System's POV

One week later…

"The two of you should stick together as much as possible," Thirteen said. "I'm not sure if bullying exists inside the Temple, but seniority is being used as a weapon wherever.

"Both of you are very talented, and some of those in power will certainly be jealous of the two of you. Endure if you can, but once you reach the limit, feel free to fight back.

"That will teach them that neither of you will take things lying down. Once an issue springs up, Zaphiel will definitely make a move. Knowing her, she would choose to side with the two of you since both of you have more potential."

"You really think too highly of us," Diana replied. "Also, thank you for imparting me a Gold Technique as well."

A slight blush appeared on the crusader's face when she mentioned about gaining a Gold Grade Technique. Of course, the truth was that it wasn't a Gold Grade, but a Divine Martial Technique.

Since Divine Martial Techniques were still not known in Pangea and Solterra, the teenage boy simply referred to it as a Gold Grade Technique, so that others wouldn't become suspicious of it.

"You earned it," Thirteen replied. "So make sure to train properly."

The teenage boy had once again returned to his cold and standoffish nature, which Erica, Sherry, and Shana regretted very much.

However, they also found this side of Zion very cool. Still, the three of them made a vow that they would dig up his passionate side and break the ice that surrounded his heart.

That way, they would once again embrace the loving young man who had made them very happy a few days ago.

"Shana, good luck," Thirteen said, raising his fist towards her.

"Thank you." Shana bumped fists with the teenage boy with a smile. "I hope when I see you again, you won't have a dozen girls following you around."

"Do I look like I'm a womanizer?" Thirteen asked, arching an eyebrow.

"No," Shana replied. "But you're still spreading the Zion Virus. Just make sure to do it in moderation."

Thirteen decided to ignore this topic because there was really nothing he could do about it.

He didn't know why Erica, Sherry, and Shana had fallen for him despite not making any moves to actively win their hearts.

But in order to make Shana feel less anxious, he reached out to hold her and kissed the back of her hand like a knight would.

This was one of the pointers that were written in Vincent's notebook on how to make a young lady's heart skip a beat.

And just like what the playboy had written, it did make Shana's, Erica's, Sherry's, and Diana's heart skip a beat.

"I promise that I won't go chasing any girls while you are training," Thirteen said. "So, train with some peace of mind."

"V-Very well," Shana stuttered. "Make sure to keep this promise, okay?"

"I will." Thirteen then let go of Shana's hand, not knowing he made the hearts of the ladies around him beat wildly inside of his chest.

"You saw that, right?" Shana said to Erica, and Sherry. "This guy doesn't get that this is the thing that I'm worried about!"

"Sherry, it's all up to you," Erica stated. "I'm also about to leave for some training, so you're the only one left to hold the fort. If anyone tries to worm their way inside Zion's heart, make sure to…"

The Sorceress made a slicing motion over her neck, implying that all bees who want to steal their honey must be eliminated at once.

"Understood," Sherry replied in a serious tone. "I'll eliminate them without fail."

Erica and Shana nodded their heads in satisfaction.

Diana, who saw this, chuckled before patting Zion's shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'll look after Shana," Diana said.

"Good." Thirteen nodded. "If anything bad happens, contact me through the artifact I gave you. I'll come as soon as I can. Zaphiel only wishes to train those with iron wills. She will certainly do her best to break your spirits."

"You got it," Diana replied. "Shana and I already know what to do."

Zion smirked because he also gave Shana some pointers just in case the worst-case scenario came to pass.
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After bidding goodbye to each other, Shana mounted Raja, who walked toward the Temple with firm steps.

The teenagers whom they had saved followed behind, riding on the wagons Thirteen had prepared for them.

Diana also summoned a Unicorn with wings and followed behind the group.

They were only a kilometer away from the Temple, so it wouldn't take long before the others arrived at their destination.

Thirteen didn't escort Shana and Diana to the Temple Gates to avoid an issue that might arise.

Not wanting to deal with such things, he decided to just watch the Saintess from afar as their party arrived at their destination.

After introducing themselves and their purpose for coming, the guards on the gate opened it, allowing everyone to enter.

Shana took one last glance in Zion's direction, and despite the distance, she was still able to see him properly.

The teenage boy waved at the Saintess, who waved back at him one last time.

After that, Shana turned around and followed behind the rest, who had already entered the Temple.

When the gates finally closed behind them, Thirteen finally heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that Shana would be in good hands.

"Let's go," Thirteen said. "It's time for our own training."

Rocky had just been waiting for his Master's order. As soon as Zion spoke, he took the young man and the two young ladies inside his Mobile Fortress and headed to the nearest city.

———

Meanwhile, inside the Temple of Zaphiel…

The Celestial slowly opened her eyes and looked in the direction of the Gates of her Temple.

She had already sensed Shana's presence the moment she entered her domain, which she found a pleasant surprise.

"Two of Fate's chosen have come," Zaphiel said softly. "And both of them are worthy to become my direct disciple, especially that girl who leaks the aura of Divinity within her mortal body."

The Celestial then sighed as her ancient gaze landed on Shana, who was mounted on top of the White-Furred Elephant, whom Zaphiel also recognized as a Divine Beast.

"This child certainly has potential… but, does she have the Will to carry the banner of righteousness?" Zaphiel narrowed her eyes. "Well, I will know in time."

The Celestial then summoned her High Priestess and gave her a few orders.

"Make them suffer hardships," the Celestial said. "I want to see their true selves. Break them if you must, but their lives must never be harmed. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Your Excellency," the High Priestess bowed respectfully. "By your will."

Zaphiel smiled faintly, looking forward to seeing if the two young ladies chosen by Fate would be strong enough to resist her will.