Under the cathedral in the city of Serene, among the multiple sections, was the catacombs. It was here that the priests and priestesses that died in the line of duty were entombed. Unlike how one would imagine a catacomb to be, a dirty and dusty place, occupied by rats, webs all over the place, this particular tomb was clean and pure.

The floors and walls were in the beautiful color of ivory emblazoned with gold linings, stretching to the ceilings. Chandeliers hung on top, constantly made sure to be lit. The floor was shiny and smooth as marble. The place was completely clean and extravagant.

The rows upon rows of tombs on the walls themselves were as beautiful as their surroundings. They were shiny, neat, and clean. They were as beautiful as ivory and valuable as gold. Taken care of like ever polished jewelry. It was no small feat to create this place, and the cost was staggering. But this place was made a long time ago. And even now, its beauty was maintained.

And amongst the several sections of tombs, a particular girl stood in front of a particular tomb. It was a priestess wearing a sorrowful look on her face.

“Sister… I miss you,” muttered the priestess, Tina.

Her older sister, who had passed away during the assault in the city, was in the tomb in front of her. And only recently was her sister entombed here. Even so, Tina couldn’t help but keep coming back. She placed a single red rose on the tomb, and it would be there until it withers away.

“I’m doing fine, if you’re wondering. Been a couple days since you and the queen were buried. Things are a bit hectic in the kingdom right now. But don’t worry, I’ve been doing whatever I need. Been training hard.” Tina forced a small self-deprecating smile. “I have to say, wielding the spear is hard. There are a lot of things I need to improve on.”

As a healer, Tina didn’t have much experience or training in close combat. She would just send her heals from a safe distance, as long as her target was in range. Fighting in close combat was never her role. That was why, when she needed to learn to attack on an offensive, she opted on using a bow.

The bow was easier and way safer for her. She didn’t need to get close and be pressured by an enemy’s close attack. She would only need to aim and fire once an opportunity arrives. She had not mastered the bow yet, but she was satisfied with her skills in that department, more or less. But recently, she decided to learn something else.

“I don’t know how you do it, sister. To think you’re already so skilled at it when we’re both young.”

Her older sister had always been so talented in direct combat. She had the potential to truly catch up to the high bishop in terms of skills. She would have only needed time. If she had it, she could have been someone great.

“But I won’t give up. I’ll get stronger, so I’ll be more effective in battle.” She nodded and let out an audible sigh. “Anyway, I need to go. Erminie must be waiting for me in the training room already.”

She turned around and walked away from the tomb, walking down the long hallway. This was a place where the servants of the church were entombed, so there were hundreds of tombs here. So walking and navigating around this place would take some time and wouldn’t be easy if you were unfamiliar with it. You could get lost in the halls like in a maze.

Eventually, she reached the exit. She closed the door to the catacombs before turning into another hallway. At the end was another room with a large door, and she entered through it. It was a large rectangular room with mostly white walls. It was plain compared to the catacombs before, more functional. This was a training room.

They had a training room atop, inside the cathedral, but this one was meant for a more intense training. Training that could actually cause damage to the surroundings. Today, though, there were no other people but two.

One was a pretty woman, a priestess, in her mid twenties. She had smooth looking and glimmering golden hair that reached just above her shoulders. Her eyes were of the shade of azure, and she had a fit and alluring body. Her supposedly fair skin on her face was covered by makeup, making her more attractive. Priestesses didn’t typically always put makeup on, they mostly did it in a business setting, or when needed to be more presentable. This one though was different, she always puts makeup on when she goes out. She valued her beauty so much that she wanted to always be extremely presentable all the time. Although she was already naturally beautiful.

The woman noticed Tina, and she raised her hand, beckoning Tina to approach quickly. Tina quickened her steps.

“Where were you?”

“Sorry I’m late, Erminie.”

“Let me guess, you went into the catacombs.”

Tina faintly nodded.

Erminie let out an exasperated sigh. “I can understand that you’re still hurt about Astine's death, but you mustn’t forget your schedules. Being punctual is a sign of discipline. If I am to train you, you have to have that.”

Tina lowered her head. “Y-Yes.”

“To get stronger, discipline is of utmost requirement.”

Despite how much of a lady she may appear, she was quite a strict person. Or rather, if you don’t keep with what was planned, if you lacked discipline, she would get frustrated with you. In other parts, she was a kind teacher.

“So next time, be more mindful of the time and people.”

“Yes, I’m sorry…”

The other person, a man in his early twenties stepped beside Tina and patted her on the back casually. He disregarded her silent protest.

“Aren’t you a little stern, Erminie? It’s just a few minutes.”

“Shut up, don’t question my teachings! She isn’t your student. She won’t be a lazy bum like you.”

The man shrugged with a smile. “What ever could you be talking about? I’m not lazy.”

The man had short black hair, shaven to the sides of his head. His eyes had the color of darkish yellow. And he had a light brown complexion. He was on a thinner physique, but his fighting style was mostly focused on his agility.

Erminie scowled at him. “If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be here.”

“I told you, I have no pressing matters to do. So it’s fine for me to be here.”

“Why are you here of all places, Siward?” Tina asked.

“I heard Erminie was personally training someone, so I wanted to see.”

“That’s it?”

Siward looked up and nodded. “Pretty much. You’re learning the spear, right? What’s up with that?”

“What do you mean?”

“You had already chosen a role. And you had already learned to use a bow. Now the spear? That’s too much field, Tina.”

“What’s bad with that?”

“Have you ever heard of the phrase jack of all trades, master of none? You could end up like that.”

The priests chose roles they think they fit at. Tina was a healer and a supporter. She was supposed to focus on that so in the end, she would be a master in that field. Mastering such a thing would take years, and often, most of your life. Like how a knight would master Armament Magic and prioritize practicing it. Or a mage mastering magic casting instead of learning the way of the sword.

But Tina had added the bow to it. That was a fine addition. But a spear was an entirely different case. It was direct combat. Way different from her previous experiences. Not only would she practice using the spear, she had to practice actually physically fighting and now further develop her skill in Physical Enhancement.

“I’ll be fine, Siward.”

Siward scratched the back of his head. “Are you trying to fill Astine’s shoes?”

“...”

“That will only hurt even more, you know. How will you move on with that?”

Tina lowered her head.

Erminie smacked the back of Siward's head with an audible thud. “You’re asking too many unnecessary questions.”

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“Ow. It’s just, I think she’s doing way too much.”

“Who cares why she’s doing it. It’s her choice, and that, of course, includes the consequences to it.”

“Erminie, it’s okay,” Tina said. “I just want to be stronger than I am now. Without strength, I can’t fulfill what I want to achieve. And I want to learn the way Astine did it. Not filling her shoes.”

Siward narrowed his eyes. “... I sense you seek revenge.”

Tina didn’t respond, but it was already obvious it was her motivation in all this. Siward could only let out a brief sigh.

“Do you really intend to hunt them down?”

Tina nodded. “The elf that killed my sister… He will pay. To do that, I have to get stronger.”

When Tina faced any elf, she could not contribute much. And one attack from an elf could even kill her. The way she was currently, there was no way she could face an elf and win.

“I understand,” Siward said. “But facing them might be closer than you think. War is already here, there is a chance you might meet them again.”

“Then good.”

Siward turned towards Erminie. “Any word what our role in this war would be?”

“Nothing yet. But I guess we’ll be some sort of special task force. That is where we are specialized, not on a battlefield.”

“No one’s been assigned to anything?”

“Last I heard, there are some assigned to find the Cursed Children?”

“Cursed Children?” Siward tilted his head.

“From what I heard, they are monstrous creatures. They could turn into fog, they feast on blood. And they can even turn into a human.”

“What the hell? Are they some sort of demons?”

“Nope. But like imps, they cannot seem to die. No matter how much damage you inflict on them.”

Siward’s eyes widened. “Then how do we even kill one? Would our holy element work?”

“We’re not sure.”

“Then why are we looking for them?”

“Ask for clues about the princess’s whereabouts.”

Tina’s ears perked at hearing that.

“Are we like grasping at straws here?” Siward casually remarked. “Resorting to asking monsters.”

“It would seem the palace is desperate about finding her. Which reminds me, Tina worked for her in the past.”

“Really? Was it the one where chaos ensued in the city?”

The two looked at her, as if urging her to talk about that event. “... Not the only one, but yes. I worked under her for a while.”

“Must be hard to hear your old boss is missing, huh?” Siward said.

“... I guess.”

Tina didn't know how to feel about that. Should she feel sad the princess was missing? But she wasn’t feeling sad about that at all. Was it because she had other priorities in mind? She was so focused on getting revenge? Perhaps. But she hadn’t exactly had a good result in working for the princess. Because of her, she had to leave her adventurers’ party.

The princess was a strange person. So confusing. In most aspects, she seemed like a soft and kind person. One who was pure and with a fragile heart. But sometimes she was something else. An enigmatic and strange side of her. Tina didn’t really think much of it, but that was what she felt once. And considering past experiences, she would rather avoid the princess, and more so avoid thinking about her.

“Hm. Anyway, I’m glad I wasn’t stuck with any of those important jobs.” He placed his hands behind his head casually.

“I think I should suggest to the high bishop to give you a job.”

Siward suddenly grabbed her arm. “Erminie! Don’t do that, pleeaasse!”

“Ggh!” Erminie tried pulling her arm away with a disgusted wince. “G-Get off me!” Once she was free, she promptly stepped away a few feet from him. “Stop being an indolent scum and do some work!”

“I am doing all my priestly jobs, okay?!”

“Ugh, honestly… What’s wrong with doing your job?”

Siward frowned. “Hey now, don’t think I don’t know your preferred job. I know you would rather be thrown into a battlefield than get sent to do desk work.”

Erminie, strangely, grinned widely. “And what’s wrong with that? At least I get to exterminate the enemy of the kingdom and the Lord and Lady.”

“Uh—”

“On the battlefield, I can kill any enemies, no matter how many.” She lowered her head, an ominous smile formed on her lips. “A hundred blood would stain my spear, and no one will bat an eye! I’ll get to hear the cries and the pain of my enemies as I slaughter them however I want.” She closed her fists, her eyes carried a wicked darkness. “With my efforts, the Lord and Lady will surely commend me. Yes, how wonderful it is to kill for the gods! Is that not a thing to be happy about?”

When Erminie glanced at Siward, the latter couldn’t help but flinch.

“U-Uh yeah, I guess you’re right. Don’t you agree, Tina?”

Tina was feeling a bit frustrated that he had to involve her in their conversation. She had to force a wry smile as she frantically nodded.

“Y-Yes, of course. Nothing is more honorable than fighting for the gods.”

Erminie’s smile turned into a friendly and happy one. “I’m glad you two understand.”

Hearing that, Siward furrowed his brows. “Am I the only sane person here…?” he muttered to himself. Perhaps that was true, he was the only one completely sane among the three of them.

Yes, Erminie, despite how normal she might look, how beautiful she was, she holds a monster inside her. Her bloodlust. She was, one could say, among the most fanatic in the Order. She wouldn’t mind killing. It wouldn’t be surprising if she would kill an innocent bystander just for her faith. No one knew how she ended up this way. Perhaps she had always been like this since she was a child.

At any rate, she was helpful in most scenarios. And perhaps it was her faith in the gods keeping her restrained. And that was good. Tina didn’t really sympathize with her views, with her desires. She was not seeking to exterminate just about anyone, Tina only wanted to execute the elves. She only wanted to avenge her sister. And she would not stop until she was done.

“I have to admit,” Erminie continued. “I would be thrilled to be sent to the frontlines.”

“Uh-huh. I imagine so,” Siward murmured.

Erminie placed a hand on her cheek, as if imagining how it would go if that happened. But a second later she returned from her thoughts and looked at Tina. “Let’s start.”

Tina was taken aback for a moment at how she quickly shifted gears. “Uh, okay.”

Siward shrugged and moved to the wall. “I’ll stay here and watch, if you don’t mind.”

Tina and Erminie stood at the middle of the floor and a few feet apart from each other. Tina conjured a spear of golden light just as Erminie did the same.

“Let’s see if you still remember your recent lessons, and how you have improved your Physical Enhancement,” Erminie said. “Come at me.”

Tina gripped her spear with two hands as she started using Physical Enhancement. She could feel the mana flowing through her veins as they strengthened her flesh. Once she was ready, she leaped at Erminie and thrust her spear forward. Erminie casually stepped to the side and parried Tina’s weapon.

Tina kept a tight grip of her weapon and took a step back. Tilting the sharp blade at the tip of her spear, she lifted her foot to move her body forward, increasing her reach, and swung her spear diagonally at her opponent.

Erminie blocked it with the pole of her golden weapon.

“Hm. You made an opening with that attack. Patience, Tina. You’ll get your chance at landing a killing blow. But this attempt is foolish.” She shoved the spear away violently, causing Tina to stagger back. “Again.”

“Ugh.” Tina groaned and quickly returned to her fighting stance.

“Keep your footing in mind. Do not easily lose balance with just that. Anticipate the possible consequences of your attacks. Anticipate how your enemy could respond.”

Tina took a deep breath and charged at Erminie again. She checked on where her opponent’s weapon was positioned before thrusting her spear towards Erminie’s chest. Then, Tina saw Erminie’s spear coming at her’s, and thus she pulled it back just as Erminie lifted her spear in an attempt to parry it. At that moment, Tina quickly thrust her spear in another direction.

Erminie tilted her body to evade it. Immediately, Tina pulled back her spear and gave out another strike. Erminie casually shifted her body back to dodge it. Seeing that she missed, Tina pushed herself forward as she pulled back her spear, and then abruptly thrust it forward swiftly.

Erminie followed Tina’s spear closely and parried it. It pushed the spear backward, making Tina’s arms move back from the sheer power behind the parry. Unlike last time, she quickly moved her legs to keep herself balanced, preventing her from losing her footing. And she quickly returned to her firm stance.

“Good,” Erminie said. “Keep going at me. Give it everything you got.”

Tina engaged her opponent once more. She kept thrusting and swinging her spear. But Erminie would easily dodge or block her attacks. One time when she did a heavy swing, Erminie took the brunt of it like it was nothing. Tina poured all her strength in that.

Tina wanted to fight with two spears, just like how her sister did it. But she should start with the basics. Skipping it would only hamper her progress.

As their mock battle went on, Tina was becoming tired. Her sweat dripped to the floor. Her breathing labored. It was way different from what she was used to. Moving around was fine, running, jumping and such with swiftness. However, add to it directly sending attacks at the enemy, and thinking how you engage, it was both physically and mentally taxing. Unlike when she would only just heal her allies.

And then, after some time, Erminie swung her spear at Tina’s weapon with one hand. When their spears made contact, Tina could feel the intense vibration coming from the golden weapon to her arms. And at that, Tina’s spear shattered into pieces.

“Huh?” She watched in shock as her golden weapon faded into nothing.

Erminie lowered her weapon and it disappeared like smoke. “We’re done. You did well, you’re within my expectations.”

“Really…?” Tina panted.

“Aside from your spear fighting experience and techniques that need further development, your Physical Enhancement needs more power.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your swings are weak. Too weak, considering the powerful enemies you intend to defeat. I didn’t need to exert a lot of force in blocking your attacks.”

“Oh…”

Tina should have expected that. She mainly used Physical Enhancement when navigating the surroundings. She never needed to use it in an actual direct fight. Her level of Physical Enhancement was enough for quickly moving around the place or jumping up and down from a long height. But in direct combat, it would seem she needed more.

“Practice it when we are not in session. Because when you meet me, I will mainly focus on training you with the spear.”

“U-Understood. How strong do you need my Physical Enhancement to be?”

Erminie placed a hand under her chin. “For now, aim for fifty percent more power. I don’t think you actually need to master Physical Enhancement, as you use the holy arsenal. You just need it at the level that your weapon would be more effective than you are now.”

“I suppose mastering Physical Enhancement would take years.”

“Those that focus solely on Physical Enhancements are another kind of beasts. They do not need any other weapon but their fists. They could punch a hole through you if you’re not prepared. And they can harden their skin, preventing even blades from easily digging into it. One example that I know of is the king’s butler, he’s a master of Physical Enhancement technique.”

“I see…”

“Imagine how threatening they will be if they also use a sword… Anyhow, aside from that, also strengthen your holy arsenal. It’s risky if they’re that fragile.”

Fragile…?

“Your opponent will be exerting a force equal or greater than yours. Prevent your weapon from shattering as much as possible. Otherwise, you will be in great danger. Strengthen your weapons until I am satisfied with it.”

“U-Understood.”

Tina was quite surprised to hear that her weapon conjuration magic was not yet strong enough for Erminie. She was quite confident about that part, too.

“Alright, shall we continue, or do you wish to take a rest for a moment?”

“Please, let’s continue. I’m not too tired yet.”

“Hm. If you say so.”

Tina conjured another golden spear. She shouldn’t slack around. If she could still move her body, she must use it to push herself, to train. She could not waste time. If she were to kill an elf, she would need to practice as much as possible, until her body could no longer bear to move.

One day, I’ll kill an elf with my own power alone.

She promised herself.