Let's Train Heroine

Lucan, Maris, Kerum, Meri, Virnda, and Nyx gathered in a floating tea house drifting over an endless sea of clouds. The walls were transparent, offering a breathtaking view of the skies, which shifted from deep blues to shades of violet and pink as the sun dipped low. Golden beams poured through clouds like rivers of light, casting a warm, surreal glow around them.

The tea house itself was minimalistic, furnished only with cushions on the floor around a low, dark wooden table covered in a delicate spread of tea and sweets. The odd juxtaposition of the serene surroundings and the grave topic ahead gave the meeting an almost surreal quality.

Lucan's dark hair blew softly as he sipped his tea. Beside him, Maris was looking out from the tea house, admiring the view.

Kerum was also present, his sword by his side, prepared to aid them. Next to him sat Meri, her fair features illuminated by the sunlight.

Across from them were Nyx and Virnda, their contrasting appearances both captivating and beautiful.

Nyx, with skin dark as midnight, wore a white dress that flowed like mist. Her white, pupil-less eyes exuded an unsettling calm. Virnda, on the other hand, was pale as snow with deep, dark eyes.

"So," Lucan began, his words materializing in the air. "We need to create another barrier before breaking the original. The reason is simple—without protection, we're vulnerable to an invasion from the outside."

Kerum crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "How exactly do we make a new barrier that strong? If the original took so much energy, won't this one take just as much?"

Virnda smirked, her white eyes glinting. "That's the key, isn't it? We don't need to replicate the original barrier's strength exactly. The new one only needs to block outsiders temporarily, long enough to prepare ourselves for what may come."

Nyx nodded, her voice smooth and steady. "She's right. If we rush, we'll make mistakes. The new barrier should be crafted with care, woven from a different kind of magic—one that adapts rather than simply repels."

Maris looked thoughtful, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "Adaptable magic… that would require combining different elements and sources. And the Goddess Sword, which Archpriest Kerum has, could have the same effect as the original."

Kerum's grip tightened on the hilt of the sword by his side. "The sword has power, yes. But channeling it into a barrier might weaken it. Still, if it's necessary, I'll do it."

"It's good that we have all the elements and the Goddess weapon, but let's not forget that the amount of mana we need to create the barrier is immense. Even if we combine all our mana, it might not be enough."

"That's why we need you," Vrinda smiled. "If we can gather mana from all previous Saints, then… wouldn't that be enough?"

"Yes... But, how do we construct the barrier?" Meri asked.

"First, the basic barrier. Then, using Nyx's time and space abilities, we'll add extra effects. If anyone tries to cross the barrier, the space magic will teleport them far away instead of letting them inside. Time magic will accelerate time for intruders, so they'll die of old age before they get close. Maris's magic can reinforce the barrier, and Lucan's word ability can create a filter, allowing only Saint's Region residents to pass through without issue."

"I'll incorporate the time dimension," Nyx added. "I'll make sure the barrier's effects last indefinitely, slowing down any attempts to breach it."

Virnda gave a slight nod. "And I'll add a layer of concealment magic. Outsiders won't even see it or know where to attack. To them, it'll appear as if there's nothing there."

"But you said it's temporary, right?"

"Yes. Too many strong individuals are outside. For now, we're safe, but the barrier will eventually break. We need to grow stronger before that happens."

Meri, watching the discussion unfold, turned to Virnda. "If we're successful in creating this barrier, it'll buy us time. But… how do we break the original barrier?"

Meri knew of a way to break it, but it required sacrificing fifty Saints. However, Virnda had a method that could avoid such a sacrifice.

"The original barrier has layers of ancient magic. But I know a weak point we could exploit. It's connected to the ancient beasts. Each of us will need to channel a specific type of energy into that weak point."

Meri frowned. She hadn't known about this detail—it seemed the first Saints had used the ancient beasts to create the original barrier.

"Then it's settled," Lucan said. "We'll use the new barrier as our shield, and break the original by targeting its weak points. When the time comes, we'll focus our power together, and it will shatter."

Maris, Virnda, Nyx, and Kerum nodded.

Meri looked around the room, her gaze lingering on each of them. "Then we are all in agreement. We'll create this new barrier as our defense and prepare to break the original. When we're ready… we move."

"Yes, but before that… Virnda and Nyx—the vow," Lucan said, looking at them.

"Hehe, all right, all right… You can make the vow, and we will accept it," Virnda laughed.

Nyx nodded.

Lucan released his Evil Magician mana and spoke, "If Virnda or Nyx ever dare to harm those who haven't provoked them, they will die."

A light appeared and passed through Virnda and Nyx's heads. They closed their eyes briefly before reopening them.

"Now that the vow ceremony is complete, shall we start making the barrier?" Virnda rubbed her forehead and asked.

"Yes, let's begin," Meri agreed.

"Okay," Nyx nodded, stretching her arms.

"Hm." Kerum nodded as well.

Maris looked at Lucan, and he nodded. The six of them were ready to begin crafting the new barrier.

"By the way… what about hatching Bing? Freeing Lilith and finding Iris?" Nyx suddenly asked.

"Iris and Lilith caused the deaths of our friends. We won't free Lilith unless absolutely necessary, and soon I will find Iris and seal her," Maris said firmly, "We can use Bing."