CHAPTER 5: A TEACHER’S DECISION

Sister Luna walked through the temple hallways, her mind occupied with thoughts of the two bickering children she had left behind.

"Should I go with carrot stew? Donations have been low ever since the monster wave in Spelda, and prices are rising..." she murmured to herself.

"Hello."

She turned to see an old man in large fur coat and a fedora hat standing by the entrance.

"Oh, Mr. Tom. May the Goddess’s blessings be with you. Here for your weekly visit?" she asked with a warm smile. "We are always grateful for your support."

"May the Goddess’s blessings be with you too, Sister. And as a proud child of Mother Goddess, that is a given," the old man chuckled. "Besides, what else am I supposed to do with my retirement money? I have no children, and it’s been nearly a decade since my wife passed away."

Sister Luna’s expression softened. "Rose was a good woman. She was my childhood friend too." Her fists clenched as she continued, "If I had known how to wield a sword, I would have fought to crush those monsters myself—the ones who took away such gentle souls."

Mr. Thomas sighed. "Alas, what’s gone is gone. And as a retired Root Unit soldier, I believe I did my part. If not for my injury..."

Sister Luna glanced at his mechanical leg, the replacement for what he had lost in battle.

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"Surely, you would have continued to fight. But I also believe you should rest and leave things to the younger generation."

"Actually, regarding that..." Thomas hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I think you have a great gem waiting to be polished—right under your care."

Sister Luna froze.

"Judging by your reaction, I’d say you already know," he observed.

She let out a slow breath. "Saying I ‘already know’ is an overstatement. But I do have a hint. I’ve raised her since she was barely two years old—left at our doorstep, crying and shivering. These past six years have been more than enough, even for a non-combatant like me, to recognize her talent."

"Then—"

"But I have deliberately left that fate to the Mother Goddess." Her voice grew firm. "You, more than anyone else, should understand that it is a cruel life—a life of blood, tragedy, and monsters."

Thomas met her gaze. "Still, just from what I saw today, it wouldn’t be surprising if she became an excellent knight or even a paladin, if the Goddess wills it. Letting that talent rot would be a cruelty in itself—especially when people are dying even now to those cursed monsters."

Sister Luna closed her eyes briefly. "I know. I know..."

Silence stretched between them, longer than it should have. Mr. Thomas waited patiently.

Finally, she sighed. "Fine, Mr. Thomas. What is it that you wish to do?"

"I wish to take her in as a student. With her talent, even I may not be enough to guide her, but I can at least train her until her awakening."

Sister Luna nodded. "That is acceptable. However, I have a condition."

"Name it."

"Teach the other children even those who show even a little talent. If you’re here, despite my efforts to avoid this, then perhaps this is the Goddess’s will. Fate must take its course."

A small smile tugged at Thomas’s lips. "A wise decision. Then Tomorrow please send everyone above the age of seven who is interested to my compound."

Sister Luna sighed again, but this time, there was a hint of resignation in her voice. "May the Goddess guide you, Mr. Thomas."

"And may she watch over all of us."