Let's Train Heroine

The battle was over, but the sea was still roiling, churning with the remnants of the dark energy that had summoned the abominations. Maris hovered over the water, her wings slowly lowering her back down to the surface. The Marionettes, their task complete, faded back into the clouds, leaving behind only the quiet aftermath of the slaughter.

Maris landed gently on a nearby rock jutting out from the sea, her expression serene as she gazed out over the blood-stained water. The night was still, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. It was as if the horrific battle had never happened, and the sea was returning to its natural, peaceful state.

Maris put finger on her chin. She knew these sea creatures were not creature that appeared on land, and these creatures were not look like what she saw.

Maris had read many things and knew many things, so after few thinking, she could guess that there should be some problem with Water Source.

The crow that disappeared must be behind all of this and she needs to check Water Source to make sure that's everything is good.

Maris was kind, and she knew if she left this unchecked, then more creatures might appear, and she can't let that happen.

She sighed, her wings folding neatly behind her as she sat down on the rock. The night air was cool, and she could see the lights of the hotel in the distance, where Lucan was likely still unaware of the danger that had just been averted.

Her thoughts drifted to him, and a small smile tugged at her lips. Lucan-sama had always been so kind to her, so gentle. He had saved her countless times, in so many different ways. And yet, she had never been able to express her feelings for him, not fully.

As the saint, she had responsibilities, duties that often kept her from pursuing her own desires. But here, on this trip, she had hoped for something different. She had hoped that maybe, just maybe, she could find the courage to tell him how she felt.

But that courage seemed so far away now, especially after the battle she had just fought. She read some books about previous saint and she learn that whenever a saint born, it's because world was facing some kind of world ending threat.

She could guess that today was first sign of that world ending threat.

Her fingers traced the surface of the rock absently, the rough texture grounding her as she lost herself in her thoughts. The moonlight shimmered on the sea, its tranquil beauty a stark contrast to the violent scene that had just unfolded. Maris knew she couldn't afford to dwell on her feelings for long—there were more pressing matters to attend to.

The crow's escape was a loose thread that needed to be tied, and the corruption of the Water Source was a danger that could not be ignored.

But as much as she wanted to focus on these threats, her mind kept drifting back to Lucan. She sighed, feeling being with Lucan might bring him too many dangers. Instead of her, Julia would be must better person.

Maris wondered if she had the right to claim his heart, especially when she wasn't even sure how her life was going.

Maris couldn't ignore the world ending threat, she had to came forth when that happens. In history, every saint had protected the world, but many died in battle, many lose limbs, many lose brain and many injured so badly, that they could live but at the same time they were dead.

Maris doesn't know what her end would be.

The thought weighed heavily on her, and she sighed again, brushing a strand of pink hair from her face.

Before she could sink further into her doubts, a familiar presence made itself known. Maris looked up to see the white fox that Lucan gave her, sitting quietly at the edge of the rock. Its intelligent red eyes met hers, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

"Are you here to check on me?" Maris asked softly, a small smile forming on her lips. The fox tilted its head, its expression inscrutable, but Maris took comfort in its company. Although white fox had spirits that she summon, it's white fox that Lucan gave her, making her feel that being near white fox is same as being near Lucan.

The fox stepped closer, its fur glinting in the moonlight, and Maris reached out to gently stroke its head. The fur was soft beneath her fingers, and she could feel the fox's steady breathing as it leaned into her touch. For a moment, the weight of her worries lifted, and she allowed herself to simply enjoy the quiet companionship.

"You're right," she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I can't let my fears hold me back. Lucan-sama needs me to be strong."

The fox gave a small nod, as if understanding her words, and Maris felt a renewed sense of resolve. The battle with the abominations had been a reminder of the dangers that still lurked in the world, but it had also shown her that she was capable of protecting those she cared about.

She couldn't let her feelings for Lucan become a source of doubt. Instead, she would use them as a source of strength, a reason to fight even harder. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage, knowing that her love for Lucan was something worth fighting for.

With a final, gentle pat, Maris stood up, her wings unfurling once more. The white fox watched her with its piercing gaze, and she gave it a nod of thanks before taking to the sky. The wind lifted her, carrying her back toward the shore, where Lucan was.

As she flew, Maris felt the cold night air rush past her, invigorating her spirit. The battle was over, but the war was far from won. She would need to track down the crow, uncover the source of the taint, and ensure that no more threats emerged from the depths.

But for now, she would return to Lucan's side, to the warmth and comfort of his presence.