After training deep into the night, Lumiel had managed to manifest a new ability: *Holy Dawn*. However, the skill remained incomplete—he could only sustain it for five seconds. Determined to master it, Lumiel approached Ms. Viera the following morning.
"Ms. Viera, may I continue training every night in the hall?" he asked, bracing for a refusal.
But to his surprise, she smiled and nodded. "You may, but on one condition: don't fall behind in your studies."
With her approval, Lumiel dove into his training once more. As class ended, he returned to the academy's Training Hall—his second home—and began again. He activated *Holy Dawn*, watching the giant celestial blade appear and press down, only for it to vanish within moments.
Again and again he tried. Still, five seconds was the limit.
Panting heavily, he dropped to one knee. "What... what am I doing wrong?"
[System Notification: Skill Recognition — Custom Skill: Holy Dawn requires Emotional Synchronization with User's Core Will.]
"Emotional Synchronization... with my Will?" Lumiel muttered.
Kurt appeared beside him, calm as ever. "It means just that. Your Will is the source of your strength. You're not just using magic—you're projecting a purpose."
Lumiel's eyes narrowed. "My Will..."
Kurt stepped closer. "Why do you need this power, Lumiel? How will you use it? Until you answer that... you won't master it."
Despite the cryptic advice, Lumiel continued training. Two nights passed without progress.
Unbeknownst to him, Lady Nishia and Skye had noticed his late-night absences. That night, they decided to check on him.
Lumiel stood in the training hall, drenched in sweat, frustration creeping into his expression. Lady Nishia and Skye arrived silently.
"Hey Lumiel," Skye greeted gently. "How are you holding up?"
Lumiel turned, surprised but relieved to see them. "I'm okay. Just trying to complete a new ability. It's harder than I thought."
"How long have you been at it?" Skye asked.
"This is my fourth night."
Lady Nishia finally spoke, her tone sincere. "Why? Why go this far for a single skill? You're already strong. Why push yourself more?"
Lumiel froze. He couldn't tell them the truth—not yet—not about the Demon King. And her words pierced deeper than he expected.
Lady Nishia raised an eyebrow. "What? Cat got your tongue, civilian?"
[System Notification: Definition Reminder — "A cat got your tongue?" is a common phrase used when someone is unusually quiet.]
"Protect," Lumiel suddenly blurted.
"What?"
"I said... protect. I'm doing this to protect everyone dear to me."
Lady Nishia looked shocked. "You're sacrificing rest—your health—for *us*?"
Kurt's earlier words echoed through Lumiel's mind.
"I finally understand," he whispered.
"Understand what?" Lady Nishia and Skye asked in unison.
Without warning, Lumiel rushed forward and hugged Lady Nishia. "Thank you, Nishia. Because of you... I finally understand my Will."
"HEY—LET ME GO! YOU'RE SWEATY!" she shouted.
Yet her inner thoughts betrayed her. *He smells nice—NO! NISHIA, YOU BASTARD!*
She shoved him off, cheeks flushed. "I-I'm leaving! Good luck with your training! Come on, Skye, it's late!"
Skye chuckled. "Are you my mom now?"
"Shut up!" she snapped.
As they walked, Lady Nishia muttered, "Why the hell did he hug me like that..."
"Looked like you enjoyed it," Skye teased.
Her eyes flared with fiery energy. "I'm joking! I swear!"
Lady Nishia calmed down and smiled quietly.
"Must be nice... having a girlfriend," Skye said casually.
"Where did *that* come from?"
"I mean, Lumiel has a pretty strong one."
"L-Lumiel?! A girlfriend!? WHO!?"
"Isn't it you? Lady Nishia?"
"O-oh... yeah... I-I'm his g-girlfriend..." Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.
Again.
Skye sighed and carried her to the infirmary.
Back in the Training Hall, Lumiel stood tall, his hand on the hilt.
"I know now... My Will is to protect."
His eyes lit with conviction.
"*Holy Dawn!*"
The divine sword materialized again—but this time, it lingered. The aura of the blade shone with restraint, precision, and hope. The blade hovered for 30 full minutes, held in perfect harmony.
[System Notification: Custom Skill Mastery Achieved — Holy Dawn has been mastered.]
Lumiel smiled. His strength wasn't built from destruction—it was forged by the Will to Protect.