"So, if I understand correctly, Sol could end up being kidnapped and assaulted by a group of witches if your theory about his gift turns out to be true?"
"Exactly."
Lilith sighed heavily and rubbed her temples. "I'm too old for this nonsense."
Her curse made both Sol and Edea stifle a laugh.
They were still in Edea's world, but after hearing her revelation, Sol thought it would be wise to summon Lilith there as well.
"Alright, I get it," Lilith said after a pause, muttering a few more curses under her breath before lifting her head. "First of all—congratulations on your awakening. It happened a bit sooner than I expected, but that's fine. Now, we just need to measure your capacity and wait for the Astral Realm to open."
"Thank you. I plan to visit Camelia tonight. I'll ask her to test me then."
There was no way to determine one's capacity through ordinary means—only the Church possessed a special device capable of doing so, one that relied on Castitas's divine blessing.
"I see." Lilith frowned slightly at the mention of Camelia but quickly masked it with a nod. "Very well. We'll prepare something special to celebrate."
"I appreciate it."
Lilith's expression softened. "Now that you have mana, you can finally train in our family's true techniques. Setsuna was only meant to teach you the basics. From here on, you'll learn advanced forms—and you should also choose a personal weapon."
"I can't wait," Sol replied, visibly excited. Mana was the key to entering the world of superhumans, and now, he could finally protect himself.
Lilith hesitated briefly before speaking again. "One more thing—we must keep your awakening a secret. No one should know you've awakened early. Not even Setsuna or Milia."
Sol frowned. Hiding his awakening made no sense. Revealing it would strengthen the people's faith in the royal family and discourage the nobles from trying to manipulate him like they once did with his grandfather, Neptune, the Fearsome King.
"I trust Setsuna and Milia," he said firmly. "Is there any reason I shouldn't?"
He wasn't naïve—he knew not everyone who smiled at him could be trusted. But Setsuna and Milia were different; he refused to doubt them.
"This isn't about trust," Lilith explained patiently. "Setsuna is too direct. Her behavior toward you would change, and people would notice. As for Milia…" she paused, frowning. "I can't bring myself to trust her completely. She's hiding something, and I don't like that."
'Hiding something?' Sol thought, tapping the table thoughtfully.
He wanted to dismiss the idea—it was unthinkable that Milia could betray him—but reality didn't care about his feelings. His father had trusted someone completely once, and that trust had led to his death.
"I understand," he said finally.
He didn't say whether he'd follow Lilith's advice or not, and she didn't press him. She never forced his decisions. Lilith didn't truly believe Milia was a traitor either, but she lived by one rule—caution never hurt.
Clap. Clap.
"Alright, that's enough," Edea said, breaking the growing tension. "Today should be about celebration, not suspicion. Sol's awakening is something to be proud of, right?"
"Indeed."
"You're right."
The two women agreed at once.
"Now," Edea continued, "your training will change entirely. We also need to determine how many dragon traits you've inherited—and to what degree. Most importantly, we must find out whether you've awakened a core."
At the mention of a core, Lilith visibly shivered. It was that significant.
"A core?" Sol repeated, surprised. He'd never come across that term before.
Edea smiled wryly. "I suppose that's my fault for not explaining. Do you remember the difference between Tier 3 and Tier 2 beings?"
"Yes. Tier 3 creatures—from rank E to C—are born with mana veins, allowing them to circulate mana naturally. Humans, on the other hand, usually awaken their veins around the age of fifteen."
"Correct," Edea nodded. "Those mana veins connect to the heart, meaning a stronger body equals faster, more powerful circulation. That's why your physical training was so intense. Now, what about Tier 2?"
"Tier 2 beings—rank B and A—undergo a second awakening, manifesting mana horns."
Edea smiled. "Exactly. These 'horns' aren't physical—they're mana constructs that act as amplifiers. They store mana and boost physical and magical strength depending on their size and number."
"So then," Sol asked, "if Tier 3 have veins and Tier 2 have horns, Tier 1 must have the core, right? What makes it so special?"
"Heh," Edea chuckled. "All S-rank beings possess a core. It not only lets them store immense energy but also absorb mana directly from the atmosphere."
"You mean…"
"Yes," she confirmed. "In theory, S-ranks can fight endlessly."
Sol was stunned. The amount of mana one could contain often defined power and talent. More mana meant longer battles and stronger spells. The thought of having limitless energy was intoxicating—but he quickly sobered. 'It can't be that simple.'
Lilith smiled faintly at his quick realization. "Good. You understand. Veins, horns, and core form a trinity. They must develop together. Even if you could draw infinite mana, your veins control how much you can absorb, and your horns determine how effectively you can use it."
"I see… So how do I know if I have them?"
Edea grimaced slightly. "There aren't many records about hybrids between S-ranks and humans, but… within seventy-two hours, you'll know."
Sol frowned. 'I don't like how that sounds.'
"Just tell me the truth."
Edea sighed. "It's going to hurt—a lot. You weren't born with horns or a core, so your body will have to create new organs and connect them to the existing ones. Calling it 'painful' is an understatement."
She hesitated before adding, "My master once told me about a Pegasus hybrid she knew. When that woman awakened her second and third traits, she said it felt… like giving birth."
…
Sol suddenly felt the world grow cold and merciless.
---
Hours later, Edea sat alone in her world, laughing softly at the memory of Sol's horrified face.
She felt a pang of guilt but knew the process couldn't be avoided. Using anything to dull the pain might ruin or interrupt it.
"Still…" she murmured, stirring her tea as a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Perhaps it's finally time for me to leave this prison."
(START OF VOLUME 2: THE SAINTESS)