Novel Full Chapter 1929: The Saint’s Trial
Chapter 1929: The Saint’s Trial
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“Saint’s Trial…” I mused, glancing at Aquarina and wondering if she could qualify to enter. But perhaps she wouldn’t want to bother either way. I also wondered whether I myself had the qualifications. Mist, Zephyrus, and Nephilim are not Saints, yet they went through the Trial and gained tremendous power from it. “I wonder if I could go myself one day?”
“Maybe you could,” my mother replied with a nod. “I chose not to bring you with me because I believed your talent in Alchemy held far greater potential and carried less risk with Felicia than it would have with me. If you didn’t have what it takes, the Ruler of the Guardians of the Saintess could have simply turned you away. I’m still surprised she ultimately allowed everyone I brought to participate… perhaps they were all exceptionally talented.”
“Heheh… I was surprised too when I was accepted, despite being a demon,” Mist said softly. “Many people there looked at me strangely because they don’t really like or accept my kind… but after I slowly proved my worth and showed I could wield the Holy Light Element, they began to accept me—especially once they learned a pure Holy Light Spirit, my sweet Snowflake, had formed a contract with me.”
“I’m glad you were accepted in the end,” I told her. “Though I can’t imagine how they treated you regardless…”
“Yeah, but what can you expect?” Celeste interjected boldly. “From what I gather, they’re all incredibly ancient—older than elves—stuck-up fairies who once served the gods. I’m happy you grew stronger, Mist, but maybe you shouldn’t have gone there… that place definitely isn’t meant for demons.”
“Celeste…” Mist sighed. “I know that’s how you feel, and I respect your opinion, but I have to say the place I visited is still a sacred land I’ve come to love. I even made friends there, and as the people learned demons weren’t as terrible as they had always believed, they grew more tolerant. They began to see me for who I am rather than what I was.”
“That sounds so wonderful!” Celica beamed. “I’m really happy for you, Mist! And Lara, Zephy, and Nephi too! Especially Zephy—you’re so tall now. I’m still amazed.”
“A-Ahahah…” Zephy laughed awkwardly, cheeks flushing. “Thank you, Celica…”
“Mom, what is this town you visited?” I asked curiously.
“Yeah, I’ve been wondering about it too,” Aquarina added, gently feeding little Esmeralda, who sat comfortably on her lap.
“It is an ancient town governed by the Guardians of the Saintess—fairies, like your grandmother,” my mother explained. “But they belong to a much holier tribe. Their wings shimmer and glow, almost entirely made of light. They are among the longest-lived races created by the gods and once stood closest to them… though lately, not so much. The gods have largely abandoned them, leaving deep sorrow in their hearts. They feel they’ve become obsolete or useless.”
“What? Really?” I asked, genuinely surprised. “That’s interesting… Just how old are they? And what are they called?”
“They are known as the Celestials—powerful Divine Fairies born from Heavenly Clouds, accumulations of Natural Divine Essence and Spiritual Energy. Unlike your grandmother’s lineage, which is born from Spirit Trees,” my mother continued. “Back then, I have to admit I felt nervous and made sure everyone behaved in front of these beings. It wasn’t fear—they’re good people at heart. They no longer serve the gods directly, as I mentioned, but they remain guardians. And as guardians, they must always determine whether someone is worthy to enter the Inheritance.”
“I see…!” I nodded eagerly.
“The path we traveled was called the Heavenly Valley, and it led to their ancient town—the City of Celestials, Celestia,” my mother went on. “We were welcomed by the Celestial Matriarch, the mother of every Celestial in that city. She treats each one as her own child. There was also the kind Hendrickson, who was gentle to everyone. While the other Celestials weren’t particularly warm, they weren’t outright rude either. Their kind is known for being unfeeling and cold. Having lived so long, they often forget how to express emotion, even though they possess true hearts.”
“That’s so fascinating…” Aquarina said, clearly intrigued.
“A-And what did the Matriarch say?” I asked.
“She permitted them to train in the facilities and prepare for the trial. Everyone trained together at times, or on their own, learning, exploring the city and surrounding wilderness, making friends—and sometimes even rivals,” my mother replied with a small smile, glancing at my brother.
“Ah…” Zephyrus looked slightly shaken. “I wouldn’t call Saphiel my rival… He was just very competitive.”
“Saphiel?” I asked curiously.
“He’s a friend Zephyrus made—the youngest Celestial in that city,” my mother answered. “An energetic blond boy with bright eyes. Zephy and Saphiel became close friends and friendly rivals, constantly pushing each other and sparring.”
“He was so annoying most of the time, but he truly was a good friend,” Zephyrus admitted with a fond smile. “When it was time to leave, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry… but I did. I hope I can see him again someday.”
“Yeah, he was our friend too, you know?” Mist added. “Such a kind boy! He was especially curious about the world outside. Unlike the others, he always dreamed of leaving the city to explore.”
“Celestials almost never leave their city,” my mother noted. “Saphiel was a young soul, full of curiosity and a bit rebellious. When we arrived, it was the first time he had ever met outsiders, so he stuck close to us constantly, asking a million questions.”
“Haha, he sounds so nice!” I giggled. “I hope I can meet him one day too.”
“Yeah…” Zephy sighed wistfully.
“Well, I spoke with the Matriarch about him, and she agreed it might be time for change. She didn’t want to force their traditions on the youngest any longer,” my mother continued. “I gave her an invitation letter for Saphiel to attend the Royal Academy. Whether he comes depends on him and the family raising him… we’ll see.”
“R-Really?!” Zephyrus, Mist, and Lara lit up with excitement. “Yes!”
“He’s definitely coming,” Nephilim said gently, offering a calm smile. “Have faith, children.”
“As for the trials themselves, they were all deeply personal,” my mother explained. “I didn’t participate because I had already fulfilled my purpose there beforehand, so everything rested on them.”
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