The Acolyte of Spirits and Curses

Chapter 66: The Saintess

"You haven’t heard?!"

"The Saintess is joining the Academy! Saintess Eleanor De Valeria herself!"

"It seems like she is joining as a first-year student!"

Klein’s eyes narrowed slightly. The Saintess of the Goddess of Life Church, one of the most influential and powerful figures in the entire Human Domain, is coming to Grayhaven?

"That’s... unexpected," he muttered.

The student nodded vigorously. "It’s huge! She rarely leaves the main church, and now she’s coming here?"

"We are blessed to be in her presence!"

Klein released the student’s arm and thanked him. As the guy ran off to spread the news to someone else, Klein stood in the middle of the plaza, deep in thought.

’Goddess of Life... one of the Zenith Gods. Well, I don’t have any hostility against the Zenith Gods.’

’Even Azara herself is a Zenith God; All of the three sisters combined makes the Goddess of Death.’

He continued walking toward the Spirit Division building.

The entire campus was bustling with students speculating wildly, professors preparing special lectures, and even the academy staff rushing to make arrangements for the Saintess’s arrival.

When Klein reached the Spirit Division, Erica was already outside, talking with a group of senior students.

She noticed him immediately and waved him over.

"Klein! You’re back," she said, her purple hair swaying as she turned to him. "Perfect timing. Have you heard the news?"

He nodded "The Saintess is joining the academy. Any idea why?"

Erica’s expression turned serious "It’s unusual. The Goddess of Life Church usually keeps their Saintess very protected."

"I have no idea why she would want to attend the Academy."

Dismissing the senior students, she walked to him "But that’s not the main problem..."

Erica sighed, rubbing her temples "The real headache for me is that she is joining our Spirit Division."

What? Klein was confused to hear this "Why would she join here? She has Spirit Attribute?"

Erica shook her head "No. But the Church specifically requested that she be placed in our division. The Headmaster couldn’t refuse."

She gave him a small smile "On the bright side, having the Saintess here means more resources and attention for our division. Just... stay on your guard."

---

In the grand Headmaster’s office on the top floor of the central academy building, an old man stood by the large window overlooking the campus.

His hands were clasped behind his back as he gazed out at the bustling grounds below.

’Her Holiness said that there is no need for a grand welcome for her arrival, because she wants to enjoy the normal student life.’

Alden Ross let out a slow, thoughtful sigh ’Well, her being here puts our Academy at some risk, but we can’t simply refuse her.’

The presence of the Saintess, one of the most powerful and influential figures in the entire Human Domain, is both an honor and a heavy responsibility.

Her safety is paramount, and any threat to her could bring the full wrath of the Church down on the academy.

"We need to protect her with all our might," he murmured to himself.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled another piece of information from the confidential report.

’But I did hear that there will be an Ascendant in standby in the Academy to protect her.’

An Ascendant, an SSS rank Arbiter, a being who has reached the pinnacle of power.

Alden turned away from the window and sat down behind his desk.

At that moment, he heard a knock on the door

"Come in," Alden called.

One of his assistants entered "Headmaster, the Saintess has arrived at the academy gates."

---

The sleek white car glided to a graceful stop in front of the main gates of Grayhaven Academy.

The door opened, and Eleanor De Valeria stepped out.

Her long blonde hair fluttered gently in the wind and she was wearing the Academy uniform.

A woman in a deep red cloak stood silently behind her, with long black hair and sharp blue eyes.

Eleanor turned to her and spoke softly, "You may leave and be on standby."

The woman in red bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Holiness."

She disappeared from there, leaving Eleanor to walk alone toward the academy entrance.

As she stepped onto the main pathway, the students gasped collectively.

None dared to approach her, though their eyes followed her with awe and reverence.

"It’s really her..."

"The Saintess of the Goddess of Life Church..."

"She’s even more beautiful in person..."

Eleanor had a thoughtful expression on her face as she walked.

She was glad that the Headmaster respected her request and didn’t prepare any grand welcome.

Even though it has been two years since she awakened her [Life Priest] class, she was happy that they allowed her to be a first-year student.

She also somehow convinced the Headmaster to let her join the Spirit Division, even though her Priest class would have normally placed her in the Mage Division.

As she walked through the central plaza, her blue eyes scanned the crowd subtly, searching for a familiar face among the sea of students and professors.

’Where is he?’

After noticing he is not here, she sighed in her heart ’How rude... your wife is coming to the Academy for the first time and you are not even there to greet her.’

’Seems like my Husband has a stone-cold heart.’

A playful smile touched her lips ’Don’t worry, this kind-hearted wife of yours will forgive you.’

---

After greeting the Headmaster, Eleanor De Valeria was personally escorted to the Spirit Division’s main building.

The walk through the academy grounds was filled with respectful bows and excited whispers from the students.

She took the lift to the top floor, where Erica’s office was located.

When the doors opened, Evelyne and Erica were already waiting inside.

Erica smiled warmly and gestured for Eleanor to enter "Saintess Eleanor, welcome to the Spirit Division. I am Erica Margot Plunus, Head of the Spirit Division. It is an honor to have you with us."

Evelyne stepped forward with a polite smile "And I am Evelyne von Langford, President of the Student Council. I will help you with any matters regarding the Academy. Please feel free to ask me anything."

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Evelyne ’...You damn homewrecker. Stay away from my husband,’ she thought, a flicker of jealousy flashing in her blue eyes.

H-Huh? Evelyne was momentarily confused by the sharp glare ’Is it because of my family? But my family doesn’t have any hostility with the Church...’

She quickly composed herself, maintaining her polite smile.

Erica, sensing a slight tension in the air but unable to pinpoint it, continued the introduction smoothly.

"The Spirit Division is honored to have you, Saintess. We have prepared a private office for you. If there is anything you need training facilities, research materials, or assistance with students, please let us know."

Eleanor nodded elegantly, "Thank you both. I look forward to working with the Spirit Division and experiencing my Academy Life."

---

In the training ground, Liora held the training spear in her hands and her stance was still a little awkward as she tried to follow his instructions.

Klein watched her practice the basic forms he had shown her earlier.

"Better," he said, stepping closer. "But your footwork is still off. Remember, the power comes from your legs and core, not just your arms."

He moved behind her, gently correcting her stance by adjusting her feet and hips.

"Like this. Keep your knees slightly bent. Let the spear flow with your body."

Liora nodded with focused eyes as she tried again.

Her movements were improving, but she was still far from the level Klein expected.

"You’re getting there," Klein said with a small smile on his face.