“Then let’s go!”

Seeing Kroso didn’t object, Sylvia let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Archangel, please wait a moment.”

Just as they were about to leave, Kroso turned toward little Lena standing nearby—too nervous to speak a word.

Hearing the Archangel was departing, the child’s admiring eyes instantly shimmered with reluctant sorrow.

Kroso offered a slight smile.

He admired Lena’s courage and willpower, as if glimpsing his own childhood self—though his own talent had far surpassed hers. To encourage her, he decided to leave a small gift behind.

*Pop!*

His hand gently landed on Lena’s shoulder. A high-tier enhancement command surged into her body, jolting her as if electrified.

Still, due to her weak foundation, even this powerful blessing only barely elevated her talent to novice knight level.

Her future would depend entirely on her own effort.

“Brother Kroso?!”

Lena’s gaze hadn’t left the Archangel since Sylvia stepped out. Startled by the pat and the strange tingling coursing through her, she flinched.

“Lena,” Kroso said softly, “the Archangel and I must leave now. If you truly wish to become a Temple Knight who can protect her, go to Chernost City and join the novice knight training camp. The path will be harsh—but I believe your will won’t disappoint us.”

Seeing Lena frozen in daze from the sudden change, Kroso gently pinched her cheek—a quiet farewell.

“Let’s go, Archangel.”

“Mm, brace yourself!”

Sylvia, nervous about using her light wings in the real world—especially while carrying someone—gave a quick warning.

But her worry vanished instantly. The pure white wings needed no constant control; a single flap-command sent them soaring skyward.

From afar, the sacred radiance of the ascending wings blazed like a scorching sun.

Even Valante and the fleeing Imperial Knights paused, turning back in awe.

They watched the sun-like figure shoot overhead like a meteor, trailing pure white light feathers that drifted down like twinkling snowflakes—slowly fading, long after vanishing from sight.

*What an insanely flashy way to fly!*

Sylvia marveled at the exhilarating sensation of feeling like the world’s center.

Beside her, Kroso—riding the surging airflow—wore equal wonder.

Whether it was the earlier unnaturally potent stat boost or this breathtaking group flight, none of the Archangel’s abilities were anything he’d ever witnessed.

This was a talent unseen in the world… and merely the tip of the iceberg.

*How powerful would she be at full strength?*

Kroso realized his perception of Sylvia was shifting—deeply.

At peak power, she’d undoubtedly surpass him.

And crucially… she was years younger than him. Not even of age yet.

*How monstrously gifted is she?*

Thinking the word “monstrous” again, he truly had no words left.

His fingers brushed the Storage Pouch at his waist. The blood-stained Archangel outfit inside flashed in his mind.

Silence settled over him.

If not for the traitor’s poison and wounds… that heart-pounding, ambiguous night would never have happened.

He hadn’t been forced to take responsibility—he’d gained an immense, undeserved blessing.

Guilt tightened his chest. That she’d never blamed him only deepened his shame.

He stole a glance at the serene girl beside him. Clenching his fists, he gritted his teeth inwardly.

*Never again. Not a single hair shall be harmed.*

“Archangel…”

Voice soft with resolve, he called to her.

“What is it, Hero?”

Sylvia turned—and froze. His eyes held unmistakable tenderness. *What’s he going to say now?* Flustered, her pulse quickened.

“Please… may I hold your hand? I promise—nothing strange.”

Embarrassment warmed his cheeks. For the first time in his life, Kroso felt shy hesitation. He feared she’d misread his intent.

*Hand…?*

Sylvia hesitated. The request seemed innocent… yet his faintly mischievous expression made her uneasy.

“What exactly are you—Huh?! What’s this?!”

As she tentatively extended her right hand, a faintly glowing blue symbol flashed across her palm—then vanished.

“A Blink Rune,” Kroso murmured, suddenly unable to meet her adorably puzzled gaze. “Whenever danger arises and I’m not beside you, activate it. I’ll sense it instantly—and teleport to protect you, no matter where I am.”

He didn’t mention this rune could only be inscribed once in a lifetime.

That it could never be undone.

That until today, he’d never considered giving it to anyone.

Until now…

Heat rushed to his face. He turned away quickly, hiding the blush he could no longer control.