CH 17: Titles Befitting their Future.

For the next few days, Cateleya’s lessons grew heavier. Gone were the lighthearted talks and training exercises, the air in the classroom felt thick with reverence and unease. The topic now was the duty of a Saint.

Cateleya stood before the glowing world map once again, her voice calm but solemn. “You’ve all heard stories about the gods of our continent… but few know the truth.”

Sylveria, Isla, and Isao exchanged glances. None of them dared interrupt.

“Our continent,” Cateleya continued, “is under siege, not by demons, but by divinity itself. Long ago, there were eighteen gods who ruled over this land. Six stood for creation, light, and balance… while twelve desired destruction and rebirth through annihilation.”

She paused, her eyes dimming. “The six good gods fought to protect humanity. But they fell—one by one—until only their spirits remained. As for the twelve…” she took a deep breath, “only three survived the war, but in their desperation, they made a pact with a demon god. Through it, they regained a fraction of their strength.”

The room fell silent. The faint hum of divine energy from the floating map was the only sound that filled the hall.

Isao swallowed hard. “Wait… a demon god? Like, something worse than evil gods?”

Cateleya nodded slowly. “Much worse. A being born from the abyss itself—neither god nor mortal. Its existence corrupts creation wherever it touches. It appeared after the death of the good gods.”

Sylveria’s brows furrowed. “And those three evil gods… they’re still alive?”

“Yes,” Cateleya said grimly. “Alive, though weakened. They cannot descend in their true forms, but their influence spreads through their followers—monsters, cults, and corrupted lands. My saints and holy knights are scattered across the continent to fight their encroaching evil.”

The trio listened in uneasy silence. Even Isla, who often seemed detached, was quietly paying attention.

Cateleya smiled faintly, her tone softening. “But all is not lost. The six good gods still watch over us. Their spirits linger, whispering through the veil of the divine realm. Through them, I am able to grant blessings, to create Saints who can wield holy power.”

Her words hung in the air for a long moment before Isao finally asked, “Then… what about us? You said we are saints in training, are we also going to receive your blessing lady Cateleya?”

Cateleya’s expression faltered. For the first time, she looked… hesitant. Almost regretful.

“You three…” she began gently, “cannot.”

Sylveria blinked. “What do you mean we can’t?”

Cateleya approached them, her gaze full of quiet warmth. “You were not meant to receive blessings from others. You were born with powers that go beyond my reach—beyond even the authority of the six gods. Your destinies are intertwined with the future of this continent. The gods themselves told me that one day, you will surpass me… and perhaps even them.”

Isao’s mouth fell open. “W–Wait, surpass you? But you’re literally chosen by the gods and we are just kids!”

Cateleya chuckled softly. “Even Saints have limits, my dear. The three of you were born to kill gods.”

Sylveria crossed her arms, still unconvinced. “So… we’re supposed to save the world someday, but we don’t get any of the shiny divine powers?”

Cateleya smirked. “You’ll have something far greater—your own.”

Isla finally spoke, her voice quiet but steady. “So that’s why… you’ve been training us so harshly.” She was referring to the textbooks and assignments.

Cateleya nodded. “Yes. Because the burden you will carry is one that even saints cannot bear, and you need knowledge to grow.”

The room fell into a deep silence again, broken only when Isao muttered under her breath, “Man… I just wanted to throw beans at Sylveria again.”

Sylveria shot her a glare. “Do it, and I’ll show you how ‘destined heroes’ handle beans.”

Cateleya laughed softly, shaking her head. “Even destined heroes need a little mischief, it seems.”

The trio blinked—then, for the first time in days, they all laughed together. Surprised at the Grand Saintess's out of character reply.

“Ah, how about this?” Cateleya said cheerfully, clasping her hands together. “Since you can’t become saints blessed by holy power… why not aspire for something greater than a saint?”

The three looked at her, caught off guard.

“Something greater than a saint…” Sylveria repeated thoughtfully. After a moment, she lifted her chin with quiet pride. “Okay then—I’ll be called The Ice Hero.”

Cateleya’s eyes sparkled. “Oh my, how fitting.”

But before the moment could turn noble, Isao burst out laughing. “That suits you, Sylvie! Cold and logical like an icicle! Hahaha! Even your hair, eyes, and dress are all blue! You’re like—Ice Hero Blue Blue!”

Sylveria’s eyebrow twitched. “…I will freeze your mouth shut.” she said annoyed.

“Ice Hero Blue Blue,” Isla muttered under her breath in perfect deadpan.

Sylveria spun toward her. “You don’t get to say that!”

Isao was still laughing when she suddenly struck a dramatic pose, holding an imaginary flower. “Then I’ll be called The Flower Maiden!”

Sylveria groaned. “That doesn’t even sound... threatening.”

Cateleya giggled behind her hand. “I don’t think that title surpasses a saint in status… but it’s certainly a unique choice, Isao.”

“Thank you, Lady Cateleya~” Isao said proudly, twirling as imaginary petals fell around her.

Then, as both girls turned toward Isla, Isao leaned forward curiously. “What about you, Isla? What will you be?”

Isla looked at them quietly, her usual blank expression unchanged. “I… " She started, her eyes contemplative for once. "I’ll be called a Sword Saint.” she said flatly.

Isao, Cateleya, and Sylveria were surprised.

 

Sylveria sighed, rubbing her temple. “Didn’t you just hear? We can’t be saints.”

"Haha.. uh... Yeah Isla, that's just impossible." Isao added with an awkward smile.

 

“Don’t care.” Isla replied flatly. “I’ll be a Sword Saint in my own way.”

There was a brief silence. Then Cateleya smiled warmly, her tone soft but proud. “Then so be it. The Ice Hero, the Flower Maiden, and the Sword Saint… perhaps those names will echo in history one day.”

Isao puffed her chest. “Oh, they will!”

Sylveria crossed her arms, muttering, “Not if you keep calling me Blue Blue…”

And for a moment, the room filled with light laughter—the sound of three futures just beginning to take shape.