"Holy Maiden! This absolutely cannot happen!!"

The holy disciples gathered in the hall knelt anxiously before the silver-haired girl, blocking her path.

Their faces were etched with deep reverence, yet none dared step aside for the Holy Maiden.

They could only kneel stiffly by the door, hoping she’d change her mind and abandon this reckless plan.

"Don’t worry about me. Few in this world can truly threaten me."

"Besides, I must seek out the Great Hero. Humanity’s future hinges on this."

Nora shook her head slightly, gazing at the disciples who refused to move.

She knelt slowly, cupping a female disciple’s face with gentle hands, her expression grave.

"The world is utterly foreign to the Great Hero. He doesn’t know why he was summoned here—truths only I can explain."

"To help him understand his mission swiftly, I must guide him in person."

Nora stroked the disciple’s cheek softly, helping her rise.

Her beautiful eyes held unwavering resolve, no hint of yielding.

She stepped forward, her crystal shoes clicking crisply against the floor.

Golden magic bloomed in her delicate palm.

It flowed outward like warm water, a gentle breeze lifting the disciples to their feet.

"Holy disciples! Raise your heads. Stand tall. Look me in the eyes!"

"The Great Hero knows nothing of this world or his duty."

"He needs me now. The Holy Maiden must aid him."

Nora’s gaze turned stern as the disciples rose.

Sacred magic swirled around her in a radiant ring, radiating authority.

Gone was her usual warmth; her face now wore solemn intensity.

"But... without Elder Leon’s permission... we can’t let you leave the Church..."

"And the outside world is so dangerous, Holy Maiden! At least take guards!"

The disciples stammered under her pressure, sweat streaming down their faces.

They understood her urgency to find the Great Hero.

Yet she was humanity’s beacon—the purest angel.

With tensions high between humans and Demon Kin, what if she was targeted?

"You all—"

"Holy Maiden, the Sword Saint has come to see you."

Just as Nora’s frustration peaked, Leon entered with a cloaked visitor.

"Ah! Elder Leon! We’re saved!!"

"Please stop her, Elder! She’s leaving the Church—wahhh!!"

Relief washed over the disciples at Leon’s arrival.

They were free. With him here, all would be well.

"Enough. Leave us. The Sword Saint and I will handle this."

Leon raised an eyebrow at the lingering pressure. "You even used your aura? You must be furious."

Rarely did the Holy Maiden unleash such force.

"Yes, we’ll go..."

The disciples bowed hastily to Nora and the Sword Saint, fleeing the hall.

They’d never endure that aura again.

"Those fools..."

Nora rubbed her temples, watching them vanish.

Their delay had cost her precious time.

"Long time no see, Nora. What was all that about?"

A clear, mature voice cut through the air.

The Sword Saint removed her hood. Golden strands framed a striking, androgynous face, smiling faintly.

Her deep blue eyes held quiet concern as she studied the Holy Maiden.

"I’ll leave you two to catch up," Leon said, bowing deeply before exiting.

They hadn’t met in ages. Let them talk.

"Leah-sama, what brings you here today?"

Nora took a breath, calming her irritation.

She curtsied gracefully to the golden-haired warrior.

"Nora, drop the formalities. Here—small gift."

Leah shrugged off her cloak, revealing sleek silver armor.

A rose was tucked into her battle skirt. She plucked it and tossed it to Nora.

"Hmph. Even the Sword Saint has troubles?"

Nora’s elegant poise vanished. She narrowed her eyes into dead-fish stares, bored.

Karlos Leah—the mighty Sword Saint—was the only one who knew her true self.

But Leah was just like her: outwardly a cool, powerful swordswoman, yet secretly...

"Wahhh! I crave wine! Damn it!! I haven’t touched a drop in a month!!!"

Leah’s icy demeanor shattered. She collapsed to her knees, pounding her chest wildly.

Her lovely face twisted into a comical, pitiful grimace.

"...a wine-addicted drunk who loses all drive without booze."

Nora glared coldly at the sobbing Sword Saint.

She was gorgeous and strong—how did she earn the title "Sword Saint"?

What a disgrace to the name.