In the lecture hall, the air was thick with the smell of old parchment and ink. Us low-tier trainees are assigned the task of cleaning the hall, and somehow only I find it tiresome.
We enter the high-tier class, pushing open the grand wooden door. Inside, the trainees are listening attentively to Exian.
As I step inside, I froze
Of course, it's him.
Glancing around at my co-trainees, who are all nervously standing near the entrance, uncertain whether to begin cleaning or wait for permission.
One of the trainees, a tall, awkward guy, nudges the one next to him and whispers. "Do you think we can just start? He's… right there"
"I…I dunno! Should we ask?"
"Then go!"
"I can't I'll mess up"
This is ridiculous. With a deep breath, I stepped forward and approached him.
"Excuse me, Divine Priest, we are here for our cleaning training, and, uh, we request permission to clean?"
Exian doesn't even look at me. He simple raises an eyebrow.
Boi I can feel my palms sweating! Why does this feel like an interrogation?
He nodded in the most effortless way. A small motion that somehow feels like a great blessing, or maybe a silent command.
"Yes, proceed."
I blink in surprise. That was way too easy. No confrontation, no questioning, just a casual nod. I glance at my fellow trainees, who are now exhaling in relief. I shrug and begin sweeping the floor, my eyes darting up occasionally to Exian. He's in the middle of explaining something about the Celestials.
To be honest, he's a great teacher. Wonder what's going on inside that perfectly composed exterior.
"The Celestials are beings who exist beyond time. Their power isn't something we can fully understand in this world, but their influence shapes everything – every star, every comet, every piece of dust in the cosmos…"
!!! I wrote this one before!
Celestials… they are not to be confused with Divines.
"While divines grant blessings and guidance…"
Celestials are beyond even them.
"They may appear as animals in shape – but their intelligence, their essence, is far beyond that of mortals. They are not bound by the limitations of physical beings…"
Nor by the will of gods.
I paused for a moment and continued listening.
"Excuse me, divine priest, but… is it possible for someone to be blessed by a celestial?"
Exian paused mid-sentence, his dark eyes thoughtful and calm.
"It's a question I cannot fully answer… No one has ever been blessed by a celestial that we know of, at least not openly. But considering the nature of celestials, it could be possible. They don't follow the same rules as the gods, but their powers are just as real. Who's to say?
Take me for example. I've been blessed by Tsukiyomi. My abilities relate to the cosmos – manipulating stars and controlling cosmic energies. It's not something I can fully explain, but the blessing… it chose me, or perhaps I was always meant to receive it."
I almost choked in air. Typical Exian.
Wait, he's being normal?
"There is one celestial whose existence has been known for centuries though I don't know if she provides blessings. This is Seleste, the Nine – Tailed Wolf. She bears the symbol of the Moon Crest on her forehead, but do not mistake her for a mere servant of the Moon God. Seleste acts like the moon itself – aloof, distant, and far above even the Moon God."
A chill runs down my spine.
I didn't add Seleste on this novel.