind. If things continued like this, not only today, but tomorrow, but for the next six months, she probably wouldn't be able to attend the Hero Class with a normal mindset. The bleak future still hadn't become clearer.

"What should I do...?"

Troubled, hesitant, and uncertain, Tatsia returned to her dormitory room. As she took out her keys to open the door, something under the door caught her attention. A white object was wedged between the door and the floor.

"This is?"

Tatsia reached out and picked it up. It was a piece of paper that had been folded once. Unfolding it, she saw the following line written on it.

"To Tatia: Tonight at 10 PM, in the grove behind the cafeteria, see you there."

The author's words:

This book is not only published on this platform. It is also being updated simultaneously on another platform. The contract application was approved there. However, the contract stipulates that this work cannot be published on other platforms, so I ultimately decided to decline the contract.

This work has a very small readership across all platforms. However, despite this, there are still some readers who support me. I haven't promoted this work at all; if you've found and enjoyed it, that's fate. Deleting the content posted here would be a betrayal to the readers using this platform, something I absolutely do not want to see and will try my best to avoid. I don't expect to earn any extra money from this work. I simply hope to share my creativity, ideas, and writing techniques. I sincerely thank the few friends who enjoy this work. I will not let down any reader on any platform. Therefore, this book will not be signed with any platform. Readers who see this work on any platform can rest assured.

A soul that has fallen into depravity once again

After receiving that anonymous letter, Tatia spent the entire day in unease. The calm and thoughtful advice she had given herself was completely forgotten.

The moment she saw the letter, Tatia had already decided in her mind who the sender was. The fact that she had written to her meant there was still hope for the situation. She was also eager to see her and explain everything to her in person.

Therefore, Tatsia arrived at the secluded grove behind the cafeteria before the agreed-upon ten o'clock time, to await the sender's arrival. Although she was only about ten minutes early, those ten minutes felt like ten days. Finally, with the rustling sound of someone stepping on the grass, her long yet not so long wait came to an end.

"Sister Naka! I..."

Shouting the name of the person she longed for, Tatia immediately ran towards a figure under a tree not far away. Just as she was about to explain, the figure emerged from the shade of the tree.

"Pfft pfft. Wrong answer. Actually, it was me."

Appearing before Tatia with a flippant tone that could never have come from Naka's mouth was Mittian, a close friend of Tatia's mother and a teacher in Naka's Saintess class. Despite being a Saintess, she was completely unreliable and frivolous, with her characteristic glibness and slickness being unbecoming of a Saintess.

The fact that the visitor wasn't Naka was enough to greatly disappoint Tatsia. And this was the last person she wanted to see. So, without a word, Tatsia turned and walked away. Mitian quickly ran in front of her and blocked her way.

"Hey, Tatia. Don't be so cold... Huh? What happened to your face? Are you injured? How did you get hurt?"

Tatiana completely ignored her insincere concern and tried to avoid her. But Mitian had gone to great lengths to bring her out, so she naturally had her own purpose. She had no intention of letting Tatiana leave. No matter how Tatiana tried to avoid her, she still took the initiative to approach her.

Tatsia really wanted to shove her away or knock her unconscious with a punch. In any case, with her current abilities, a saintess couldn't possibly block her way if she wanted to leave. But regardless, it was still very inappropriate to be violent towards her teacher. Tatsia impatiently spoke up.

"Ms. Mitian, I remember telling you not to come looking for me unless it's absolutely necessary."

"I know. That's why I asked someone to write you an anonymous letter. Otherwise, if I had contacted you directly or left my name on the letter, you definitely wouldn't have come here... And I definitely asked you to come because I have something to say."

"If it's about the adopted daughter, please don't bring it up again."

"It's not about me... Do you know how Naka is feeling right now?"

Tatia knew she couldn't let Mitian lead her astray. Her mind was too unstable right now, and she could easily fall into Mitian's trap without even realizing it. No matter what Mitian said, Tatia just wanted to deny it and refuse.

But he truly hadn't expected Mitian to mention Naka's name at this moment. He quickly asked...

"What... Sister Naka? What happened to her?"

As expected, to get her attention, it was necessary to play the Naka card. Although Mitian was bitter that Tatsia felt she had been completely defeated by Naka, her purpose in coming here was precisely to destroy the seemingly unbreakable bond between Tatsia and Naka. Mitian had already discovered the cracks in this seemingly impregnable relationship. To widen them further was what she called a "more radical method."

"I talked to Naka after class yesterday. Although she didn't say it directly, from what she said, it seems you went to see Naka again after I talked to you? It seems you didn't get the answer you wanted."

"..."

Even without asking, Mitian could probably guess why Tatia was covered in bruises. Tatia must have told Naka what she had done, but was met with fierce resistance and rejection. Back when Vilia rejected Mitian, Mitian had the same expression Tatia had now. She had locked herself in her room and injured herself with various sharp objects, hoping to end her life. Mitian could completely empathize with Tatia's current thoughts. She deliberately brought up the very thing that bothered her.

When Mitian sent the letter, she only intended to further widen the gap between them, taking advantage of their still-unopened relationship. But things went more smoothly than she expected. While she felt some pity for Tatiana's self-harm, it suited her perfectly.

"I didn't mean anything by talking to Naka. I just think she's very talented and will definitely become one of the most outstanding saintesses in the future. Naka thinks so too. She's a genius saintesse, which is why she said that only the top adventurer who wins the graduation exam can team up with her. No one else is qualified."

"Wh...what?"

"Oh, and she also mentioned you... because I asked her, 'Aren't you currently teamed up with Tatsia?' and she replied that you're just a tool to be used. Once she finds someone more useful, she'll leave you... She's really awful, isn't she?"

"No...no way...Naka wouldn't say that...you're lying to me!"

The scene from the moment she met Naka kept replaying in Tatsia's mind. Naka's care, help, and rescue... every beautiful memory was etched into Tatsia's heart. But... was it all a lie? Was it just a way to better utilize her? Tatsia couldn't believe it. She shouted at Mitian, accusing her of lying.

But... then, why does Naka never expect anything in return, and why does she say she has no opinion... all these questions can be explained. Tatya wouldn't admit it, but inwardly she couldn't offer a strong rebuttal. Its reality and horror, despair, uncontrollably welled up in her heart once more.

Tatiana clutched her temples with both hands, shaking her head violently as if trying to banish the thought from her mind. Her pained expression, however, delighted Mitian. Her reaction meant that her words had indeed taken an indelible place in Tatiana's heart.

Because she deeply empathized with Tatsia's pain, she understood that no matter what she said to Tatsia now, she wouldn't dare confront Naka directly. She had no face to see Naka. Therefore, whatever she said, Tatsia couldn't verify its truthfulness. Even if she couldn't provide concrete evidence, just allowing this seed of unease to sprout in Tatsia's heart would be enough to affect the bond between her and Naka.

"Whether I'm lying or not, why don't you just ask Naka?"

"this..."

Just as Mitian had predicted. Upon hearing this, Tatiana's already pale face darkened even further. Asking her to find Naka now was practically impossible. Whatever she said next would be unilaterally accepted.

"Poor Tatia... I have no problem with you not becoming my adopted daughter. But I also don't want you to be used and controlled by a mercenary woman, and to have invested feelings in her that will never blossom..."

"No...no...I don't want this..."

"It's actually quite simple. If you win the top prize this time, Naka will naturally choose to continue teaming up with you."

"If... I become number one...?"

"That's right. She said that if you become the top scorer, it means she wasn't wrong about you, and you still have more value to be used. It's not out of the question if we continue to team up. I came here this time to make you feel a bit of a crisis, so you don't fall behind the other heroes. Otherwise, your beloved Naka-nee will disappear from your world without hesitation... But, well..."

While Tatia is talented, this year's freshman class is full of hidden gems, including Oz, a super genius even Frost acknowledges. Mitian believes Tatia's chances of becoming the number one draft pick are extremely slim. Even if she does become the number one pick, Mitian isn't without objections.

"...Even if you become the top scholar, in her eyes you'll just be a tool with even greater utility. You're her tool, and that won't change the fact that she won't develop any feelings for you...Alas, poor Tatsia. I hope you can see her true colors soon. I hope you can live your own life, instead of being manipulated by this scheming woman for the rest of your life."

Naka's words to Mitian were now being repeated by Mitian to Tatsia. The effect was remarkable. "Just an unloved tool" was deeply imprinted in Tatsia's heart. The rationality that had been somewhat salvaged by Wolse's gentleness was once again swallowed up by her dark emotions. Her pupils, which had regained some light, became cloudy again.

"Just a little bit more... just a little bit more, and she'll give up on Naka and fall into my arms..."

Watching Tatia gradually sink into darkness, Mittian finally couldn't contain her joy, and a smile appeared on her face. Soon, very soon, her goal would be achieved.

but...

"Thank you for letting me know, Ms. Mitiam. However, this has nothing to do with you."

Tatia suddenly regained her composure. Her firm refusal froze Mitian's smile.

"Naka-nee uses me as a tool... Hahaha, hahahahahahahaha! So that's how it is, so that's how Naka-nee sees me... That's great... That's really great... It's not 'no opinion,' but 'using me as a tool'... That's really great!"

The problem that had long troubled Tatia was finally resolved. She understood how Naka viewed her. That alone was enough to make Tatia laugh so heartily. Her wild demeanor left Mittian, who was known as the freak, completely dumbfounded.

"Even if I'm just a tool, it doesn't matter... If Naka wants to use me, let her use me. If Naka wants tools, I'll become whatever tool she desires. If Naka doesn't have a bowl, I'll use my hands to hold the food and use it as a container. If Naka can't walk, I'll let her ride on my back wherever she wants. When Naka is unhappy, I'll let her vent her anger as she pleases, whether she hits or scolds me... If Naka wants to kill someone..."

As she spoke, Tatia's sharp eyes fixed on Mitian in front of her.

"...I'll cut off that person's head."

"!"

Seeing the glint in her eyes, Mittian's survival instinct suddenly kicked in, causing her to instinctively take a step back. It was as if getting any closer would mean being killed on the spot by Tatia.

Of course, Tatia didn't do that. She suddenly changed her icy tone and humbly thanked Mitian.

"Thank you again, Ms. Mitian. You told me about Naka's thoughts. Now I can work even harder to become her most useful tool."

"Are you serious? To be her tool... is that all?"

Mitian only wanted to disappoint Naka, but she hadn't expected Tatsia's obsession with Naka to seem to have transcended the pathological and reached an unknown realm. This was even more dangerous than her own obsession with Vilia back then. Mitian suddenly felt a pang of regret; perhaps she had made a decision she would regret for the rest of her life.

Tatia, however, adopted an indifferent attitude and calmly replied...

"Of course, that would be great. I'd be willing to do anything for Naka, anything she wants. Partner, friend, tool, slave... So, I won't allow anyone to become like me. If anyone dares to get close to Naka with any ill intentions, I'll make them disappear from this world without a trace... I'm enough to be Naka's tool..."

"Takia, you..."

"By the way, Ms. Mitiam."

Everything that needed to be said had been said. Taqia was finally able to release the pent-up frustration in her heart. Relieved of the psychological pressure, she felt incredibly relaxed. She believed that as long as she understood her place, she would never again fall into confusion, no matter what happened in the future.

But she had one last thing to say to Mitis, who had helped relieve her of this pressure.

"I hope this is the last time I see you. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to eliminate this pest that's bothering me and Naka."