(Kalan POV)

‘I’m sure your parents would be proud of you if they could see you now.’ I thought to myself as I watched a young silver-haired girl practice around with her mana.

I have trained many young mages in the many years I have lived, but none with the drive and dedication to their goal as this girl.

I don’t even see her as just my student anymore. It scares me, but I’ve come to think of her as my own daughter now.

In the few months she’s been here, I’ve come to feel emotions I thought I was previously incapable of feeling. Joy, anger, sadness, and even pride; all of these emotions had been previously absent from my life for as far back as I allowed myself to remember. I’d drowned myself in my position and responsibilities to the degree that I forgot just what it felt like to live.

In a way, she saved me as much as I did her.

Out of all my "students", she has been my favorite to train so far. To watch her learn and grow has reminded me of how I used to be. It reminded me of why I even strived to get stronger in the first place.

“To protect the ones I care about”.

In the past, I wasn’t strong enough to protect them. From that point on, I trained relentlessly, losing myself in my work. I honed my blade no matter how deep the pain in my arms got or how burdensome the troubles I had to go through were, hoping one day it would be sharp enough; strong enough to kill any and every person that stood against me. And to kill them…

As I watched her, I couldn’t help but hope I had become strong enough to protect them this time.

As these thoughts swirled around my mind, I felt a familiar aura begin to approach me.

“Good morning, Ryla.”

“Good morning, Kalan. Nice to see you smiling again.”

“It’s nice to have something to smile about.”

“I don’t think you’ve had such a genuine smile since…” She said, her voice trailing off in the distance.

“I doubt you came here to bring this up,” I said as I held up a hand to cut her off. “What did you want to talk about?”

I watched as Ryla walked over to stand next to me, resting her arms on the solid white wooden railings that overlooked the city as both our eyes rested on Eve.

“How do you think she'll fare tomorrow?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. The competition for these selections seems to get tougher and tougher every year. Not to mention, she hasn’t been training nearly for as long as the others. However, I don’t think she’d allow herself to lose no matter the odds.” I said, giving a slight chuckle near the end.

“So that begs the question, what if she doesn’t pass? Will you keep training her or throw her out as you agreed?” She asked, looking at me dead in the eyes.

I scoffed, “It seems I’m not the only one enjoying the change of pace.”

I caught sight of Ryla’s lips twitching slightly as I continued, “I couldn’t do that to the girl, she has been through enough already, and if she doesn’t succeed she will need people there to support her. To lead her through alternatives outside of the Church.”

“I was hoping that’s what you’d say, she is beginning to grow on me. Although this is only if the worst case were to happen.”

“You’re right, for now we just need to believe in her and support her as much as we can.”

“On that note, I think it’s time for her next lesson.” She said before walking out towards the girl.

“Hey Ryla?”

“Hm?”

“Thank you for all your help with this.”

“Of course, sir.”

I watched as Ryla faded into the shadows with a genuine smile on her face before I took one last look at Eve. ‘Good luck, kid.’ I thought to myself as I left to go back to my office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time seemed to slow as I strengthened my holy blessing, watching as the affliction reduced more and more until it was nearly completely gone.

I couldn’t completely get rid of it for some reason, however it wasn’t something I couldn’t control for the time being. Anyone weaker then I would’ve immediately become overwhelmed by such a stigma.

I stood up from my desk and flexed my arm, testing for any pain or stiffness. For the most part, the feeling had all but disappeared, however surely not permanently.

As time passed, the affliction seemed to grow in strength and speed. Nothing I seemingly tried to do could truly eradicate it, however thanks to my holy blessing it wasn’t fatal.

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“Come in.” I said, sensing a presence approaching my door.

“Sir, all the Paladins have arrived.”

“I understand, thank you.”

“Of course, sir.”

The soldier turned on his heel and walked back down the hallways, closing the door as he left.

The selections were something every Paladin was interested in. It was a time and place where one could scout for potential new recruits and growing talent. Even if someone does not pass the selections, a paladin can opt to take in a trainee and nurture them to eventually be considered a part of the Church, not completely unlike what I did with Eve.

Eve, however, was a different case.

For starters, she was the first person I've ever taken in as my trainee. I've helped guide and point other individuals in the direction I felt best for them, but never actually fully intervened like I have with Eve.

It wasn't that I hadn’t found anyone that was talented enough, because I've certainly met many prodigies, it was mostly because of my position.

Being the trainee of the “First Paladin” was something that brought about an immense amount of pressure and scrutiny. The expectations were just as high as the privilege.

Even more so, however. I feel like Eve would never accept it if I took her in as my trainee to ensure her place in the Church. In a way, Eve is a lot like I was. She needs to prove that she’s strong, not just to others but also to herself. Strong enough to reach the end of her goals and strong enough to surpass them.

Strong enough to wash away the guilt of being the only survivor.

What happened to her is something no one individual should handle alone. It also isn't the type of thing someone can just get past.

I know she's trying hard to suppress all those emotions as much as she can, dedicating herself to training as a distraction, but because of that, I can’t imagine how she'd feel if she failed.

The path she has chosen, whether conscious of it or not, is one not easily taken. It is the same path I took and have seen many others take, most failing to endure the loneliness that it brings.

A path so deeply laced with thorns that stab deeply into your soul, each step taken is one without respite. A path so deeply entrenched in agony that constantly threatens to drown you as you fight, not just everyone blocking your path, but also the chains that hold you back. But the one danger everyone overlooks about this path is the outcome.

This path… it changes people. Most come out having lost everything, even the reason you ventured onto the path in the first place.

I just hope she’s the one in a million to walk this path and reach her dreams.

It’s for this reason that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure she reaches that end, no matter what it may cost. Even if it costs me my life.

I summoned power from inside with nothing but a thought. It radiated as bright as the sun and I could feel the walls threatening to give way from the pressure.

‘What’s the point in having this power if I can’t use it.’

I recalled the power and began grabbing what I needed before departing.

‘I guess I should greet the others.’ I thought before heading towards the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the paladins were gathered in the meeting lounge. There were a total of seven of us, not including Ryla being my personal retainer and assistant.

I walked in and sat down next to Ryla on a lavish, red couch made of the finest materials.

The room itself was pretty simple; fitting of a cozy room. This, however, was not to be mistaken as lacking as the room was filled with books on all sorts of subjects along with a fireplace. The lighting was discreet with lighting artifacts lining the walls on every side, effectively setting the atmosphere of the room.

There were three couches that were positioned around a wooden table, the fireplace at the head of the room. The table had elaborate engravings all over and there cabinets flanking on both sides containing some of the finest liquor Lign Aloes had to offer.

“So, Kalan, I hear you’ve taken someone under your care. This surely can’t be true, can it? Last I checked, you never take anyone in.”

“Things change, Sylas, there’s no helping that.”

“Oh? Has the cold senior grown soft?”

“Quite the contrary, much like the finer things in life, I’ve only gotten better with age. Still much more than enough to humble a few rambunctious kids that haven’t quite earned their ego.”

“More like senile. You haven’t seen how much I’ve grown this past year. I’m still almost half your age, remember?”

I could feel Ryla tense at the disrespect, but she stayed out of it since she knew how much I enjoyed these little exchanges.

“You could’ve grown twice as strong as you were previously and you still wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on me. The gap between us is so inconceivable that you aren’t even able to realize the difference between us, Sylas.”

“Is that a challenge, old man?”

“No, simply the truth. Although you’re free to test yourself against Ryla. She’s about your strength, last I checked.”

“Hah, against a mere assistant? You insult me.”

“This mere assistant rejected the position of Paladin long before you even stepped foot in the world of magic.”

“Now that’s something I’d like to see,” chimed in Mara.

Mara was the third Paladin, a formidable one at that. She wore subtle clothes and light, chainmail armor under it that seemed almost unnoticeable unless you were really looking.

She was a skilled swordsman and an even better mage. One who could utilize the best of both worlds at the same time, completely overwhelming whoever stood before her. Fitting of her nickname “The Maelstrom Queen”.

“I’m sure there’ll be time for fun when this is all over. We will be here for a while, after all.” Said Luna.

“If this year is following the pattern of the previous ones, we’ll be in for a surprise in the growth of talent.” Sylas said before grabbing one of the many alcoholic beverages on the table and pouring himself a glass.

“Say, have you all heard of that foreign kid?” Kayn asked, following Sylas’ example by pouring himself a glass as well.

“Yeah… the one that can supposedly use the elements of the Elves?”

“Not supposedly, Sylas. One of my scouts caught wind of his efforts near the village I stationed him in. He was investigating some complaints from the villagers about oddly strong monsters that started to take shelter within the forest. That was when he stumbled upon the kid as he was manipulating the roots from the trees to bind the monsters, taking them under shortly after.”

“And how reliable is this report?” Sylas questioned, still partially skeptical.

“Very. My scouts would never mistake their senses.”

“Hmm…” Sylas swirled his drink a bit in his hand before gulping it down in one go before continuing.

“So? What about this mystery kid made you bring him up other than his abilities?”

“Well apparently he was last seen traveling towards the capital about a month ago from somewhere North of here. Some say it was a coincidence, but I think otherwise.”

“You mean to suspect he’s going to try his skill in the selections?” Luna asked, finally taking interest in the conversation.

“I’m not quite sure to be honest. If one thing is certain, however, it’s that whatever happens, this year's selections will not be one to forget.”

“Agreed.” Mara said nonchalantly.

The doors to the lounge room swung open as a group of maids pushed in steel carts with different delicacies painting every inch of their surfaces.

“Now, why don’t we stop the chatter here and indulge in the many treats our chefs have prepared for us?” I asked, pouring myself a glass of alcohol as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Eve Solaris POV)

I found myself looking out over the city I’d come to call home over these past few months.

So much has happened since I wound up here after the tragedy that still haunts my memories.

Admittedly I haven’t been able to open up enough to make new friends, but Kalan and Ryla have started to become like a second family to me.

They’ve taught me so much since I arrived. Things such as learning to control my affinity, learning how to use mana in general, improving my combat skills, and giving me something to strive for.

However, despite all of this, I can’t deny that the upcoming selections fill me with a sense of fear. This is the only chance I have to get closer to figuring out what happened.

This is something I need to do. For myself, for Kalan, for Ryla, and most importantly for all of the loved ones I lost.

'If I can’t do this, then how can I ever hope to avenge all of you.' I thought, my eyes staring deep into the faces of the people I once called my family.

That’s why I’m making this vow now. No matter how many times I’m knocked down, I will not give in. I will pass these selections and move onto the next parts of my goal.

Mom, Dad, I will avenge you. Gabi, no one can ever replace you and everything you've ever done for me. Zilpa and Phelix, I will always remember all the times you guys made me smile.

And Cenric… Cenric, I'm so, so sorry. I couldn't save you… any of you. I'll do whatever it takes to find the truth and avenge all of you.

I will get through this, no matter what.

On our lives that could have been, this I vow.