The Humor Tale: “Blessing of the Saints”

Eba's expression turned evasive, her words laced with uncertainty. "Ah... you see, I'm not really sure. My family also didn't exactly... enlighten me about such things back in the grasslands, so... I came to the city to learn more for myself." Her tone was laced with a subtle unease, as if she was hiding something.

Momoko's gaze lingered on Eba. "Oh?! I understand," she said, her voice dripping with sly disappointment.

Diana, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, her voice laced with curiosity. "Yeah, I don't know much about them either. So, do tell, what are these Saints Blessings all about?"

Momoko's expression turned thoughtful, as if collecting her thoughts before responding. "The Saints Blessings are skills bestowed upon us by the saints who lived in our world in the past. Each blessing grants a unique skill, and these skills manifest in various forms, such as handicrafts, spellcraft, divination, manipulation, specialist, mystic and the art of healing. These blessings are randomly assigned to us at birth, but they typically begin to manifest when we reach our teenage years."

"Then, the Pope officially designated these skills with a name, to clarify and distinguish between the various abilities bestowed upon us, and to eliminate confusion. Thus, these skills are formally known as the 'Artificer, Weaver, Reader, and Practitioner'."

"The Saints Blessings were originally intended to aid us in our daily lives, but as time passed, a group of innovators emerged, discovering ways to amplify their effects and adapt them to new purposes also known as the 'Awakening'. The majority of people regard them as the 'Fifth Skill', but the fact remains that no one has ever seen them or had any direct contact, which is why it's still unofficial."

"These visionaries are known as the 'Engineers'."

 "Engineers?" Eba's eyes widened in confusion, her face a picture of curiosity.

"Even high-ranking Navigators have never laid eyes on them; their existence is only known through their incredible inventions," Momoko explained, her voice laced with a hint of intrigue.

"What do you mean?" Eba's curiosity was piqued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she asked, 

Momoko's expression turned serious, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. "I think you're starting to piece it together. The Ancient Artifacts I mentioned earlier... they were created by these Engineers," she revealed, her words dripping with anticipation.

Eba and Diana's eyes widened in unison, their faces reflecting their shock and amazement as the revelation sunk in, the new knowledge illuminating their understanding like a burst of light in the darkness.

"Unfortunately, that's as far as my knowledge extends. My access to information is limited, which is why I'm driven to become a Navigator." Momoko's determination was palpable as she spoke. 

.......

Momoko's gaze drifted, her eyes taking on a distant quality. "Um, Eba... what I wanted to ask you is that...well..... this is the first time this has happened, but... when I look in your direction, I think I see you and Diana..."

Eba and Diana's voices merged in a synchronized gasp of surprise once again. "Eh? How?" they exclaimed in unison, their eyes locked on Momoko with a mix of fascination and trepidation.

"It's not exactly like seeing your reflection, but more like... I see your shape. I can see your gestures, your movements," Momoko explained, her eyes sparkling with an otherworldly intensity.

"So that's why you were staring in our direction last night at the church," Diana's eyes narrowed, a look of understanding dawning on her face.

"Yes"...

Momoko's gaze drifted, her expression uncertain. "It's just a theory, but... I think your Saints Blessing, Eba, might be the Art of Healing, you're a Practitioner," she ventured, her voice laced with hesitation.

Eba's eyes widened in surprise, but Diana's face lit up with excitement. "Eh?! That's kinda cool, sis!" she exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across her face.

"That's also the reason I was able to deflect the sword last night at the church. If not, I might not be standing here today. I've been conducting experiments to understand the conditions of this phenomenon. First, I tested the radius of the area where you're standing, to see if I could perceive the people within it. Second, I wondered if I needed to be within your radius or close proximity to you to see you. But it seems that's not the case. And lastly, I realized that it's your 'Attention' that's the key. I can see the things that have caught your attention."

Momoko's eyes sparkled with intensity as she revealed her conclusion. "At the church, your attention was focused on that woman (Esther), and Diana, right? Aside from you, I saw them both. And now, here, I can see Diana as well."

Diana's eyes widened in amazement, her voice laced with excitement. "Oh! Cool! It's just like you two are connected, like some kind of anglerfish, right?" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a burst of wonder.

"A fish? Why?" Eba and Momoko asked in unison, their voices laced with confusion.

Diana 's grin grew wider as she elaborated and launched into an enthusiastic explanation, her tone reminiscent of a teacher sharing a fascinating tidbit. "You see, male anglerfish latch onto their partner, and eventually, their systems fuse... but... but... they don't fully merge into one being."

Momoko's face contorted in a mix of fascination and revulsion, her expression screaming "is this really what you're comparing us to?"

"Hahaha..." Eba's laughter burst forth, a joyful sound that filled the air. 

"But instead of saying we're connected, let's just say maybe I'm acting as her eyes," she said, her voice tinged with a smile, her words downplaying the extraordinary nature of their bond while still acknowledging its significance.

Diana persisted in her explanation, her enthusiasm undeterred. "Eh? When anglerfish systems fuse, it's similar to how you're acting as her eyes. Just like they don't fully merge, you two are separate... see, sis, you're here resting, and Momone-chan is right there standing in front of you."

Aye, right, right... you're right..." Eba's voice was laced with a hint of indulgence, her tone spoiling her sister. 

"Hahaha…" Momoko's laughter echoed through the air, a joyful sound that filled the space.

"Eh... you two still don't agree..." Diana's voice took on a petulant tone, her words laced with a tantrum-like quality.