Let's Train Heroine

Aurelia observed them quiet satisfaction. They were standing, breathing heavily after the fight.

"Alright, I think introductions are in order," she began, her voice resonant and confident. "My name is Aurelia Celestine."

The group looked at her, expressionless, giving away nothing. Aurelia frowned slightly but continued, letting her tone drop into something more familiar, even intimate. "Oh right, you all might know me by a different name—I'm the First Saint."

That, finally, sparked some reaction. Their expressions shifted in surprise, widening eyes and raised brows, as each processed the revelation. Aurelia allowed herself a small smile, savoring their astonishment. It felt good to know her legacy still had weight, even after all these centuries. She held their attention now.

"That said," she continued, "I'm familiar with most of you. There's Maris, the current Saint; Meri, the previous Saint; Kerum, the Archpriest; and Nyx, the Dark Magician of this generation. But the two of you—" she inclined her head towards Lucan and Virnda—"I don't recognize. Who are you?"

Maris, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks, stepped forward slightly. "Lucan-sama is... my guardian and teacher." She hesitated, glancing at Lucan.

Virnda, meanwhile, gave a grin, "I'm just a girl who got lucky enough to learn some powerful secrets. Used them well, grew strong, and… well, here I am." She spread her arms as if to say.

Aurelia nodded, taking in their responses. As she looked around at the six of them, she considered what she knew: Maris could bend reality, shaping it to her will; Meri wielded the power of all five elements; Kerum was a master swordsman, unmatched in his skill; Nyx had control over space and time; Lucan could make things come true with his words alone; and Virnda could craft illusions that became real. Each of them was rare, their abilities singularly powerful. Yet she also knew, both Lucan and Virnda, as Evil Magicians, harbored a second ability they hadn't yet revealed.

It was time for her to clear the air, to answer some of the questions undoubtedly crowding their minds. She took a step forward, her heels clicking against the ground.

"I know some of you must be wondering how I'm still alive after so many centuries," she began, her voice echoing softly. "The answer is simple. When I created this barrier, I set it so that time inside the barrier moves ten thousand times faster than outside. Since I'm originally from outside, that time distortion doesn't affect me. I'm still just 22 years old—only two years have passed for me since I made this place. You might have other questions but let's those aside and tell me, what are you dreams and goal?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Nyx scoffed softly, folding her arms, "Why are acting like a teacher?"

Aurelia's lips curved into a smirk. "That's exactly what I'm going to be. Since I'm the strongest person here, and frankly, one of the strongest even outside this region, I'm more than qualified to be your teacher. But let's start with my goal. My dream is to make the Saint's Region the most powerful region on the continent. And for that, I need people who can match or exceed my strength. I created this barrier to test for that potential. Only those with the power to become the strongest could break through it. And here you all are, which means you've already passed my test."

The six of them exchanged glances. Aurelia could see the uncertainty.

"Now, let's get to know each other better," she said, looking at each one in turn. "What are your dreams? Your goals? I want to know what drives each of you. Nyx, why don't you start?"

Nyx shrugged, his expression casual, almost dismissive. "Dreams? Goals? I don't have anything so grand. I just want to enjoy life, live it freely."

Aurelia nodded, turning to Kerum. "And you?"

Kerum hesitated a moment, then said, "My dream is to make the temple prosperous, to spread belief in the Goddess far and wide. The temple has always been my sanctuary, my purpose."

Aurelia chuckled, a low, amused sound. "The Goddess, huh?" She paused, remembering. "She's not real, you know. I invented her ages ago, back when I thought religion might be an interesting social experiment. To be honest, I expected the faith to die out within a few years. Funny to think it's still around."

Kerum didn't look surprised. Instead, his face was calm, thoughtful. "I know," he admitted, his voice low. "But belief in something greater—real or not—gives people a purpose, a reason to live better lives. It's helped me, and countless others. Faith keeps people from acting on their worst impulses. Even if she doesn't exist, the teachings have saved lives. For that, I'll continue to spread them."

Aurelia acknowledged his response with a nod before turning to Maris. "And you, Maris?"

Maris hesitated, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "My dream… is to marry the man I love and live a peaceful life with him." Her gaze flickered shyly toward Lucan.

Lucan thought and said, "That's my dream too, but with woman not man."

Aurelia couldn't help a gentle smile at the display of affection, then turned to Meri. "What about you, Meri?"

"Soon, I'll be reborn as a new soul, without memories of this life for eighteen years. Once I regain them… well, I don't know what my goal will be then."

Aurelia nodded, understanding. "So you and other 210 Saints will join rebirth cycle."

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"Yes," Meri confirmed softly.

Finally, Aurelia looked to Virnda. "And you, Virnda?"

"My dream is the same as yours. I want to make the Saint's Region the strongest in the continent."

Aurelia's expression brightened. "Good. Kerum, spreading your teachings here should be easier now. With the Solaris Temple destroyed by the Dark Crow, there's little standing in your way. Once that's accomplished, we can work together to extend the faith across the continent."

Kerum nodded. "I understand. I'm with you."

Aurelia then addressed Maris and Lucan directly, her tone lowering as she leaned in close, speaking softly into their minds. "If you two join me, I'll reveal a way to save your future daughter.

Lucan's eyes narrowed. My daughter? From what? His mind was racing. He remembered that, Aurelia power was see future and change it accordingly to her will.

Aurelia looked at him knowingly.

Maris turned bright red for a moment then worry appeared. She doesn't know if it's true or not.

"I will give evidence later." Aurelia said and turned to Nyx. "As for you, Nyx—I promise you, if you join me, you're going to have more fun than you can imagine."

Nyx's shrugged, "Alright, you've got my interest."

Aurelia looked around at the assembled group and smiled.