The training session had just ended.
Rio exhaled slowly as he lowered his sword, faint traces of frost still clinging to the blade before fading away. His breathing was steady now—controlled. Unlike before, there was no instability, no violent backlash.
Just silence.
Just control.
"…Good."
Ogram's voice came from behind.
Rio turned slightly.
"That's enough for today."
He gave a small nod.
"Yes, sir."
Ogram studied him for a brief moment, then turned away without another word. That alone told Rio enough.
He had improved.
As Rio stepped out of the training hall, wiping the sweat from his face, a familiar figure approached him.
Lyra.
"The guild master wants to see you."
Rio paused.
"…Now?"
She nodded.
"Now."
A few minutes later, Rio stood in front of the large doors leading to Elara's office.
He took a small breath.
Then pushed them open.
The room was just as imposing as before.
Spacious, yet minimal. Clean, yet heavy with presence. The large window behind the desk revealed the vast futuristic city beyond, glowing under artificial lights, streams of traffic moving through the air in organized lanes.
And inside—
Two figures.
Elara sat behind her desk, her expression calm as always.
Leon stood beside her.
The moment Rio entered, Leon turned and gave him a small, casual wave.
"Yo."
Rio blinked once.
"…Hi."
"Come forward," Elara spoke.
Rio stepped closer, stopping a few feet in front of her.
Her gaze rested on him for a moment before she spoke again.
"After a proper investigation, we've identified the organization responsible for the facility you were held in."
Rio's body stiffened slightly.
"…What is it called?"
Elara didn't hesitate.
"Oblivion."
Rio's eyes widened.
Oblivion.
That name—
He knew it.
Of course he did.
It wasn't supposed to appear this early.
That organization was introduced in the later arcs of the novel, a powerful force that operated in the shadows and stood directly against the kingdom itself.
They weren't just dangerous.
They were catastrophic.
At the top of Oblivion stood a single individual.
No name.
No identity.
Only a title.
The Sovereign.
Below him—
Eight retainers.
Each one a monster in their own right.
Rio's thoughts raced.
Why now…?
Elara's voice cut through his thoughts.
"They are not a minor threat."
Her tone remained calm, but there was a weight behind her words.
"They operate in secrecy and precision. If they were involved in your case, then your existence is already on their radar."
Rio's grip tightened slightly.
"…So I'm a target."
"Possibly."
Elara's gaze shifted toward Leon.
"Leon."
He straightened slightly.
"The Holy Saintess is expected to visit the capital next week. The Church has requested protection."
Leon blinked.
"…You want me to bodyguard?"
He let out a small sigh, scratching the back of his head.
"Boss, come on… isn't that the shitty paladins job? Why me?"
Elara's eyes didn't change.
"Because I said so."
"…Right."
"This is an opportunity," she continued. "If we handle this properly, we gain the support of the Church."
Leon's expression shifted slightly.
"And there is reason to believe that Oblivion may target her."
That wiped the last bit of complaint from his face.
"…Got it."
He exhaled.
"Yeah, that makes sense."
Elara's gaze sharpened.
"You will accompany her at all times."
"Understood?"
Leon gave a small salute.
"Haah… sure."
Then her eyes returned to Rio.
"Noctis."
His posture straightened instinctively.
"Yes, Guild Master."
"How has your training been?"
Rio answered without hesitation.
"It's been effective. I've stabilized two elements—ice and lightning. I can use them without losing control."
A brief pause.
"My mana core is still lacking in overall output, but it has improved."
Elara gave a small nod.
"Good."
Before she could continue—
Leon suddenly stepped forward and placed a hand on Rio's shoulder.
"Boss!"
Elara's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…What."
Leon grinned.
"Why don't I take him with me?"
Rio blinked.
"…Huh?"
Elara didn't even pause.
"Absolutely not."
Her response was immediate.
"If there is even a slight chance that Oblivion is involved, they will target him first."
Leon shrugged.
"Yeah, but come on."
He tightened his grip slightly on Rio's shoulder.
"The kid hasn't gone on a single mission yet. Everyone else has."
Rio stayed silent.
"But he needs experience," Leon continued. "You can't just keep him locked up training forever."
Elara didn't respond.
But her gaze didn't soften either.
"How about this," Leon added, his tone shifting slightly.
"We conceal his identity."
That made her pause.
Just for a second.
Still—
"No."
Rio spoke.
"Please."
The word came out before he could stop himself.
Both of them looked at him.
"I can conceal my face. I won't stand out. I won't interfere."
His voice was steady.
"I just need experience."
Elara stared at him.
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Pressing.
But Rio didn't look away.
Didn't flinch.
Didn't hesitate.
Finally—
Elara exhaled softly.
"…Fine."
Leon grinned instantly.
"But," she added, her voice sharpening slightly as her gaze shifted to him.
"Leon."
He straightened.
"Nothing goes wrong."
The air in the room felt heavier.
"Am I clear?"
Leon raised both hands casually.
"HAHA, of course, boss."
Elara didn't look convinced.
But she didn't take it back either.
Leon turned to Rio, already pulling him along.
"Let's go, kid."
Rio barely had time to react before being dragged toward the door.
"W-wait—"
The doors shut behind them.
Elara remained seated, her gaze lingering on the closed door.
For a brief moment, her expression shifted.
"…Oblivion…"
Far away—
Something was already moving.
And Rio had just stepped into it.
Meanwhile, far from the capital, within the sacred grounds of the Church—
A cathedral stood, not merely as a building, but as a monument to faith itself.
Its structure rose into the heavens, towering spires carved from pure white marble that gleamed under the sunlight. Every surface was etched with intricate patterns—ancient scriptures, divine symbols, and depictions of celestial beings that seemed almost alive in their detail.
Massive stained-glass windows stretched across its walls, each one telling a story of the goddess—her descent, her judgment, her grace. Light poured through them in waves of gold, crimson, and violet, casting a radiant glow across the interior.
The floors were polished so perfectly that they reflected the ceiling above, where grand arches intertwined like wings, forming a dome that seemed endless. The air itself felt different—still, sacred, as if even sound dared not linger too long.
At the center of the grand hall stood a colossal statue.
A goddess.
Eight wings spread wide behind her, each feather carved with impossible precision. Her expression was serene, yet distant, as if she existed beyond mortal understanding. A faint golden aura surrounded the statue, not from any visible source, but as if the very space around it carried divinity.
Kneeling before it—
Was a woman.
Her long blonde hair flowed down her back like strands of gold, catching the light with every subtle movement. She wore pristine white robes, intricately designed with silver threads that traced along the fabric like flowing light. The attire was elegant, yet modest, carrying both authority and purity.
Her posture was straight, composed, unwavering.
A quiet presence radiated from her.
Not overwhelming.
Not aggressive.
But absolute.
Her face was calm, refined to an almost unreal degree. Smooth, delicate features that held no flaw, no imperfection. Her lips rested in a neutral line, neither cold nor warm.
And yet—
Her eyes were covered.
A blindfold, pure white, wrapped gently around her head.
Despite that—
There was no sense of weakness.
Only something deeper.
Something far more unsettling.
Reina.
A presence approached from behind.
An old man.
But the word "old" did not diminish him.
His steps were steady, measured. His robes, deep silver with faint golden markings, moved slightly with each step. His hair was long and white, tied neatly behind him, and his eyes—sharp, unwavering—carried a weight that spoke of decades of power and authority.
The air itself seemed to shift around him.
This was no ordinary man.
This was the head of the Church.
High Pontiff Aurelion Veyr.
He stopped a short distance behind her.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then—
"Reina."
Her head tilted slightly, acknowledging him.
"You will depart for the capital next week."
Silence followed.
But it wasn't empty.
It was—
Expectant