Shiwon paused, the words of acceptance caught in her throat.
'This has nothing to do with me,' she thought bitterly. She had only learned about spirits, sects, and divine fruits a few minutes ago. Why should she burden herself with their problems? The old instinct to look away—to avoid trouble, to protect her own fragile peace—rose up like a familiar shadow.
See? Is this what a pure and clear person would do? No. Not at all. That was exactly why she shouldn't be anyone's Saintess. She had failed the people who needed her most. She had averted her eyes when her Noona and others—women and men alike—had been preyed upon by those with power.
What right did someone like her have to stand as a symbol of healing and clarity?
She lowered her gaze, then looked at Rin with a genuine apology in her gentle black eyes.
Rin seemed to understand immediately. The crane nodded slowly, its pale green eyes dimming with quiet acceptance.
The sight twisted something in Shiwon's chest. Without thinking, she reached out a delicate hand. "Wait," she called softly.
Rin lifted its head again. Shiwon's heart pounded hard against her ribs. In that moment, scenes from her past life flashed before her—not this serene new body, but the old one: the military barracks, the supply room door she had walked past, the muffled cries she had chosen not to hear. Her hesitation, cowardice—had cost her sister everything.
This situation wasn't the same. Not exactly. But people were in trouble. The Baekrim Sect needed help. Disciples would suffer without their divine fruit. And here she was, once again on the verge of looking away.
'Didn't I promise myself I wouldn't do that anymore?'
Shiwon opened her mouth, then closed it again. She squeezed her eyes shut, hiding the storm of guilt and self-loathing swirling inside her. 'Noona… God… help me.'
As if in answer, a different memory surfaced—clear and warm. She and her noona sitting on the rooftop years ago, talking about dreams under a starry sky. Her sister's voice rang softly in her mind: "Do something for the greater good, Shiwon-ah. Even if it's small. Even if it's scary."
Shiwon opened her eyes and looked at Rin once more. Her voice came out resolute, carrying the same serene clarity that now defined her.
"I'll do it, Rin. I'll be the Baekrim Sect's Saintess."
Rin's pale green eyes shone brightly. The crane bowed low again, feathers shimmering with joy. "Thank you so much, Park Shiwon—no, Your Holiness!"
Shiwon couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Seeing Rin so happy made the heavy decision feel a little lighter.
She glanced toward the window, at the sky beyond, and asked silently, 'Are you glad for me too, Noona?'
_+_+_+_+_+_+_
After allowing Rin a few more moments of celebration, the crane finally calmed and returned to its usual graceful, serene posture.
"I'm sorry I showed you an unsightly side, Your Holiness," Rin said, voice laced with gentle shame.
Shiwon merely smiled and shook her head. "No, you didn't show anything unsightly at all," she replied softly, the melodious tone of her new voice easing even her own lingering tension.
Rin regarded her warmly and released another faint shimmer of light green particles. Shiwon felt a quiet amusement—Rin must have been truly touched.
Then Rin cleared its throat, and its voice took on a majestic quality while still carrying that underlying serenity. "Are you certain you want to become the Pear Saintess?"
Shiwon recalled her sister's smiling face and nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I'm sure. I want to become the Pear Saintess."
Rin nodded, satisfied. It floated upward, growing brighter as soft jade-green light enveloped its form. "Very well."
The spirit's voice resonated through the small apartment. "I, Overseer of the Baekrim Sect, now grant you the title of our clan's Saintess."
The light intensified, particles swirling faster. They coalesced into a glowing orb that hovered in front of Shiwon.
"You shall always uphold the greater good of our clan. Do you accept this honorable title, Park Shiwon?"
Shiwon stared at the orb. The words felt heavy, yet strangely right. She spoke clearly, her gentle voice steady.
"I, Park Shiwon, promise the overseer of the sect to remain faithful and loyal to our sect. I will uphold its honorable traditions and practice doing what is best for our sect."
"Worthy of being our Saintess," Rin said, clearly pleased.
The glowing orb drifted forward and sank gently into Shiwon's chest. A warm, soothing sensation spread through her entire body—like a fresh breath of air after enduring a violent storm. Peace. Clarity. The guilt that constantly clawed at her heart eased, if only for a moment. She savored the feeling, a soft smile curving her lips.
"I shall go forge our new divine fruit, Your Holiness," Rin's voice echoed softly. "I leave everything to you. I wish you luck."
A bright burst of light filled the room, forcing Shiwon to close her eyes. When she opened them again, Rin was gone. The apartment felt emptier, yet somehow lighter.
"It must have left," Shiwon murmured aloud.
Then, in the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of green. She lifted a strand of her long hair and saw that it had turned a soft, vibrant green at the tips, blending beautifully with the original black. The strands felt even silkier and smoother than before.
"Eh?" she let out, surprised. "I didn't know there was an additional trait."
She ran her fingers through it, amused by the change, but ultimately shrugged. It didn't matter much. She stood up and walked over to the old desk in the corner of the room. An outdated computer sat there, dusty but hopefully still functional. She prayed it would turn on.
Now the real question remained.
'What should I do to start gathering spiritual power?'