Evelyn's brows drew together.
Such high combat and defense stats, yet no one noticed. If not for the system, even she might have overlooked Ella's potential. But now she saw clearly — Ella was a perfect seed for an assassin.
Ella's stats weren't just good—they were exceptional for someone without formal training. She was a natural-born killer… but Evelyn didn't want a killer. She wanted a protector cloaked in shadow.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips.
"The system is stingy," she muttered. "It never gives high stats easily."
She glanced briefly at her own panel—her cooking, nearly flawless, still stubbornly capped at 94.
Evelyn: "Perfection is always just out of reach."
But that was fine. It just meant she had more room to grow. And so did they — her guardians, her chosen ones.
One by one, she would awaken their hidden strengths.
And when the time came, they would not only protect her — they would become legends.
The days slipped by like sand through fingers. Under the cover of silence and hidden hours, Ella and the others trained with relentless diligence. No matter how tired or busy they were, they would sneak away to the corners of the palace, to the woods behind the courtyards, or sometimes even behind the library shelves—wherever they could go unnoticed.
Ella, especially, was determined. She absorbed everything like a sponge, learning quickly and practicing with unmatched intensity. The trust Evelyn placed in her had become a fire within, pushing her past exhaustion and doubt. She would not fail the princess. She would never disappoint her.
It had been over two months since their secret training began.
On a warm afternoon, when the sun hung lazily in the western sky and the air pulsed with the thick stillness of summer, Evelyn gathered them in the palace's secluded backyard garden.
Sunlight filtered gently through the thinning branches, casting long shadows over the assembled group: Cassy, Gerald, Lily, Lora, Ella, Melinda, and Claire. They stood in neat lines, their breaths mingling with the warm air, nerves silently dancing in their chests.
Evelyn, composed and regal as ever, stood before them. Her sharp eyes scanned them like a general before battle.
Evelyn: "How is your training going these weeks?"
Evelyn asked, her voice steady.
"It's good, Your Highness," they chorused, almost in unison.
Evelyn nodded slowly.
Evelyn: "Hmm... It has been almost three months since you all started. Then now, it is time for the real work."
The air shifted. Eyes darted between one another, each person wondering what her words could mean.
Then, Evelyn's eyes fell on Lora. "First, Lora. Come here."
Lora stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. Evelyn handed her a long, sheathed sword. The polished hilt glinted faintly under the afternoon sun.
Evelyn: "This is for you. The books I gave you contain many swordsmanship techniques, and you've practiced with Gerald too. Consider this your official sword."
Lora reached out, hands trembling as they grasped the sword. It was beautiful, crafted for more than ceremony. She had always dreamed of becoming a swordsman, but her humble origin and gender had crushed that dream early. Her path had seemed fixed in servitude, her desires buried beneath obligation. But now, the princess had handed her that very dream.
Lora dropped to one knee, bowing like a knight sworn to her liege.
Lora: "I vow to give my utmost loyalty and dedication to Your Highness. I will lay down my life for you if needed."
Evelyn reached forward and helped her up. "There is no need to go that far. Never allow yourself to fall behind."
Lora nodded fiercely, clutching the sword like a lifeline, eyes brimming with emotion.
Evelyn turned next to Lily. "Now, Lily. Come here."
Lily stepped forward nervously, hands clasped in front of her.
"Your Highness, isn't it a bit..." she began.
Evelyn: "It's not. You need to have trust in yourself first. Know that you can do it. Understand?"
Lily: "Yes, Your Highness."
Evelyn: "Close your eyes."
Lily obeyed, letting her eyes flutter shut. Evelyn's voice turned low and soothing.
Evelyn: "Now, try to gather mana. The books I gave you detailed how. By now, you must know how to feel mana. So gather it into your body, just like it was written."
Lily inhaled deeply. Her body relaxed as she tried to sense mana, her heart slowing to a calm rhythm.
"Think that there's no one around you," Evelyn's voice whispered, "that you're standing in a vast sea of darkness."
And in Lily's mind, the world fell away. She was alone, enveloped in pitch black.
Evelyn: "Now, try to feel the mana around you. Just like you did before."
As Evelyn's voice washed over her, Lily sank into a strange calm. In her mind's eye, she found herself drifting in pitch-black space. Then, like stars appearing in the night, points of light emerged—tiny motes of different colors, floating all around her. Orbs of multicolored light, drifting gently in the dark like fireflies.
"Do you see the lights?" Evelyn's voice echoed again. "Now, find the one that shines the brightest to you. Touch it."
Lily looked around. All the lights shone beautifully. It was overwhelming. But then, she noticed a particular light. It wasn't the most dazzling, yet it called to her. It felt right.
She floated toward it and reached out.
As her fingers brushed it, the orb expanded, glowing with immense brilliance. The darkness was swept away by its radiance.
Then everything vanished.
Lily's eyes snapped open. She was back in the backyard.
The others were staring at her, concern on their faces. Lora placed a hand on her shoulder.
Lora: "Lily? What happened?"
Melinda leaned in. "If it didn't work, it's okay. You can try again."
Lily: "I touched it... and then... I felt this huge source of energy flowing inside me."
Evelyn smiled, her gaze gentle. "Good. Now try to feel that energy again. Concentrate fully on your hand. Bring it out."
Lily nodded, took a deep breath, held out her hand and focused. Nothing happened.
"It's not working," she murmured.