We then headed for the front desk. “Greetings, I am Gregory Magus, and I have a meeting scheduled for noon with the guild leader.” He says ah he hands over his ID.

“Let me check. Okay, you’re a bit early, so you’ll have to wait.”

“That was my plan. I did not want to be late.”

“I see.” The receptionist said. “That’s responsible, I wish more people were like you.” She sighed.

“Already performing above average, good job.” I joke.

“And you are?”

“I am Elizabeth, a wandering priestess, and a party member of Gregory’s.” I say as I hand over the correct ID. I made sure to store them in different places.

“I see, I have a few questions, but why are you here?”

“I was told that my presence could assist Gregory, so I am here to help.”

“Okay, the guild master will check your qualifications.” She says, deciding that it wasn’t her responsibility. Fair enough, I guess.

So, we waited. I was currently studying the priestess’ qualification textbook, causing me to receive some questioning glances from everyone, even Gregory. I just shrugged. After a bit, we were guided to the guild master’s office.

“Gregory Magus and Priestess Elizabeth are here.”

“Enter.” An old but powerful voice called.

The room was absolutely packed. From books and scrolls, to various tools. The place looked like your stereotypical mage office, though the dust makes it appear to be mostly intentional. The guild master was an older man with a long white beard, though I don’t think that’s because of age. Maybe some of it, but the rest should be dyed.

“Hello Mr. Magus, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He greets.

“Greetings guild master.” We say as we bow.

“You can call me Trevor, I don’t care much for formalities.” If he doesn’t care about formalities, he might prioritize his feelings more than procedure, so things have a chance of becoming more difficult. Or easier. You never know.

“And you are the wandering priestess, I presume. It’s odd that you would join a party. Also, why were you studying beforehand?”

“To refresh my knowledge. I figured you’d want to ask me some questions, as wandering priestesses are quite rare. While I wouldn’t particularly care if I was on my own, I don’t want to cause problems for my friend.”

“Aren’t you already familiar with everything?”

“Familiar, yes, but did you go to an academy or something similar? And if you did, do you remember everything?”

“Of course.” He replies with confidence.

“Okay, who was the twenty-second saintess?” I questioned.

“That was Saint Henry.”

“Nope, Saintess Sarah, Saint Henry came after her relatively short term ended.” I smiled while showing him my book. “See, you can’t possibly remember everything.”

“Fair enough. I still want to know why you are wandering.”

“It’s a trial. Specifically the trial of valor.”

“What?!” Trevor was shocked. “Why? Are you trying to become a paladin?”

“No, I argued that the church should do more, so I was told to use my actions to prove my argument. So, here I am.” I shrug. “And yes, it is an unofficial punishment, as I was a bit… aggressive, with my arguments. Actual combat has calmed me down, but I’m too stubborn and care too much about my party to return.”

“I…see. Then do you have your badge?”

“Does this city hand out badges? The capital sure doesn’t.” I questioned.

“We don’t, I was just testing you. You can never be too careful.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard that people often pretend to be wandering priests, though they usually don't pass any real questioning. The best way to check would still be to ask the church though.”

“And you would be fine with that?”

“Of course. The only issue I’d have is that it would take a while, and since we plan on departing soon, we might not have time for that, negating my purpose for being here.” I shrugged. Seems like I won’t be that helpful.

“I see. I’ve already sent someone to check, so we should be getting an answer soon.” I take that back. Possibly. Am I actually registered? I mean, I’d be fine either way, but that would ruin the whole point going incognito like this. Let’s just hope for the best.

“That’s good. I take it the mage’s guild and this church are fairly close?”

“We make sure to help each other out.”

“Okay. Do you have anything else to ask me?”

“Not for now. So Mr. Magus, you are trying to earn the privilege to use higher tier spells, right?”

“That is correct. I feel that the limit of my current spells is quickly approaching. As such, I have deemed acquiring higher level spells necessary.”

“I see, so what makes you think that you are worthy of such spells?”

“I currently have fought against both a troll and blast soldier, and we plan on fighting more monsters at or above their power. During those battles, while I was comparable in power to my comrades, they have less limitations for their growth. As such, it shall not take long for me to become a weak link.” Gregory explained.

“Yes, I’ve seen your report, but that’s not what I’m asking. Why are you worthy of such spells? You know that power is not the reason these spells are restricted.”

“True. I am the current heir of the Magus family, as well as a commended student of Hawkthorne Academy. I do not abuse my power nor do I look down on others. Alas, my words do not mean much though, as while many claim to be just, few truly are.”

“That is correct, that’s why we screen candidates, as well as why any who pass have increased limitations placed upon them. So, any notable people we can ask about your character?”

“Other than my family and people of the academy, I presume? Hmm.” Gregory thinks. It hasn’t been long since he left the capital after all. “You could ask the church in Marro.” He suggests.

“Hmm, what did you do there?”

“I cleared a field of rocks.”

“What?”

“I removed every potentially harmful rock from the field that the church orphans play at.” He explained.

“Interesting, why’d you do that?”

“Elizabeth asked me too.”

Trevor then turners to me. “Oh, and why did you request that of him?”

“One of the kids got cut on a rock while we were playing, so I wanted to make sure no one else would get hurt like that. I could have had the kids join me as we removed them by hand, but I figured Gregory could do it faster and more effectively.”

“I see, and were there any problems with how he performed?”

“Hmm, it was boring?” I suggest.

“Huh? How is that a problem?” Trevor questioned.

“The kids were bored while watching.” I shrugged. Minor, but it is a complaint.

“Why?”

“I obviously couldn’t have the kids running around a mage that is removing rocks with their magic, even when said mage was removing them in a safe way, so we just had to watch. I admit that I had underestimated Gregory, though. Instead of a quick, showy, and dangerous method, he chose a safe, but slower method.”

“So the kids that watched were bored. And that’s a problem?”

“For them, it was. Though they didn’t complain that much as I would have forced them to do it by hand otherwise.”

“Okay then. So you helped out some orphans?”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Yeah, and afterwards we played with them and Melly told them about our troll fight.” I smiled in remembrance.

“I see, that is nice. So, other than that, do you have anything else to say about him, priestess?”

“Let’s see, he’s pretty helpful. Just earlier he taught me how to use a staff.”

“All I accomplished was giving you some advice. Advice that you barely even used as you deciphered your own path.” Gregory adds.

“Okay, that barely counts.” Trevor accepted.

“Okay. He also doesn’t give up easily, even when he’s very injured or when he is asked to climb a mountain despite being both weak and lacking any sort of training, or when told to move despite being very injured, he pushes himself to do it.”

“Better, but nothing amazing.”

“I mean, it’s hard to find examples of exceptional conduct for anyone. All I’ve really got is that he’s never done anything bad.” I sigh. This isn’t going well. “It’s not like there are any real opportunities for him to do good. I mean, he was there for me whenever I was having difficulties, and I’m sure he would help me right away, but so were my other companions, and they were the ones that ended up helping.” I sighed. “There’s just not that much I can say.”

“Is that all?”

“I guess.” Sorry, I guess I wasn’t that helpful.

“I see.” Trevor smiles. “Well, sometimes the best mark of character is the lack of things to say about them. You know that he has your back, even if he hasn’t gotten the opportunity to yet. That’s good enough for me.”

Trevor then stands up and walks over. “Congratulations on passing, Mr. Magus, or should I say, Gregory.” He says as he holds out his hand.

Gregory quickly stands up and shakes his hand. “Many thanks, Trevor.”

“It’s my job. You are free to purchase the next tier of spells.”

“Really?” I ask. “Weren’t you waiting for the confirmation of my identity?”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that, Saintess.”

“Why- wait, saintess!?” I look at him, confused.

“Yes, Saintess. Is there a problem, Saintess?” It sounds like he’s taunting me.

“...What are you talking about?” Yay being so genuinely confused it overcomes your surprise.

“You are the saintess.” He says firmly.

“Why do you think that?” I am honestly curious right now.

“Haa, do you think I wouldn’t know? I’ve long since memorized the names of every member of the Hero’s party. You can’t hide your identities from me.” He explains.

“That would explain your insistence.” Gregory comments.

“Haa, that’s annoying. Sorry Gregory, I wasn’t any help.” I sighed.

“Hmm, why do you say that?” Trevor asks.

“Gregory wanted to earn it with his own merit, not because he’s a member of the Hero’s party.”

“That’s a pointless concern.” He comments.

“Maybe for you, but-” I start before being cut off.

“No. What I mean is that anyone that’s a part of the Hero’s party has already been screened to be worthy of the power they will gain. All he would accomplish with his plan is reaffirming what he should already know.” He explains.

“Ah I see, that makes sense.” I nodded. “Wait, what about me? Was I screened?”

“Ah, well, about that.” He hesitates.

“You were not screened.” Gregory says. “At least, not by any humans. While we do not know how the Gods chose you, we trust their judgment.”

“I see.” That makes sense. “Hmm, does becoming a saint candidate count?”

“In a sense, but the Gods may choose anyone to become a saintess, even if they were never a candidate.”

“Okay.” You know, I probably should know these things.

“I apologize, Elizabeth, I did not realize that we would be recognized from just our names.”

“It’s fine, I didn’t think of that either. At least we know now.” I shrugged. “I wonder how many people would judge me for not realizing.” I sigh.

“Do not worry, for I shall join you in our shame.”

“Thanks Greg.” I pat him on the shoulder.

“Greg?” Oh, oh no. Man, I even specifically made sure to refer to him as Gregory in my thoughts so I wouldn’t make that mistake!

“Umm, well.” I stumble while averting my gaze. Haa, this is embarrassing.

“Hmm, what is bothering you, Eli?”

“Well… wait. I see.” I nodded. “Nothing’s wrong, Greg. My brain just stopped working.”

“Understood. Well then, Trevor, I won’t hold you up any longer.” Gregor- ehem, Greg said.

“Goodbye, and good luck on your journey.”

“Goodbye.” I bowed as I left. “So, what’s next Grego- ehem.” I smile.

He just laughed. “I plan on buying a few new spells, what about you?”

“Hmm, may I look at your spells as well? I’m curious as to how they differ from mine.”

“Hmm, I wonder. You should be fine if you reveal that you are the saintess, but I do not think you could otherwise.” He contemplates.

“I see. Well, I might as well try. Otherwise I’ll just look at some of the simpler spells.” I shrug.

“Let us go then.” He then led me to the library help desk. “Excuse me, I am Gregory Magus. I am here to acquire new spells.”

“Gregory, yes? I’ve been expecting you. You can enter the third door.” He points to the door with a massive 3 painted on it. “What about you, miss?”

“I was wondering if I could follow him? I wanted to see some of the spells”

“If you are able to enter, then you are allowed to read them.” He responds. That sounds… odd. Whatever.

“Okay, thank you.” Gregory then gave me a look. “What?”

“I do not know if you would want to enter.” He answers.

“So there is something odd. Well, only one way to find out.” I shrugged as I opened the door. Suddenly, my vision was filled by a wall of mana.

As I try to walk through, it doesn’t directly try to stop me, but instead tries to make me not want to enter, as the mana infuses into me, giving me an intense feeling of dread. Before I could be actually affected though, my mana reacted and retaliated.

The hostile mana was immediately and violently ejected from my body. That would normally be enough, but my mana wasn’t done. My mana then left my body, and entered the ‘barrier.’ My mana then proceeded to ‘attack’ the hostile mana, despite it being ‘outnumbered.’ My mana then, somehow, started to win, as it quickly corrupted the barrier. Shortly after, the barrier collapsed, having been destroyed by my mana.

The leftover dread mana, having lost its binding, was then released into the library and the rest of the building. Several screams soon followed.

“Well then.” I looked around before shrugging.

“What did you do, Eli?” Greg panicked.

“Well, my mana was… annoyed, I guess, by the barrier’s mana, so it attacked it.”

“You did not do that yourself?”

“No, why would I do that?”

“I… do not know.”

Before we could continue, “WHAT IS GOING ON!” We hear the guild leader shout as he enters the library.

“Sir.” The librarian reports. “The miss destroyed the barrier.”

Trevor then looks at me. “Did you?” He sounds hostile.

“Yeah.” I admit.

“Why!?”

“It wasn’t my intention, my mana did it.”

“What, did your mana just decide to attack on its own?” He jokingly accused.

“Yes, actually.” I affirmed.

“I highly doubt that.” He denied.

“Well, my mana is pretty aggressive.”

“Aggressive? You’re a healer! And even if it was, it still wouldn’t act on its own.”

“Wanna test it then?” I say as I hold out my hand.

“Fine, let’s see this aggressive mana of yours.” He says as he grabs my hand.

I then infused him with my mana, making sure it’s nice and aggressive.

“Ah!” He yells as he pulls back his hand. “What? How!? Mana shouldn't be capable of being so intense.” He exclaims.

“Normally, but I’m the Saintess, and, in case you didn’t know, when the Gods blessed me, they also increased the intensity of my mana trait.” I smiled.

“I see. That’s right. Sainess’ mana does become quite extreme. I’ve never heard of one with aggressive mana though.”

“Well, there’s a first for everything. So, am I allowed to read those spells? I was told I could if I got through the door.”

Trever then glared at the librarian. “The barrier’s purpose is to dissuade people from entering without permission. It can’t actually stop people.” He scolds. “Normally you wouldn’t, but as you are the Saintess, you are allowed to.”

“Cool. I’ll go check out some spells then.”

“Understood. I will see what we can do about the barrier.” He says as he glares at the librarian again.

Well, it's not my problem. I pat Greg’s shoulder and walk into the room.

“I shall look for some useful spells. I request your assistance in finalizing my choices once I have an initial selection.”

“Okay, I’ll see if I can understand any of these spells.” I say as I pick one up at random.

After a few minutes. Hmm, yeah, I don’t understand this at all.

“Hey, Greg, do you have a basic spellbook I could borrow?”

“No, but I shall fetch one for you.” He says as he glances at my book before leaving. “This is the most basic fire spell, candle flame.” He said once he returned.

“Thanks.” I say as I take the ‘pamphlet.’ When I read through it, I did actually understand most of the math and stuff, though I am still quite a ways off from being able to cast it. Haa, this is why it takes years of work to even begin casting basic spells.

Hmm, I heard that some heroes are often given a basic understanding of magic, so at least they don’t have to deal with this immediately. They still need to study in order to master any spells though. At least, that’s what my teacher told us, to get us to study. I wonder if our hero can use magic?

Well, as Greg is still looking through the spells, I’ll start comparing the differences between the branches.

After a while, Gregory called me. “Eli, I have narrowed my selection to these forty spells. I request your assistance in finalizing the ten I shall take.”

“Okay, let’s do this.” I say as I start going through the spells.

Well, thirty minutes, and a lot of arguing later, he had his final selection.

“Mmm we should head out.” I say as I stretch. “Shall we get something to eat?”

“Yes, I was getting quite peckish myself.”

“Okay, find anywhere interesting while I was away?”

“Oh yes, there is this lovely place the Hero introduced us to. It is a bit out of the way, but the food is delicious. Well, not quite as good as the Hero’s, but fairly close.”

“Ooh, that does sound good. Let’s go there.”

We had lunch in a nice little shop near the edge of the city. It wasn’t too crowded, and the food was quite good. Sadly it was very far from pretty much anything but a few small shops and a bunch of houses. At least Gregory was able to tell me some interesting things about the city as we traveled, so it wasn’t boring.