People are superstitious creatures.

Not just in my old world—in this one too.

As long as "human nature" exists, superstition will too.

Like believing a good omen guarantees future success.

Or thinking constant bad luck means disaster is coming.

Anjelit beamed like a little girl who’d just gotten her birthday gift. Her smile couldn’t be hidden, her body swaying slightly with joy.

*Temple Knight?*

I recalled it was an advanced class for Knights.

"Advanced class" didn’t mean switching careers—it meant evolving into a stronger version.

From Knight, you could advance to four paths: Temple Knight, Battle Knight, Magic Knight, or Heavy Armor Knight… and rumor said a legendary Death Knight existed too.

It felt like the RPGs I’d played, yet fundamentally different.

Here, advancement wasn’t guaranteed.

You needed to pass a brutal trial at exactly level 16.

Even then, divine approval was required—a baptism at the Sanctuary.

Fail the gods’ judgment? No advancement.

Most stuck with their base class. Few ever succeeded.

…No wonder Anjelit was so ecstatic. She must’ve dreamed of becoming a Temple Knight.

But why *this* path?

I shot her a puzzled glance. Seeing her radiant face, I just shook my head with a sigh.

*Ah well. Let her be happy.*

"Log! I’m changing weapons!"

Anjelit shouted, tossing her bloodstained Knight Sword aside. She swiftly equipped the Temple Knight Sword.

In my vision, her character stats shifted instantly.

Her gear slot lost *Refined Knight Sword +5*, gaining *Temple Knight Sword +0*.

Her skills gained a new passive: *Light Attribute [Passive]: Attacks carry faint holy light effects and minor bonus magic damage.*

*Effects? Bonus damage?*

"Log! Look! LOOK!"

Dusk had fallen, the sky dimming to twilight.

Anjelit swung the Temple Knight Sword nearby. A soft milky glow pulsed from the blade. Where it struck bushes, a *crackle-pop* sounded—leaving not just cuts, but charred edges.

*So that’s the "effect" and "light damage."*

"This sword is amazing!"

Anjelit laughed wildly. I hurried over to congratulate her.

She immediately clung to my arm.

"Let’s go back to the village! I’m treating you to a feast~ Hahaha~ Today’s perfect! Gold coins *and* a Temple Knight Sword~~~ Hahaha~"

Back at the Village of Egramote, she still hadn’t let go of my arm.

We turned in our quest at the Adventurers’ Guild. The merchant’s reward—1 gold coin—and the guild’s bonus—20 silver coins—sent Anjelit into pure euphoria.

Then we entered the tavern next door.

"Innkeeper! Two usual meals! And ten mugs of barley wine!"

"Coming right up~ Little Anjelit, why so much drink today?"

"I’m happy~~"

"Found yourself a sweetheart, eh?" The innkeeper winked at me.

We both froze, awkwardness thick in the air.

Anjelit finally noticed she was still clinging to me.

Flushing crimson, she stubbornly kept hold, pretending nonchalance.

"N-No! Don’t be silly, old man!"

"HAHAHA…"

We ate and drank our fill.

Anjelit downed mug after mug of barley wine.

By nightfall, she was dead drunk, slumped face-first on the table.

"L-L…" She hiccuped, finger jabbing at me. "I… like you… no! Hate you! *Really* hate you…"

*…Affection System activated…*

The notification startled me. The next one made my lips curl.

*…Affection gained: Anjelit Snake. Current Affection: 60 (More than friends, not quite lovers)…*

*What a liar.*

I shook my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips.

She passed out mid-sentence.

I hoisted her onto my back—only to nearly buckle under the weight. Not from her slight frame. From the heavy plate armor she wore.

*How does someone so small carry this every day? Where does she get such strength?*

"That’ll be four silver coins." The innkeeper tallied the bill. "Food’s the usual price. But the wine…"

"I know."

The table was littered with empty mugs—all hers. I didn’t drink.

"Hero lad," the innkeeper grinned, "Little Anjelit’s sweet on you~~ Don’t waste it! She’s the prettiest girl in Egramote! This old man’s rooting for you~~"

"You don’t know anything, old man…"

"You’re a handsome lad, though."

"*That’s* why I like you—you always tell the truth!"

"HA! You’re fun. Half-price tonight. Three silvers."

I paid with Anjelit’s coin purse, bid farewell, and headed toward the shabby inn at the village’s edge.

Halfway there, Anjelit jolted on my back. Her armored weight threw me off-balance—I crashed face-first onto the dirt road.

I’d tried to be a gentleman, twisting to cushion her fall.

I forgot about the armor.

And her shifting mid-fall.

Her knee landed *exactly* where no knee should land.

"Ghh—!!!"

My hands flew to my face. Eyes wide. Tears streaming.

Agony ripped through my nerves—a glimpse of heaven flashing before my eyes.

*…Critical strike received! HP -500! Current HP: 100/600… WARNING! Near death! WARNING! Near…*