"And now, dear audience, our guest tonight is someone truly unexpected!"
The host's energetic voice echoed across the brightly lit studio, amplified by the sound system and accompanied by dramatic background music.
"She is the talk of the country right now, and perhaps even the entire world!"
The audience erupted into cheers, applause thundering through the hall.
"Please welcome our country's seventh S-ranker, the first S-rank healer in the world, actress and your beloved idol…"
He paused deliberately, allowing the excitement to build.
"Viola Silva!"
The curtains parted as the spotlight shifted toward the entrance.
Viola stepped forward gracefully, dressed in an her elegant outfit that shimmered subtly under the lights. Her white hair fell softly over her shoulders, styled to appear both natural and refined. She carried herself with calm confidence, offering a gentle smile as she waved to the crowd.
The cheers grew even louder.
Daniel, the host, walked toward her with a bright grin and extended his hand. "Good evening, Miss Viola," he said warmly. "We are incredibly grateful that you could join us tonight."
Viola accepted his hand lightly and bowed her head in greeting before taking her seat beside him.
"The pleasure is mine, Daniel," she replied, her voice smooth and pleasant. Her tone carried a cheerful elegance that felt neither forced nor exaggerated.
Daniel turned toward the audience with dramatic flair. "We still can't quite believe it. Another S-ranker has emerged, and not just anyone. A fair maiden such as yourself."
The audience laughed and clapped again.
Viola placed a hand lightly over her chest and shook her head modestly. "You flatter me too much. I haven't even done anything yet to truly help anyone."
"Well, that's not what we've heard," Daniel said with a playful smirk. "Is it true that you're still working as a nurse despite your career as an actress and solo idol?"
"Yes, I am," Viola answered honestly. "Although I entered the entertainment industry before graduating, becoming a nurse was always one of my dreams. I couldn't let that go."
This was not a lie.
Even before everything changed, before awakening, before fame fully consumed her life, she had wanted to heal people just like the way she cared for her grandma.
Daniel's eyes widened in admiration. "That's incredible. And dear audience, let me remind you that Miss Viola wasn't even a hunter when she started her career. Normally, many popular artists today were hunters first before gaining fame. But she achieved success purely through talent and hard work."
He gestured toward her. "It just shows what an exceptional person Miss Viola truly is."
Applause filled the studio once more.
Viola maintained her gentle smile, though internally she remained composed and analytical. Public opinion was delicate. Every word tonight mattered.
"So," Daniel continued, crossing his legs slightly as he leaned toward her, "what are your plans for the future? Now that you've awakened as an S-rank healer, are you planning to quit your current careers and focus solely on being a hunter?"
The room grew quieter.
This was the question everyone wanted answered.
Viola did not hesitate.
"No," she said calmly. "I will continue my work. Although my time may become more limited, I don't believe I should abandon one passion simply because another has entered my life. Both are important to me."
A murmur of admiration spread through the audience before applause followed.
"Unbelievable," Daniel said, shaking his head in amazement. "Balancing all of that won't be easy."
"I understand that," Viola replied. "But I believe if something is meaningful, then it deserves effort."
Daniel grinned. "We will certainly be cheering you on. Isn't that right, everyone?"
The crowd roared in agreement.
After the excitement settled, Daniel's expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious.
"But Viola, may I ask something many people are curious about?"
She turned to him attentively.
"What guild are you planning to join?"
A brief silence lingered.
Viola did not answer immediately.
Her decision had already been made. However, revealing it now would cause unnecessary complications. Negotiations were still delicate.
"Honestly," she said carefully, "I'm still keeping my options open. I want to consider all possibilities before making a final decision."
Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "That's wise. Whatever you choose, I'm sure it will lead you toward a bright future."
The conversation gradually shifted into lighter territory.
They discussed her favorite color. It was purple.
Her favorite food. Warm homemade soup.
Her favorite season. Early autumn, when the air felt calm and balanced.
Daniel cracked jokes throughout, occasionally exaggerating his reactions for comedic effect. The audience laughed often, easing the tension from earlier topics.
Then, while discussing preferences, Daniel cleared his throat theatrically.
"I hope you don't mind this next question," he said, drawing out the suspense. "But are you currently seeing someone, Miss Viola?"
A wave of playful gasps swept through the audience.
Viola blinked once before smiling gently.
"No," she answered clearly. "I'm not."
"Eh? That's surprising!" Daniel exclaimed dramatically. "What about in the past? Any former lovers?"
Viola lightly shook her head.
"No."
Daniel leaned back as if shocked. "I don't believe you. Seriously? You? Were the people around you blind?"
The audience burst into laughter.
Viola couldn't help but laugh softly as well. "I don't think that's the case," she said with amusement. "In the past, I didn't pay much attention to my health or appearance. I focused entirely on studying and working on other things."
She paused briefly before continuing, her tone growing more thoughtful.
"But eventually, I realized how vast the world truly is. There are so many things we can experience. Life is uncertain. So before anything else, I wanted to be free. Free to choose my own path. Free even from my own self-doubt."
The studio grew quieter, touched by the sincerity in her voice.
"That's beautiful," Daniel said softly. "Very inspirational."
Viola simply smiled.
Then Daniel straightened up slightly, preparing for what he framed as the final question.
"Now for my last question tonight," he said, looking at her with a curious glint in his eyes. "What trait in a person would you absolutely fall for?"
The audience leaned forward collectively.
Viola's expression remained composed, but her heart flickered faintly.
For a brief second, an image surfaced in her mind.
A pair of calm, unreadable eyes.
Someone who stood silently in the face of danger.
Someone who endured pain without complaint.
She pushed the thought away gently before answering.
"I think," she began slowly, "I would fall for someone who is sincere. Someone who doesn't pretend to be strong but chooses to be strong when it matters."
The audience listened closely.
"Someone who protects others not for recognition, but because they genuinely care. Someone who understands responsibility. And perhaps…" she added with a faint smile, "someone who can remain steady even when the world feels like it's collapsing."
Daniel placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "You're setting the bar very high."
The audience laughed again.
"But that was a wonderful answer," he continued. "Truly."
As the closing music began to play, Daniel turned toward the camera.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we had the honor of speaking with an extraordinary individual. Actress, nurse, and now the world's first S-rank healer…"
He gestured toward her.
"Viola Silva."
The crowd rose in a standing ovation.
Viola stood and bowed gracefully.
Under the dazzling lights and thunderous applause, she maintained her elegant composure.
But deep inside, she knew this was only the beginning.