CH 5: Aethalgard, The Land of Saints
As the large carriage continued its journey across the barren wasteland, the rhythmic gallop of the horses grew faster. Dust rose behind them in pale, swirling clouds until the land itself seemed to shimmer in the heat. Ahead, a massive checkpoint loomed, its towering arch lined with glowing runes that pulsed with divine radiance.
Without slowing, the carriage crossed the threshold.
A surge of light enveloped everything.
Then, in the blink of an eye, the desolate land vanished.
When the light faded, they found themselves within the courtyard of a grand citadel, a place so vast it seemed to stretch into the heavens themselves.
This was Aethalgard, the Land of Saints, the sacred bastion of humanity.
The citadel dominated nearly eighty percent of the entire city, its colossal walls gleaming like polished marble, inlaid with veins of gold and shimmering blue mana conduits. The remaining twenty percent was the city itself—a ring of immaculate white stone structures, graceful spires, and radiant streets encircling the holy fortress at its heart.
The citadel was more than a fortress; it was a paradise in form and spirit. Lush gardens flourished within its walls, filled with trees that shimmered like crystal and flowers that glowed faintly under the soft, eternal light of Aethalgard’s sky. Waterfalls cascaded from tiered terraces, their silver streams flowing into wide canals that wove through the citadel like veins of living light. Birds with iridescent feathers sang above, their melodies blending with the tranquil hum of divine mana in the air.
Everywhere, sacred sigils glimmered faintly beneath the stone, channeling energy through the citadel’s grand structure. It was said that Aethalgard itself was alive, breathing in harmony with the world’s mana, a city built by saints, for saints, and the final bulwark against the encroaching darkness.
From the highest balcony, the central spire of the citadel pierced the clouds, crowned by a radiant crystal known as the Heart of Aethalgard, which shone like a second sun, a symbol of hope for all humanity.
“Wow…” Isla murmured, her tone as flat as ever, yet her eyes widened slightly. Deep inside, her heart skipped a beat. The sight before her was breathtaking, Aethalgard, radiant and alive, was unlike anything she had ever seen.
“This is where you’ll be living now, Isla. Hehe, great huh?” Valerica said proudly, ruffling the girl’s white hair with a grin.
Lady Cateleya smiled faintly before her expression shifted back to calm authority. “Valerica, escort Isla to the room we’ve prepared for her. The other two children should be arriving soon. Also, come to my office after.” With that, she turned gracefully, her golden cloak and robe swaying as she departed with the holy knights who greeted her and Pryce following behind.
“…” Isla stayed quiet, her gaze fixed on the massive citadel towers that shimmered under the sunlight. Then, gripping her stick again, she whispered, “Sky Splitter. Sky Splitter. Sky Splitter.”
Valerica sighed, a twitch forming at her brow. “Aha… haha… you’re really eager to learn my skill, huh?” she muttered, both amused and exasperated. “Anyway, come on, I’ll show you to your room.”
Isla followed obediently, though her small hands never stopped moving, the stick slicing through the air as she chanted Sky Splitter over and over.
When they finally arrived, Valerica pushed open a polished white door. “Okay, okay, you can stop that 'Sky Splitter' chant now… and the swinging too.” She tried to sound firm but couldn’t help a chuckle. “This is your room, see?”
Isla didn’t even glance at the ornate furniture or the soft velvet bed. Instead, she kept swinging until Valerica gently took the stick from her hands.
“A-ah,” Isla let out a small sound, stretching her arms toward the stick like a child reaching for a favorite toy.
“Sigh… For now, rest here, okay? I’ll be back later. Try to enjoy your room for a bit.” Valerica said softly, smiling as she walked toward the door. She motioned to a maid waiting outside. “Keep an eye on her for me.”
The maid nodded respectfully.
The moment the door closed, Isla ran to the balcony. The warm light of Aethalgard’s eternal sky spilled over her pale skin. She raised her hands, mimicking the same motion she’d been practicing all day while looking at the horizon.
“Sky Splitter… Sky Splitter… Sky Splitter…”
Even without a stick, she kept swinging, each motion earnest, focused, and unyielding.
And high above, the golden crystal of the citadel glowed faintly, almost as if it, too, was watching the little girl who will one day split the heavens.
Inside Lady Cateleya’s office, the scent of fresh lilies filled the air. Sunlight poured through the tall arched windows, casting a soft golden glow on the marble floor.
Valerica entered with a polite bow. “You called for me, Lady Cateleya?”
“Ah, Valerica. You’re here,” Cateleya said warmly, setting aside the documents on her desk. “How’s Isla?”
Valerica sighed, shoulders drooping. “Well… she didn’t even look around when I escorted her to her room. The kid’s completely fixated on learning my skill. She kept chanting ‘Sky Splitter’ and swinging this stick the whole time.” She rubbed her temples, half amused, half exhausted. “I like kids, but she’s… something else.”
Cateleya chuckled softly behind her hand, amused by Valerica’s exasperation. “My, my. It seems she’s quite taken with you.” Then, with a small, knowing smile, she added, “Since Isla seems so fond of your swordsmanship, I’ll be assigning you as her mentor. You’ll be teaching her everything you know about swordplay.”
Valerica’s eyes widened. “A–are you serious, Lady Cateleya!? Not that I’m against it, but… I thought you would be training her in magic, or divine arts, or something saintly?” she said hastily, because in reality, Valerica doesn't want a disciple.
Cateleya shook her head, smiling calmly. “Unfortunately, her fascination is already set on sword skills. Honestly…” her smile twitched, “…thinking about it makes me a little mad.”
Valerica immediately felt the heat in that calm tone. She looked away, sweat forming on her brow. “Aha… hahaha… I-I’ll do my best then…”
Cateleya’s eyes gleamed with mock sweetness. “Please do. After all, we can’t have the Saint who personally promised to TEACH her swordsmanship being lazy now, can we?” she said, voice lilting with a dangerous charm.
Valerica forced a nervous smile. “Ahahahah… o-of course not, Lady Cateleya…”
Cateleya giggled softly, though her aura made the room feel several degrees warmer. “Good. I’ll look forward to seeing the results of your... MENTORSHIP.”
Valerica gulped quietly. “R-right…” And as she stepped out of the office, she sighed deeply, muttering under her breath, “Why did I have to show off that move…”
