Stepping out of the room and closing the door, Dorothy heard Celia’s voice behind her.

“Senior Dorothy, how did it go?”

The adorable blonde girl stood with her hands clasped behind her back, one toe tapping the floor. Her petite frame fidgeted slightly, radiating unease.

Aurora approached too, her pale golden eyes utterly calm—as if she’d always known Dorothy wouldn’t leave them.

Of course, the least worried was Isa.

She was still sound asleep on the sofa.

Dorothy reached out and ruffled Celia’s hair, smiling. “I’ll keep being your instructor. And Aul has approved you as a Hero.”

Seeing Celia take a deep breath, about to burst with excitement, Dorothy added, “But don’t celebrate yet. There are conditions.”

She paused, holding up four fingers.

“In six months’ Hero assessment, you must defeat a fourth-tier demon beast. Fail, and Aul takes you back.”

“Cough! Cough! Cough!!”

Choking on her breath, Celia’s lips trembled. “F-fourth-tier demon beast?!”

They’d just seen a real one—the sky-darkening silhouette, the terrifying destruction. Merely standing before it made her heart quail!

She’d faced third-tier beasts before, but none could match that scorpion!

Even Roland, a fourth-tier Hero, plus a squad of third-tiers, struggled to beat it. They were just three second-tier Heroes—how could they fight such a monster?

They’d barely fill its teeth!

Celia’s pretty face paled. She felt doomed to return to the Fiona Clan.

“Scared?” Dorothy asked.

“Isn’t this too hard? Can we really do it?” Celia swallowed hard, drowning in self-doubt.

Knowing the scorpion had shaken them, Dorothy crossed her arms, radiating reliability. “With me here, what’s there to fear? It’s just a fourth-tier beast—no big deal.”

“You’ve got six months to grow. Your talents are solid. By then, fourth-tier beasts will flee at your sight.”

She meant it. Celia carried her bloodline and the Demon King’s. Her magic talent couldn’t be weak; she might surpass Dorothy someday.

Six months was enough. Dorothy believed they’d win.

Comforted, Celia’s anxiety faded, replaced by burning resolve.

Aul’s compromise already exceeded her hopes. Defeat a fourth-tier beast, and she’d truly be a Hero.

The path ahead was clear. No reason to mope.

“Let’s continue training,” Dorothy said.

As Celia’s spirit reignited, Dorothy withdrew her hand from Celia’s hair. She turned toward the classroom—when Aurora blinked and called out.

“One more thing, Instructor.”

“Hmm?”

“Celia wants to know your title.”

Both Dorothy and Celia froze.

Dorothy hadn’t expected their curiosity to surface. Celia, though—

“Huh? Since when did I say that? Aurora, stop spouting nonsense!” Celia’s face flushed crimson. She did want to know—but not like this!

It made her seem obsessed. Everyone wondered!

Worse, she felt like a crush exposed. Damn Aurora!

“My title?” Dorothy shrugged. “Ancient history. Not worth mentioning.”

“But Celia won’t sleep tonight if she doesn’t know,” Aurora teased, tilting her head playfully. Celia’s embarrassment flared.

“Aurora! Say one more word, and I’ll shut your mouth myself!” Celia’s fair hands curled like claws, ready to clamp Aurora’s lips shut. She’d tie that tongue in a knot if she could!

Watching them bicker, Dorothy found Celia utterly adorable. A mischievous idea sparked.

She leaned close, whispering near Celia’s ear, “So, Celia… do you want to know?”

A breeze brushed Celia’s earlobe. She shivered, stammering, “Know wh-what?”

“Eh? You don’t care about my title?”

“Who—who cares?”

“Really?”

“Hmph. Tell me if you want.” Celia turned away, arms crossed, feigning indifference.

“Your attitude hurts,” Dorothy sighed, voice dropping. “I was going to tell you… but if you don’t want to know…” She brushed past Celia, heading for the classroom.

After two steps, she stopped.

Celia stood tugging her sleeve, fidgeting. Dorothy’s lips curled. “What’s wrong?”

“Who—who said I don’t want to know?” Celia avoided Dorothy’s gaze, darting her eyes away like a startled rabbit whenever they met. “Since Senior insists… I—I guess I can listen.”

Dorothy’s heart melted. This flustered Celia was irresistible—but she held back.

Gently taking Celia’s small hand, she whispered, just for them: “Long ago, they called me—the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden.”

Aurora gasped, hand flying to her mouth. Celia froze solid.

Dorothy didn’t wait. She released Celia’s hand, finger to her lips. “Shh. Keep it secret.”

With a sly glance at stunned Celia, she strode toward the classroom. Slowly snapping out of it, Celia’s jaw dropped.

“Eh?!?!”

“E-E-E-Elder Silverflower?!!”