Ripples Beneath Still Water
A day passed quickly.
The sky over the Celestis Academy shifted from gold to violet and back to pale blue again, as though nothing had happened.
But something had.
Maya returned to Holy Water Division with Sana at her side.
"Teacher, you're back…"
The stream that wound through the division shimmered like liquid sapphire. Clear water flowed over smooth white stones, reflecting the sky above. A group of beautiful young women had been playing in the shallows, sleeves rolled, laughter drifting with the breeze. At the sight of Maya, they immediately stood, water dripping from their hems, and bowed respectfully.
Such a routine had always been normal in Holy Water Division.
But today…
Maya's state of mind was no longer the same.
The image of Selena — serene, silver-haired, already a one-star Onyx Realm cultivator after only five days — would not leave her thoughts.
Pressure pressed against her chest like a silent mountain.
