The Saintess

Kael slowly pulled on his school uniform wincing slightly as he slid his shirt over his bruised ribs. The sauna incident had left more than just bruised pride and cautionary thoughts. Vael's kick had definitely done some internal damage.

"No way I'm going to class or training tomorrow if this pain gets worse."

Tying his sash, he stepped out into the now-quiet hallway and began heading toward the infirmary wing. The walk was slow, each footstep measured. The academy halls usually packed with loud students were hushed, the golden evening light filtering through the tall windows, casting long shadows along the marble floors.

He reached the infirmary and quietly pushed open the door. The soft smell of medicinal herbs and disinfectant greeted him… but what caught his attention wasn't the scent.

It was her.

Standing near a cot, a girl with long, radiant golden hair that shimmered like spun sunlight was gently adjusting a mana-weave cloth over a student's arm. Her eyes a warm, clear gold looked like melted dawn. Her features weren't sharp like Elira's or seductive like Cynthia's. They were soft, gentle, like a calm dream. The kind of beauty that made your pulse slow, not race.

Kael halted in his steps just staring.

"She's not like anyone I've met…"

The girl looked up at him. "Oh hello," she said in a voice that was as gentle as her presence.

Kael blinked. For a second, he was speechless. Then, thanks to his Calm Mind skill activating, his heart rate slowed, and his thoughts organized.

"Hello, madam Saintess," he said, dropping down to one knee instinctively and lowering his head.

The girl blinked in surprise. "W-Wait no! Get up! You don't have to do that!"

He stood, expression composed but sincere. "Of course I do. Not only are you a third-year, but you're also Asia's only recognized Saintess. It's an honor."

She rubbed her arm nervously. "W-Well, yeah… but still. No need for formalities in the infirmary. I'm just volunteering today to help the nurses. I like healing people."

Kael gave a small, genuine smile. "Of course. So… I think I may have fractured a rib."

Kael explained what happened.

He tried not to wince too hard as he lifted his shirt slightly to reveal the swelling.

"Oh dear…" she murmured, placing her hand over his side.

She closed her eyes. A soft, glowing light emanated from her palm, pale white infused with traces of violet Ethereal Magic, the rarest form of divine-type healing.

Kael watched, fascinated, as the pain numbed and the bruising faded visibly. After a moment, she gently began wrapping his torso with a thin layer of shimmering mana bandages.

"There," she said softly, "You should be fine in a few days. Try not to get kicked by second-years again, okay?"

Kael chuckled. "Can't make any promises."

She tilted her head, curious. "You said your name is Kael, right?"

He nodded. "Kael Vernier. First-year. Swordsman."

She gave a small bow of her head. "Serapheal. Just Serapheal. I try not to use my family name unless I'm forced to."

"Well," he said, adjusting his coat, "It's good to know not everyone in this academy wants to kill me."

Serapheal giggled quietly. "I'd rather heal you than harm you."

Kael smiled and stepped toward the door. "Then I'm lucky we met today. Thank you, Serapheal."

As he stepped out into the evening air, his expression changed his eyes sharpening with renewed purpose.

"Now… I've recovered. It's time to go meet Elira."

He walked toward the combat tower where he sensed her presence knowing full well that whatever came next… would not be peaceful.