During dinner, Imet kept watching my Collar with a knowing smirk. Annoying. Seriously annoying. I did my best to ignore him, focusing intently on the main course before me.
Liyue exercised perfect restraint, setting down her knife and fork after just a few bites and sitting quietly. The others had no such reservations. They were quickly conquered by the dish’s deliciousness, indulging shamelessly. Soon, both Mistflower and I surrendered, slumping in our chairs to watch Imet continue his solo battle at the table. Becoming girls had significantly reduced our appetites—I was already so full I could barely move.
When Imet finally stopped eating, plenty of dishes remained untouched. Mistflower stared longingly at her favorite cake; desserts had been served last, leaving her little chance to enjoy it.
“Stop staring. We’ll pack the leftovers. You can have it slowly tomorrow. Want some?” Imet and Liyue both shook their heads. I summoned a maidservant, instructing her to pack everything into Mistflower’s storage item. Then I gathered everyone to return to the Imperial Kingdom Academy.
That night, as usual, I pondered while soaking in the bath. My first month at the academy was over. I’d truly learned a great deal. The instructors explained concepts clearly, and we could practice directly on training dolls. What I’d mastered most was basic Divine Art. Once I fully grasped this foundation, only the specialized Divine Arts of the Breath of the Sun course could further elevate my skills.
Tomorrow was another weekend—a chance to rest properly and take Mistflower somewhere to cultivate her refined tastes.
Just then, the communication disc left beside the bath suddenly chimed. I picked it up—Senior Featherwing was calling. I fumbled to accept the connection in a panic.
“Last time, you called while I was bathing. Now it’s your turn, huh?” Senior Featherwing’s beautiful figure appeared in the projection, her face wearing a teasing smile. I’d been so flustered seeing her name I’d forgotten I was naked in the bath. “Could it be little Lefur feels guilty about getting an eyeful last time and wants to return the favor?”
“But honestly, you’re too slender. If we call it even, I’d still feel cheated, hehe.” Senior Featherwing pretended to appraise my body. I curled into a tight ball, sinking as deep into the water as possible.
“This… you’re the one who called! It’s just bad timing. Just say what you need and stop teasing me,” I pleaded, begging her to be serious.
“Alright, alright. Teasing you is too fun. I’m here for official business. And don’t you dare put on clothes. Sit up properly and listen.” Ugh. I obediently sat upright in the bath, hoping the water would block her view—though for someone as powerful as Senior Featherwing, it probably offered zero concealment.
“Classes are canceled starting tomorrow. I think it’s time you got some field experience. A task suitable for rookie Angels popped up a few days ago. I’ve decided to send you on it.”
“A task? Us?”
“Exactly. A real mission. Not difficult, but it counts toward your contributions. You three—Mistflower and Anan included. I hope your first mission is a complete success. Don’t disappoint the Divine Church.”
“Yes! Understood. We’ll give it our all. Please tell us the details.” Excitement surged through me—I couldn’t believe my first mission was coming so soon. I even stood up abruptly to salute, then remembered my naked state and sank back into the water, flustered.
“I can’t reveal everything yet. Go inform Mistflower. I’ll summon Anan. Then I’ll brief you all together.” Senior Featherwing cut the connection abruptly.
I leapt out of the bath. Holy Light erupted from my body, instantly vaporizing every droplet of water. Ignoring the fresh clothes waiting by the door, I headed straight for the wardrobe. Time was tight, but I wanted to look presentable for Senior Featherwing—especially for my first mission.
I finished dressing in under five minutes and knocked on Mistflower’s door. She was still leisurely seated at her desk, enjoying the leftover desserts. She quickly swallowed a bite of cake when she saw me.
“Lefur! This cake is amazing. Have some!” Mistflower held out a piece.
“You can savor the cake later. Listen—Senior Featherwing just contacted me. Our first mission starts tomorrow. She’ll announce it personally soon. Get ready.” Mistflower’s expression shifted instantly; her cake nearly slipped from her fingers.
“A mission… already? But I’m not… we’ve only studied for a month!” Her eyes brimmed with unease. She still lacked confidence.
“Don’t be nervous. Don’t be afraid. This was always coming. I’ll be right beside you. Isn’t that enough to handle anything?” I gently stroked her head. Mistflower calmed down, her eyes narrowing slightly in comfort. “This training will make us stronger. It’ll bring us closer to our goals. You haven’t forgotten yours, have you? Don’t you still want to avenge your parents? How can you fear the very first step?”
“Mm. Yes. I’m ready. I won’t back down.” Her gaze slowly steadied. Sometimes, she just needed a small reminder.
“What have you learned this month? Reviewing it will help plan your tactics.” I needed to know Mistflower’s current strengths.
“I’ve mastered quite a few basic Divine Arts, but my archery isn’t battle-ready yet. And my Divine Songs… they can’t directly affect reality…” Her voice grew quieter. One month had indeed been too short.
“It’s fine. For a beginner’s task, that should be enough.”
A knock finally sounded at the door. A petite girl with silver-gray short hair entered—Anan had arrived.
Her face was flushed bright red. Was she flustered from seeing a senior she admired? As she drew closer, I caught a whiff of sweet-scented shower gel. Heh. She must have been bathing when Senior Featherwing called her too.
“Are you ready? I’ll summon Senior Featherwing to assign the mission now.” Anan wasted no words, pulling out her communication disc. Senior Featherwing’s image flickered to life once more.
“Listen carefully. Last week, a merchant caravan departed Destiny City for the Imperial Capital. En route, it was ambushed by a mysterious force. Among the stolen goods was a vital item belonging to the Church. During the chaos, it was taken. Our diviners have located it—it’s now in the hands of a gang operating in the Sarona Undercity. Your mission is to retrieve it.” Senior Featherwing finished briefing us.
“Yes! We’ll complete it. When do we depart?” Anan hadn’t reacted yet, but I answered first. She shot me a glare over her shoulder.
“Be cautious,” Senior Featherwing added. “While I believe this gang is within a rookie Angel’s capability, I doubt they could have pulled off the caravan heist alone. We planted several elite guards with the caravan, yet the item was still stolen. I suspect hidden players behind the scenes. However, the prophecy revealed no direct threats. For this mission, I’ve assigned a team leader to accompany you.”
“A team leader? Is she strong?” This time, Anan beat me to the question.
“Hmm. Exceptionally strong. A formidable individual. Though… we don’t always see eye to eye. She’s reliable… I think? Just follow her orders. Don’t let her… extreme methods influence you too much.” Senior Featherwing’s hesitant tone filled me with doubt. What kind of person could clash with *her*?
“She’s already accepted. Meet tomorrow at 4 PM in Preparation Room Eight at the Divine Church. May your first battle be victorious.” The projection vanished, leaving the three of us in the room, each lost in their own thoughts.
