"I’m still so sleepy," Meris murmured through a yawn, slumping beside me on the bench. "But this is serious, Sera. What will you do now?"

The memory of last night still lingered like a shadow neither of us could shake. The sealed vault, the ancient echoes, the hidden truths—they clung to our thoughts like morning mist.

"I… I don’t know," I whispered, fingers curling around the folds of my sleeve. My heart felt heavy, as though the vault had left a mark on my very soul.

Before Meris could speak again, the tall wooden doors of the study hall creaked open. In walked Matron Calla, regal as always in her robes of soft gold and white, her presence silencing the chatter of the room. Flanking her were two unfamiliar figures—a stern man clad in silver-inlaid armor and a graceful woman in robes shimmering faintly with runes.

Everyone stood. As one, we bowed.

"Lightmaidens," Matron Calla greeted, her voice echoing with quiet command, "and Saintess Seraphina." She gave me a nod before continuing. "Your morning studies in imperial and religious doctrine are nearly complete. Now, you must choose your next path. The training you select will not only sharpen your talents, but it will also determine your service designation after your formal rites are complete."

She gestured toward the woman on her left.

The robed woman stepped forward and offered a warm smile. "I am Matron Elaris, and I oversee the Magical Arts Studies. In my course, you will deepen your connection with light magic, refine your spells, and awaken your divine potential."

Then the armored man took his place beside her. He carried himself like a blade—sharp, precise, and steady. "Good morning. I am Patron Feliphe, a senior paladin assigned to train you in Combat and Defense. We will test your body and resolve. Those who join me will learn swordsmanship, formation tactics, and protection rites passed down from the founding guardians of Hue Shrine."

Gasps and murmurs filled the air.

Matron Calla raised a hand, silencing the room once more. "You are to choose which of the two subjects you will train in for the next three days. After this trial period, your performance will help us assign your permanent designation within the Shrine."

The hall stirred again with whispers and frantic conversations. Some lightmaidens clutched their skirts nervously; others exchanged excited glances.

"Even lightmaidens can train in combat?" I asked, blinking in confusion. "Isn’t that the paladins’ role?"

Patron Feliphe gave a respectful nod. "Indeed, but not all battles are fought with blades drawn by men. Lightmaidens who excel in defense are placed at the side of the Saintess during dangerous rites or missions where paladins cannot go. Power flows where it is most needed, Saintess."

Then he added with unwavering certainty, "As for you, Lady Seraphina, you are to undergo both trainings."

"Both?" I echoed, startled. "Would I be able to keep up with them?"

A warm laugh rose from Matron Elaris. "You are no ordinary maiden, child of light. You carry a burden no one else can. Your path requires both strength and spirit."

Matron Calla stepped forward. "If there are no more questions, kindly write your chosen training on a slip of parchment and pass it here."

Quills scratched. Papers rustled. The decision was difficult for many, but they made it with hopeful eyes. When the names were sorted, Matron Calla motioned with her hand, dividing the students. Those who chose Combat & Defense followed Patron Feliphe to the far end of the hall. The rest trailed behind Matron Elaris, their path lit by glowing orbs that hovered above her palms.

Meris caught my gaze just before she disappeared into the group of combat trainees. She raised a hand and gave me a wink. I couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Then I was alone with Matron Calla.

"High Priestess Celesti has instructed that you take both courses," she said gently. "But if you're undecided on which path to begin first, I am to offer you a tour of both before you commit."

I glanced again toward the doors where Meris had vanished with the others, my heart tugged toward the only friend who knew the weight I carried.

"I’ll take the tour," I said quietly. "But I want to begin with Combat & Defense."

"As you wish, Saintess." Matron Calla nodded, her expression unreadable. "Follow me."

And so I did—down the corridor where blades sang and shields rang, where strength was forged not only of steel, but of purpose.