The Class A doors creaked open, drawing the attention of the restless students. An old man stepped into the lecture hall, his gait steady yet deliberate, the faint sound of beads clinking against each other accompanying every step.

He wore flowing white priestly robes trimmed with faint golden patterns that shimmered under the morning light, and around his neck hung a silver medallion etched with the emblem of the Goddess . His hair, long and silken despite its snowy color, cascaded down his shoulders, framing a face weathered by age yet marked by serenity. His eyes, however, held a sharp clarity—piercing blue irises that seemed to look straight into the soul, unclouded despite the wrinkles that gathered around them.

His presence alone stilled the murmurs. A quiet reverence spread through the room.

The man stopped at the podium, clasped his hands before him, and bowed slightly.

"I am Father Aldric Marlowe," his voice carried, deep yet calm, resonating with an odd weight that hushed even the boldest chatterers. "By the grace of the Goddess, I shall guide you in the study of divine power."

Luca leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.

So it really is him. As expected, this didn't change much… Even in the game, when Emeron was discovered and executed, he was the one who took the mantle as instructor. But to meet him this early…

"An old priest, huh?" Eric muttered beside him, arms folded. He leaned slightly toward Luca with a smirk. "I was expecting some fiery sermon. Think he's going to make us pray for three hours straight?"

Luca didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on Aldric, his mind sharper than usual. Unlike the other lectures when his attention wandered, this time he listened—truly listened.

The priest raised his hand, and a faint golden radiance bloomed from his palm, gentle and pure. It was not the harsh blaze of fire nor the sharp brilliance of lightning, but a soothing glow that filled the air with warmth.

"This, my students, is divine power," Father Aldric began. "Born from faith, shaped by will, and channeled through one's soul. It is neither an element of flame, nor water, nor wind, nor earth. Yet it is their equal—and against one foe in particular, it stands unrivaled."

The golden light sharpened, taking form until it looked like thin threads dancing in the air, slicing through a projection of shadow that manifested from his other hand. The darkness hissed and recoiled, fading away in sparks.

"The Devil Cultists," Aldric continued, his voice grave, "corrupt their mana with blasphemy. They desecrate their souls, twisting what was once human into something foul. Against such corruption, elemental spells struggle. Yet divine power does not simply strike the body—it strikes the corruption at its very root. It cleanses, it purges, it redeems… or annihilates, if no redemption remains."

A quiet ripple of awe swept the students.

"In your training," Aldric said, pacing slowly across the stage, "you will learn not only the techniques of divine casting, but the understanding of it. Healing, purification, blessings, and wards. And for those who can wield it with conviction…" his eyes swept across the hall, pausing briefly as if lingering on Luca before moving on, "…you may learn to channel divinity as a weapon—to burn away the taint of heresy where it stands."

Luca's fingers tightened slightly around his quill. So this is how he explained it. It looks like it will be more beneficial than I thought.

"For most of you," Aldric went on, "divine arts will remain secondary support, a means to shield comrades or mend wounds. Yet those blessed with the Light affinity…"

Luca's breath hitched faintly. His eyes flickered, thinking of Aiden—the one who bore the closest tie to light in this world.

"…will find themselves closest to true divinity. Light, after all, is the reflection of the Goddess's grace upon the mortal plane."

He lowered his hand, the glow fading.

"Remember this: the blade can slay, the spear can pierce, the spell can burn. But only divinity can cleanse. In the battles to come, this truth will be the difference between survival… and damnation."

Silence followed, thick and heavy with meaning.

And for once, Luca was not distracted. Not lost in idle thoughts. He wrote down every word, his mind sharper than it had been in any lecture so far.

"This semester, you will first study the theory—the origin of Divine power, its principles, and its relationship with mortal mana. Next, we will touch on resistance techniques—how even those without the affinity may shield themselves through prayer and focus. Finally, those with closer ties to the divine shall practice channeling."

Luca listened intently, his fingers drumming faintly against the desk. This time, I'm Luca, not Aiden. I may not carry Light affinity, the element closest to divinity, but I can't afford to slack off. Not when devil cultists are everywhere…

The lecture stretched on, rich with details about rituals, meditation techniques, and the philosophy behind purity of will. Unlike most classes, there were no demonstrations—only theory, heavy and grounding.

At last, Father Aldric closed the thick tome resting on the podium. "That is enough for today. We shall meet again one week from now, on this very day. Next time, our focus will shift toward the practical application of what we have learned. Until then, reflect, study, and prepare yourselves. Class is dismissed."

The room filled with the scraping of chairs and the low chatter of students eager to escape. But Luca's eyes didn't follow the old priest out the door. Instead, they caught sight of a different figure—Saintess Aria, slipping from her seat and quickly trailing after Father Aldric.

Luca's gaze narrowed. The same as in the game. Always the same.

"Ahh," Eric's groan yanked him back, the boy stretching his arms dramatically. "Is the normal curriculum not enough? Now we have to study this too?"

That earned him a laugh from Luca—louder and more carefree than he expected, the sound rolling out before he could stop it. Eric blinked at him, brows raised.

"…What's with you? Did you finally go crazy from all the studying?"

Luca shook his head, still grinning.

Eric leaned closer, curiosity glittering in his eyes. "So? What are your plans for the weekend?"

The laughter died, replaced by a sharp glint in Luca's gaze. His posture straightened, the playfulness fading into something colder, sharper.

"There's something I want to test," he said quietly, almost to himself, before pushing away from the desk and leaving the classroom.

***

Luca returned to his dorm, his steps heavy but resolute. Closing the door behind him, he let out a small breath and reached for the communication crystal on his desk. For a moment, he hesitated, his fingers hovering over it.

I don't want to disturb her… but this is urgent. And maybe… it could be helpful to her as well.

The crystal pulsed faintly as he infused mana into it, and soon a projection shimmered above it. A white-haired woman appeared, her long strands cascading like moonlight. Amethyst eyes gazed at him , the thin veil that covered her lips.

"How are you, my disciple?" her calm, melodic voice echoed through the room.

Luca immediately straightened, bowing in respect. "I am good, Master."

She didn't waste time with pleasantries. Her gaze sharpened, cutting through him like glass. "If you have called me of your own accord, it must be something important."

"Yes, Master," Luca said, standing taller. "There is… a new ability I have awakened. There are some things I want to test. So I was hoping—"

"Unfortunately, I cannot," she interrupted gently, shaking her head. "I am far too busy at the moment."

Luca's expression faltered. His shoulders slumped slightly, his eyes dropping. I expected this… but still…

Before disappointment could settle fully, her voice came again, softer this time. "It's the weekend from tomorrow, isn't it? Why don't you come to the Magic Tower then? I can spare some time for you if you come here."

Luca's head shot up, his eyes gleaming. "Truly? Thank you, Master! I will be there tomorrow."

Behind the veil, he could see the faint curve of her lips. "Good. Then I will see you tomorrow."

The projection faded, leaving only the dim glow of the crystal. Luca stared at it for a moment, then clenched his fists with renewed determination.

"So… to the Magic Tower tomorrow," he murmured to himself.