Chapter 16: Eyes That See Beyond

Jason looked toward the principal, his face grim.

"Principal Elric, we need to act. If the escaped Demon Lord regains his peak power… we won't be able to stop him."

Principal Elric fell into deep thought. But before he could speak, Natalia's voice broke the silence.

"Principal, we need Saints to protect humanity. The Demon Lord's seal is weakening. We can't keep him buried underground much longer. If this one escapes… the legends may come true. The demons might awaken the Demon King."

The woman sitting across from the principal spoke next. Her voice was calm, soothing.

"We've already identified three students with the potential to become Saints. If we can find the other two, there's still hope to protect humanity."

The principal nodded slowly, uncertainty in his voice.

"I think there might be one on the Elven continent. I can't be sure, but… there's a rumor among the elves."

At the mention of this, Ishara Luminas, the blindfolded priestess, grew silent. Then, without a word, she removed the cloth covering her eyes.

Her eyes were like polished amethyst—purple, radiant, and glowing with mysterious energy. For a brief moment, they shone with a supernatural light.

Principal Elric felt a chill run down his spine.

Those eyes… every time I see them, I feel a deep, unsettling fear. Why is that?

As Ishara's eyes returned to normal, she suddenly clutched her head, veins bulging along her temples as though in intense pain. Natalia immediately stepped forward to support her, but Ishara waved her off.

"I'm fine," she whispered.

After a moment, she composed herself, her face calm again as if nothing had happened. Then, with a faint smile, she said,

"Yes. There is someone on the Elven continent with the potential to become a Saint."

All three present felt a wave of relief—until Natalia's expression darkened again.

"But we can't train that person to their full potential. The elves would never agree to send one of their own to this academy."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"I'll try speaking to the Elf Queen," Principal Elric said at last. "Perhaps I can convince her."

A glimmer of hope returned to Jason and Natalia's faces, but Ishara remained expressionless.

"I can't guarantee success," Elric added. "So don't get your hopes too high."

Ishara rose to her feet and waved a hand.

"My holy energy is depleted. We'll continue this discussion another time."

She walked calmly toward the door and exited.

As the door shut behind her, Jason's face returned to its usual carefree grin. He chuckled.

"Her eyes… like pure rubies. Think she'd let me buy one and sell it on the black market?"

He laughed at his own joke—until he saw Natalia and Elric both staring at him like he was an idiot.

Natalia placed a hand on her forehead and sighed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Meanwhile…

Ishara was heading toward the training hall, her thoughts drifting.

I wonder what my dear daughter is up to. Hah… probably training, I hope.

Upon entering, she saw two girls in the hall. One was swinging a sword with sharp, precise movements—Selena. The other, Zara, stood nearby, carefully watching her, trying to absorb every detail of her form.

After failing to make progress with her own sword swings, Zara had started mimicking Selena's movements, hoping to improve.

From a corner, Fluff floated quietly—but when he noticed Ishara, a mischievous grin spread across his face. He began to drift toward her.

But then Ishara's eyes shifted slightly, tracking his movement.

Fluff froze mid-air. His fur bristled. He immediately scanned her power level.

The results left him trembling, his body stiff with terror. His expression twisted into sheer nervous panic.

All the while, Ishara stood there with the same gentle smile on her face.

Suddenly, Zara noticed a familiar figure at the entrance of the hall. Her eyes widened slightly as recognition set in.

Isn't that the high priestess… the one who adopted Selena?