[77.1] Number 6739 POV: The Beauty of Light

[Author's note: This part of the chapter is from a "mystery" character's perspective.]

*Ding dong*

The children heard the sound of the bell and scrambled out of bed.

My eyes jolted open at the noise. I quickly made my bed and stood at the foot with my back straight.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see the rest of the children doing the same. Everyone with blonde hair and blue eyes…

Just like me.

As soon as the Priest walked in, our heads quickly dropped to the floor. I could hear his footsteps approaching, the clicking of his tongue as he looked at each one of us, before finally stopping in front of me.

I kept my head to the floor as I was taught, not daring to look up.

I heard him mutter, "So you're the first Holy Priestess to be born instead of being granted her powers from the Holy Goddess."

Hm?

He turned around and spoke, "Today you will be learning to produce a Holy Weapon. Before you turn 6, you will need to complete this or you will only suffer."

He left the room and we all followed one by one until we arrived at our training room. We all took a seat and started with our instructions. My hands were small as I held them out palm facing up.

I could feel the energy circulating in my body and my pale palms starting to warm up as I concentrated.

As a bead of sweat rolled down my forehead, I could see the shape of a small knife start to materialize.

I focused harder until the blade solidified and landed on my outstretched palms.

I let out an exhausted sigh and held it out to the Priest who approached me. He took it, smiling strangely. Then he leaned down and whispered, "Number 6739. Right now, you are an orphan with nobody beside you. However, if you keep this up, your parents will surely take you back as a reward."

Parents?

I have parents?

I wonder…

I wonder what they look like.

I stifled a smile, a strange feeling surging in my chest.

I wonder if they look like me.

That night, we returned to our room and went to sleep as commanded. I opened my eyes after ensuring the sound of even breathing around me. I tiptoed over to the window and looked around to make sure there was no one watching.

I silently slid open the window and gripped the edge of the brick with my fingertips. Keeping my body as close as possible, I climbed up the side of the temple until I made it to the roof. Once I successfully climbed up, I lay on my back and praised myself while I caught my breath.

After I felt my strength return, I stood up and looked over the horizon. Dense forests went as far as I could see in the sparse moonlight. I took a deep breath, smelling the cold and damp air.

When my eyes opened, I held out my hand, creating another knife.

Each night, I would sneak out to that roof to practice.

Until one night…

I heaved heavily, grinning at the hundreds of knives shining in the night sky.

My eyes shimmered, reflecting those lights.

I whispered in awe, "...How beautiful."

…___…

I snuck back into the room but paused when I heard the priests speaking to each other in their meeting room.

"Number 6739. Such a promising case. I still can't believe she was just tossed here at birth."

"What can you expect? Our Holy Lady has far better things to do for our lowly world than raise a child."

"I will never forget what she said… Treat her like the rest, if she survives and becomes the best, only then will I call her my daughter…. Who else other than our Holy Lady would have so much dedication for us?"

"We are truly special to be considered in her eyes."

"Indeed. Do you know if the father has any interest in 6739?"

"Of course. Our Commander wants to see how far she can go without him."

"He was so impressed by her progress that he asked us to make the next test harder for her."

My heart quickened.

They are talking about my father and mother, right?

Happy at this thought, I scurried down the rest of the wall and entered my bed, falling asleep with a bright smile.

The next day marked the start of our sixth year. We were shuttled off to an open field that took a few days to walk to. When we arrived, the Priest stared at all of us, "You must make your way back to the temple on your own. There are many obstacles and dangers to end your journey. We only want the strong to prevail."

With that, he left us alone.

I glanced at everyone else and they all had the same confused or bland expressions on their face.

Not all of my comrades have even made a knife yet.

It's a good thing I can make several.

I looked into the sky to determine the sun's position and started walking. Part of the group started to follow me.