Archpriestess stared at the massive ancient door carved with intricate designs of intertwining roots and towering trees… Aether was inside, right behind this sacred door…
“Did Mother really want to teach him?” the Saintess asked, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her eyes widened, clearly shaken—because never in a million years had the Mother Goddess personally taught anyone!
Even the Apostle looked stunned, his expression frozen as he tried to process the news.
Archpriestess gave a slow nod. “This is… something new. Truly,” she muttered under her breath, her gaze distant as her mind drifted back to that unforgettable day—the very first time she encountered Aether.
It had been during one of her missions, when she disguised herself as Stella to investigate a dangerous creature (Aether) rumored to be hiding deep within the forest… It was a direct order from the Mother Goddess herself.
She was tasked with assessing the creature’s (Aether) situation, and if deemed a threat, she was to eliminate it on the spot. But what she discovered was not a monster—no. It was something far more tragic.
What she found was a broken child… a boy who didn’t even seem to recognize his own pain. He sat there like a hollow shell, void of light, like someone trapped in a dark place with no door to escape.
She couldn’t bring herself to abandon him. Nor could she slay him, as she might have done with a true threat. No… he was just a lost child… one who had lost everything.
So she took him. She brought him here, to the Mother Goddess, hoping She would decide what to do next.
And it was the Mother who gave him a life worth living again… It was She who ordered that he be protected, nurtured, and slowly guided up through the sacred hierarchy.
Everything that happened since had been under the Goddess’s direct command. And yet… now, the Archpriestess found herself deeply confused.
What was Mother planning for Aether?
She bit her lip gently, a shadow of worry passing through her eyes. She couldn’t deny it anymore… she had started to grow attached to Aether—far more than she ever expected. More than just a subordinate.
Meanwhile, inside the heart of the temple,
Aether knelt reverently before a towering figure made entirely of roots, enshrined in the center of the grand temple. It was Her form—the Mother Goddess.
The vast hall echoed with silence. There was no movement, no sound—except in Aether’s ears, where a soft, otherworldly voice whispered. It was as if someone was truly standing right beside him.
“You’ve changed so much,” the ethereal voice echoed softly, a sound that caressed his very soul.
Aether offered a gentle smile, bowing his head. “It’s all thanks to your mercy… Mother.”
“Mercy? My child… we simply made a deal, that’s all,” the voice replied, tinged with a warm, amused tone.
Aether shook his head slightly. “Even if it was just a deal… it was you who brought me in, who protected me when no one else would. For that, I’ll always be grateful,” he said as his hand reached behind his neck, fingers brushing over the mark… the slave mark that should have blinked red whenever he was separated from his master.
But it wasn’t blinking.
It hadn’t blinked in a long time.
Yes, the mark was there… but it was dormant.
“Now then… tell me, how is your life going? Are you doing well? Is it everything you hoped for?” the voice asked with an affectionate calmness.
Aether nodded. “I’m doing well. My life… it finally feels light. I feel relieved. Like I’m not carrying the world anymore. I’m happy… truly. Happier than I’ve ever been.”
“I see…” the voice murmured with a quiet thoughtfulness. “Still… unlike others, you cannot wield the power of the holy flames… you weren’t born of this land.”
“I know. And I’m not complaining—not even a little.”
“Haha… I didn’t say you were,” she chuckled gently. “Such an amusing child. Well then, to honor the deal between us… it’s time you began learning something new,” she said in that same otherworldly tone. “Are you ready, my child—”
Suddenly, his vision was swallowed by darkness… everything flickered like a broken, static-ridden screen. Then, without warning, he was holding something—pure white flames danced on his fingertips.
It was small, fragile like a candle flame—but it was real.
“It’s… real,” Aether whispered in awe, his eyes wide as he stared at the ghostly white fire flickering softly at the tip of his finger.
“Haha… you look just like a child who’s received their first gift… ahaha,” the Goddess’s voice echoed joyfully in his ears.
Aether’s lips twitched, a shy smile creeping across his face as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
He’d never had any power like this before. Of course, he’d be curious. Of course, he’d be excited.
“Anyway… don’t get ahead of yourself. This is only the beginning. You’ll need more time. Come again tomorrow,” her voice cooed gently into his ears like a warm breeze.
Aether nodded eagerly, bowing low in gratitude before turning around to leave…
He was bursting with anticipation. He wanted to show Archpriestess what he had just achieved.
He wanted to see her expression—he wanted to surprise her.
Just as he was walking toward the back corridor of the temple,
“Hello, Aether,” the Saintess called out, waving her hand as she spotted him.
Aether looked up and smiled softly as he walked toward her. She had helped him countless times during his training—he respected her deeply.
“You seem… really happy,” the Saintess said curiously, raising an eyebrow as she caught the warmth in Aether’s eyes and the smile he couldn’t seem to hide.
Aether grinned excitedly, “I learned it…”
The Saintess tilted her head in confusion. “Learned it? Learned what?” she blinked, then her eyes suddenly widened in shock. “Wait—what? Seriously? You really did? Show it to me! Show it to me now!” she shouted, practically bouncing on her feet, eager to see whether he was telling the truth or just teasing her.
Aether chuckled softly. “Of course. Just give me a second…” he said, raising his hand and closing his eyes in concentration.
The Saintess stood there, eyes glued to his hand, anticipation building—yet nothing happened.
“…Are you sure you actually learned something, Aether?” she asked skeptically, raising a brow.
After all, he was still in the middle of his training. He didn’t even hold a title anymore—not even the High Priest designation.
Aether frowned, his brows furrowing. “Just… give me a second…” he muttered, now sweating as he focused harder, trying to summon the flame again.
The Saintess let out a long sigh and shook her head. She reached out, about to touch his finger when—
PUFFFFFF!!
Like gas finally catching the tiniest spark, a sudden burst of flame erupted—larger than expected, flaring up right in front of her face.
“KYAA!!” the Saintess screamed as she stumbled backward, flailing as she nearly lost her balance.
But before she could fall, a pair of arms caught her.
“Got you,” Aether said with a confident smirk, catching her just in time. He held her steady, one arm wrapped firmly around her waist while the other lifted to show the tiny, flickering white flame glowing softly at his fingertip.
“See…? I did it! Hahaha! I finally did it!!” he laughed joyfully, completely unaware that the girl in his arms wasn’t looking at the flame at all—her heart was pounding hard, not from the fire, but from seeing his face so close… the way his smile lit up… the warmth of his hand on her hip.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him.
Still grinning proudly, Aether showed the flame closer to her. “Look—this is my holy flame! I mean… sure, it’s nothing as powerful as what you guys can do, but it’s a huge step for me! I can finally use it! Hahaha!” he beamed, eyes bright with pride.
Then he noticed her silence. “Saintess?”
The Saintess suddenly flinched, snapping out of her daze as if waking from a dream. Her face flushed red and she quickly shoved herself away from him.
“T-That was… g-good! I-I’m going now!” she stammered in panic and immediately bolted off, her footsteps echoing as she dashed down the corridor like she was running from a demon.
Aether blinked, staring after her in confusion. “…She must be busy,” he muttered with a shrug before turning and walking toward the Archpriestess’s room, still glowing with happiness.
Meanwhile, around the corner—
The Saintess leaned heavily against the cold stone wall, panting softly. Her heart was racing uncontrollably, her cheeks hot and flushed.
‘Why… why is my heart beating like this…?’ she thought, her hand pressing to her chest. That warmth… that smile… she could still feel it, still see his face so close to hers.
“W-What… is this feeling?” she whispered, face bright red as she slid down to sit for a moment, confused but oddly happy.
Meanwhile…
Aether hurried toward the Archpriestess’s room, excitement bubbling in his chest. His emotions were too strong to hold back, and in his rush to share the news—he forgot to knock.
Thud!
He flung open the door and stepped in, “Archpriestess! I finally did it, I—lo…ok…”
His words caught in his throat.
Standing right in front of him was the Archpriestess… wearing only her inner garments.
“…”
There was complete silence…. Her cheeks immediately turned a deep, vivid red.
He wanted to surprise her… but… He got the surprise!!!