A small, delicate, pale, and fragile-looking girl lay on the hard, cold floor of a dimly lit room. Her soft, tiny body was covered in bruises and marks, as if made by a sharp blade. She lay there lifeless, her dirt-covered face blank, showing no emotion — as if she were used to this kind of treatment. Dry tears streaked the sides of her face. She probably looked like she'd been crying for hours.
Well, that's because I have.
You see, that small girl who looks to be nine or ten is me — though I'm actually sixteen.
How did I end up like this?
I thought I would finally be able to have a better life.
An average life!
I deserve better than this!
Lies.
Lies.
Lies.
Who am I kidding?
Nobody actually wants me.
Nobody actually cares for me.
Nobody ever has.
Not in my past life, nor in this one.
I slowly pushed my heavy body upright as rays of light began to seep through the old wooden door in front of me. My dry, cracked lips parted slightly as I mumbled, "Morning already?"
The door creaked open, and I raised my right arm over my eyes, my oversized white robe sleeves dangling in front of my face.
A middle-aged-looking sister stared down at me, her expression twisting with disgust.
"Ew. Don't just stand there. Hurry up and get to the dining hall with the others."
Her name is Ann. She's been working here as the head sister at the House of the Guardian of Light and Dark — a place where locals worship the Guardian of Light and Dark.
According to legend, five Guardians came to our universe from space to protect us from something — or someone—that wants to annihilate Earth and humanity.
There's the Guardian of Earth, the Guardian of Water, the Guardian of Air, the Guardian of Fire, and the Guardian of Light and Dark.
I never cared to know anything else about them. It all just sounds like hocus-pocus crap to me. It's not like any of them saved me from my torture or gave me a better life, so why should I care?
As I stepped out of the darkness and into the light, the sun beamed down on my face and white hair, my long bangs covering my eyes.
The wind passed me by and flowed into the seemingly endless, bright blue sky.
Blades of grass peeked through the stone path that led toward the grand, towering main building — a structure of white and gold that loomed above us.
The inside was beautifully decorated with tall white pillars and shiny white floors, walls, and ceilings, all adorned with gold and blue designs. These same gold and blue patterns outlined the entire interior.
As I followed behind the sister through the long, wide halls, we eventually entered another room — filled with clean white chairs and tables that seated hundreds of sisters, priests, assistants, and a few knights from the Guardian Knights Squad. We kept walking across the room, heading toward two doors that awaited us at the end. I kept my eyes on the ground, trying not to attract any more attention than I already had.
A few people glanced at me with disgust. Some ignored me. These snobby types are usually nobles — commoners can't get most of the positions here, except maybe as assistants.
Not that I ever wanted one of those higher positions anyway.
Ann swung the two doors open — and then it hit me. That familiar smell. The stench of dirty, pissy people who haven't bathed in days.
Welcome to the hell within heaven.
A dining room specifically for low-ranking or unfavored assistants — and orphans.
Us.
The room looked old and poorly lit. I sighed, grabbed a hard, stale piece of bread from the breadbasket, and took a seat at one of the ancient pieces of dining furniture.
Ann rolled her eyes and shut the doors behind me.
Lily rushed over and sat in the chair across from mine. She's fifteen but looks seven or eight. Most of the orphans here are malnourished and neglected. "A-Are you-u o-o-okay?" she stuttered. Lily has a speech disorder. I know that because I was a scientist in my past life.
I bit into my bread just as flashbacks from that past life invaded my mind — the sound of thumping and vivid screaming filled my ears. Fear crept up my body... but I shook the thoughts away. I didn't want to think about that life, where I died stupidly at the hands of my abusive husband — a walking red flag. Oh, how hopelessly romantic I was back then.
"B-B-B-Bar-r-ra?"
I tilted my head toward her. "What?" I mumbled in a low, irritated tone.
"Sister A-A-A-Ann told me to m-m-make sure you come to the Coming of Age C-C-Ceremony later."
I flinched slightly.
The Coming of Age Ceremony — held for those who turn sixteen.
That means I can finally leave the orphanage without supervision.
Even though I've been sneaking out already.
Now I just won't have to worry about being caught and beaten to death.
Nice.
I smirked and stuffed the rest of the bread into my mouth. "No worries. I'll be there," I said, crumbs flying from my mouth as I spoke.
Lily crinkled her nose, puffed her cheeks, and scolded me with her tiny hands on her hips. "No talking with food in your mouth!!"
I swear, this girl only speaks clearly when she's upset.
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, standing up and walking out the back doors that led outside.
It was like an open hallway, lined with plants and multiple doors leading to other rooms. Lily ran up behind me as I kept walking.
"W-Wait! I-I heard that an important p-person is c-coming. Who do you t-think it c-could b-b-be?"
An important person?
I thought about it silently but then shrugged. "I don't know."
Honestly, I don't really care about anything that isn't part of my research. The only thing I truly care about is learning everything this world has to offer. Researching and discovering the science behind this universe has been the only thing keeping me alive — even as my body aches with every step and breath.
I used to sneak out and spend most of my time in the forests and open flower fields that glow at night. This world is full of strange creatures — flying fish of the day and glowing fish of the night. My favorite is the angelfish that glides through the air. They always seem so peaceful, always playing with one another.
Living the best life in this universe.
I envy them.
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I stood outside two massive doors that led to the ceremony hall, where everyone was already gathered. I closed my eyes as the doors slowly creaked open. A bright light poured in, shining down on my long, white hair styled neatly over my shoulder and decorated with clear crystals — little rocks I had found outside.
My long, white robes, lined with gold, trailed across the floor, along with the wide sleeves that covered my arms and hands completely. The outfit looked like something a goddess would wear. It was perfect for a ceremony.
Beautiful, ethereal singing echoed throughout the large hall — the voice of a goddess, unlike any I had ever heard.
I stepped forward, slowly making my way down the long aisle. Heads turned to look at me. I kept a calm, blank expression to hide the embarrassment of being late.
Crap. I'm only late because of this way-over-the-top outfit. I sob internally.
Earlier
"Come on, Bara! T-Today is a once-in-a-lifetime e-event! T-This is the only day where you'll get to dress up beautifully!" Lily screamed, shaking my arms in desperation.
"Ugh, Lily! No! If I wear this, everyone will be looking at me. No. No. No." I crossed my arms over my chest.
Lily had been secretly making a ceremony outfit for me. Now I understood why she'd been sneaking off with clothes, needles, and sewing supplies over the past year. I always wondered why she was the most dedicated one among us when it came to our sewing chores. We make clothes for the higher-ranking members of the Guardian of Light and Dark's house.
Lily turned around, swung open the side drawer by her bed, and pulled out makeup tools. I flinched and began backing away slowly.
W-What? How did she get those?! And more importantly—how did she even get my size for the outfit?!
.
.
.
.
.
Now
A chill ran down my spine just thinking back on it. I sighed and sat down in one of the middle rows.
A girl next to me — who looked like a typical sixteen-year-old — puffed out her chest and rolled her eyes at me. Judging by her clothes, she was a noble from outside the orphanage, here for her own coming-of-age ceremony. Only those turning sixteen were allowed to attend, which included children from the local area. The only adults present were the bishop and a few selected sisters who led the ceremony.
I kept my poker face and turned my attention to the front of the hall.
There, a beautiful man in long gold robes stepped forward. His eyes were hidden beneath white blindfolds decorated with gold and connected to a golden leaf crown that curved around his head. His long platinum hair brushed the floor as he walked.
I narrowed my eyes. Who is this guy? He looks like the definition of ethereal.
His beauty seemed otherworldly... Well, technically, we are in another world.
He raised his arms toward the sky, holding a silver bowl filled with something, and his soft lips moved, silently repeating sacred words. Then, he lowered his arms and turned his head — directly toward me.
"Come, child," he said. His deep, gentle voice echoed through the hall.
All eyes turned to look at me.
The noble girl beside me scoffed under her breath. "Attention seeker," she muttered.
I ignored her and stood up, carefully making my way to the front where the man stood.
As I stepped up the small stage, I looked up at him. Wow, he's tall...
He must be at least 6'8". I'm only 4'6", so I practically had to break my neck to look him in the face.
He smiled gently down at me. It felt like he could see right through me — even though he was supposed to be blind. Why does it feel like he can see me?
I shook the thought away as he spoke.
"May Mikath of Light and Dark's blessing be upon you, sweet child."
He raised the bowl above my head and poured water slowly down. It vanished into my skin — leaving no wetness behind. I closed my eyes, hidden beneath my bangs, and bowed lightly before turning to walk back to my seat.
I could feel his gaze burning into the back of my head the whole way.
The ceremony lasted another hour, though it was supposed to be two. I guess that's the good part about arriving late — less waiting.
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As I walked through the long, wide halls of the main building, I heard voices coming from around the corner. I considered going another way — I was heading to the flower fields to gather herbs, after all.
My teacher, who is both a philosopher and a herbal doctor, had been teaching me about plants in this land, Feyla'a. He's been mentoring me ever since the second day I snuck out as a child. Now, I can help treat patients and make remedies.
I smirked to myself. Just by studying plants, I've learned so much — especially with how many different biomes this world has. Honestly, there are more than I can even keep track of.
"Please! Help her, High Priest! I beg of you!" a woman sobbed from around the corner.
Huh? Is someone crying?
Maybe listening for a bit wouldn't hurt.
I peeked my head around the corner, just enough to see. A sister sat on the floor, cradling another unconscious sister in her arms.
Ah! That man again!
The beautiful figure from earlier stood nearby, along with another priest behind him.
Is he the one she called the High Priest?
It made sense — only priests, sisters, and the bishop could attend the ceremony, so this must have been the important person Lily mentioned.
He looked so young... It was shocking. The High Priest is rarely seen and hard to find. Most people don't even know what he looks like.
His face looked worried as he stared at the sisters.
"Just stop asking," the other priest said. "You know it's against the law in the Scrolls to request a blessing from the High Priest unless you're of high rank. You'll need permission from the bishop."
"But—! She doesn't have time! Please!" the sister sobbed, tears streaming down her face onto the pale, sickly woman in her arms. "Isn't a life worth it?! What happened to the sympathy of the priesthood?! Why?!"
The High Priest's face darkened. You could tell he was hurt seeing this.
I stepped out from behind the corner. "I can heal her," I said loudly.
All of them turned toward me.
"I said, I can heal her." My small voice echoed. I clenched my fists.
Welp. There goes my quiet, peaceful weekend.
They looked at me, confused.
"You can?" the crying sister sniffled.
I nodded.
"Kid, stay out of this," the priest scoffed. "She's just a child. She can't do anything."
The High Priest remained silent, watching.
I walked calmly to the fallen sister and examined her. Her left wrist and hand were swollen, red, and covered in bursting blisters.
I frowned. "She's infected. It might have already spread. She needs treatment. Fast."