A Blessing in Silence

A soft breeze filtered through the half-open window as sunlight gently poured into the quiet room, casting golden streaks over the red walls. The faint scent of herbs and ointments filled the air. The silence was only broken by the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock and the subtle rustle of silk robes.

Kael stirred.

His body ached all over, as if he'd been run over by a stampede of war horses. His eyes fluttered open slowly, revealing the blurred outline of the familiar crimson ceiling in his SCORPIO dormitory.

"...You're awake."

The voice was soft, graceful, and filled with divine calm. As his vision sharpened, Kael's breath caught in his throat. Sitting beside his bed was a girl bathed in ethereal light — her soft pink hair flowed down her shoulders like petals in spring, and her gentle pink eyes shimmered with quiet serenity. She wore a pristine, snow-white divine gown lined with gold embroidery, the holy insignia of the El Rath family resting upon her chest like a badge of fate.

Saintress Estelle El Rath, the sacred daughter of the Church and one of the famed 12 Beauties of the Era — chosen by fate, revered by kingdoms.

Kael blinked, a little unsure whether he was still unconscious or not.

"You… healed me?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

She smiled, gently adjusting the divine cloth at his forehead. "Yes. You were heavily injured after the sparring match with Captain Hailey. Your aura was drained, and your body had suffered several internal shocks. Even Madam Rem was worried."

Kael tried to sit up, gritting through the pain. "I see… Thank you. It's an honour… to be healed by the Saintress of Raghas herself."

Estelle let out a light laugh. "You're quite the charmer even while injured. But flattery isn't necessary. You fought well. Few can block Captain Hailey's aura glare. Even fewer can remain conscious afterward."

Kael looked away for a moment. "I wasn't strong enough."

She tilted her head curiously. "You are stronger than you think. But…" Her tone grew serious, almost curious. "Why can't you use spells? Or abilities? I was… observing you during the match. Your aura is powerful, yes — rare, even. But your mana flows like a dammed river. Stagnant, yet… deep."

Kael's expression darkened.

"I don't know," he said quietly. "Ever since I was born… no magic. No ability. Just… nothing. It was as if the world forgot to bless me."

Estelle's gaze softened. "That's never been recorded before, you know. Not in the libraries of the Church, nor in the Arcanum of the El Rath Family. Even those born cursed have at least a mutation… But you…" She touched her cross lightly. "It feels like something ancient lingers over you."

Kael clenched his fists under the blanket.

"I don't know what it is, but I'll break through it. Somehow… I will become strong. Even if the heavens reject me."

A faint smile crept onto Estelle's face.

"In that case," she said, standing gracefully, "why not help me with a certain quest?"

Kael raised an eyebrow.

Estelle turned her eyes toward the open window, watching the white clouds slowly drift by.

"Captain Hailey gave me a private request to purify a cursed lake in the lower quadrant of the Libra capital. It's minor, officially… but something's off. The aura readings don't match any known curse pattern. And I need someone who doesn't rely on magic to join me… Someone with strong aura-based instincts."

"You mean… me?"

She nodded. "In return, I will request the Church's permission to grant you a Sanctified Scan at the Holy Statue."

Kael's eyes widened.

The Holy Statue — a sacred artifact located at the heart of the El Rath Cathedral — known to answer any one question of the soul. It was said that its divine light could see through bloodlines, curses, soul tethers, even ancestral sins. But it was only usable by the High Priest or the Saintress after turning 18.

"I can't activate it yet," Estelle admitted. "But with Captain Hailey's support, I may get pre-access under special conditions. You deserve to know the truth about yourself."

Kael sat in silence, stunned.

Estelle stepped closer and placed her hand softly on his shoulder. "What do you say?"

"…I'll do it," Kael said after a moment. "Whatever it takes to find out… who I am."

She smiled — a mixture of warmth and mystery.

As she began to walk toward the door, her aura briefly shimmered — soft and glowing. But then, just before leaving, she paused. Her fingers lightly touched the silver cross that hung from her neck. Her eyes narrowed.

She turned slowly, her voice no longer gentle, but distant — cold.

"Still… I must remain vigilant."

Kael looked confused. "Huh?"

Estelle didn't turn back. "I've sensed something about you since we met. Something buried… something dark. If there is any evil residing inside you… I will be the one to purify it."

Her cross glowed faintly for a moment before dimming. The divine presence in the room faded with her steps.

Kael sat there, alone, the weight of her words resting heavily on his shoulders.

Outside, the white clouds drifted over the capital of Libra.

And within him — a storm continued to rise.