Chapter 111: White Calamity
A week later, in Anaxa's classroom, the one-eyed scholar stood at the podium, his tone as indifferent as ever. "Today, we have a new classmate. His name is Phainon."
With that simple introduction, he turned to write today's topic on the blackboard. But the classroom was already abuzz.
"The Savior?"
"Is he the legendary Chrysos Heir?"
"Oh my god, he's really here!"
Everyone's gaze focused on the white-haired young man at the door. He wore plain clothes, carried an old satchel, and stood there awkwardly. Facing everyone's scrutiny, he seemed a bit at a loss. "Um... hello everyone, I'm Phainon, from Ailimi Xie," he said, scratching his head and revealing a shy smile. "Please bear with me."
"Sit down," Anaxa said without turning his head. "Find any empty seat."
Phainon looked around and finally chose an empty seat in the corner. Along the way, whispers were constant.
"That's it? He doesn't look like a Savior at all..."
"I thought he'd be very imposing."
"He looks so ordinary."
"Keep your voices down, it wouldn't be good if he heard you."
Phainon lowered his head, pretending not to hear the discussions, but his slightly reddened ears betrayed his embarrassment.
You sat in the middle, quietly observing everything. Castorice was next to you, curiously sizing up Phainon.
"Is that him? The legendary Savior?" she whispered to you.
"Probably."
"Silence." Anaxa tapped the blackboard. "Today we'll be discussing advanced theories of soul studies. Regarding the relationship between consciousness and the body..."
He began his lecture, completely ignoring Phainon's presence. It was as if he hadn't just introduced a Savior, but an ordinary transfer student. This attitude made some students secretly pleased. Look, even Teacher Anaxa doesn't take him seriously! What Savior, he's nothing special!
Phainon sat quietly in the corner, listening attentively and taking notes. Occasionally, someone would turn to sneak a look at him, but he pretended not to notice. However, you noticed that his hand, holding the pen, was trembling slightly. He must be under a lot of pressure, having high expectations placed upon him, yet also being questioned. Wanting to prove himself, but not knowing where to start. This feeling must be very difficult.
"Orion, answer this question." Anaxa suddenly called your name.
You stood up and answered the question fluently. "Good, sit down."
As you sat back down, your gaze inadvertently met Phainon's. You gave him a friendly nod. He froze for a moment, then smiled. This small detail confirmed one thing for you. This person is very approachable.
After class, you found Phainon. He was sitting under a tree, lost in thought by himself.
"Phainon?"
Hearing the voice, he suddenly looked up. Seeing it was you, surprise flashed in his eyes.
"You are... Orion?"
"Hm? You know me?" You extended your hand in a friendly gesture.
"Of course I know you!" Phainon stood up excitedly, shaking your hand firmly. "I heard about you when I was in Ohema! Aglaea's capable assistant, who handled so many government affairs for her... Tribbie and the others often mentioned you, saying you're a particularly gentle person!"
Watching his excited demeanor, you smiled modestly. "They flatter me. But you, coming from Ohema to the Tree Garden, was it Aglaea's arrangement?"
"Yes," Phainon nodded. "Aglaea said that the Tree Garden is a place where one can grow. She hopes I can learn more here." At this point, his expression became somewhat dim. "Actually... I feel like I don't live up to everyone's expectations."
He sat back down, and you followed suit. "Tribbie and the others say I'm the Savior, but I don't feel it at all. I'm just an ordinary person, who grew up in a village... If my village hadn't been destroyed by war, I might never have left it."
So that's how it is. His home destroyed, forced onto a path that wasn't originally his own.
"Don't say that," you sat beside him. "There must be a reason you were chosen."
"But everyone doesn't believe me..." Phainon gave a bitter smile. "You saw it, the teacher doesn't take me seriously at all. The other classmates are also talking behind my back..." He continued, "And when I first arrived in Ohema, those Council members said something like 'even a heaven-sent Savior must undergo trials'… So, they threw me into the military camp. But thanks to the experience, I learned a lot. I treated everyone as a teacher, learning their combat skills, their experience... Later, I became famous in one battle and finally returned to Ohema. But now the Council still doesn't believe me..."
"They don't disbelieve you," you said seriously. "They just don't understand you yet... But I can tell you're a good person."
"Really?"
"Of course." You patted his shoulder. "Give them some time, and give yourself some time too."
Phainon looked at you, and his eyes gradually lit up. "Brother Orion... May I call you that?"
"Of course."
"That's great!" Phainon said happily. "Brother Orion, let's be friends!" He scratched his head a little shyly. "Actually, from the moment you came to find me, I wanted to say that. I hope you're the first friend I make after coming to the Tree Garden!"
Looking at his expectant eyes, you smiled. "Alright."
"Really?" Phainon was happy, yet also a little hesitant. "Even if I'm the Savior who's being questioned..."
"Of course it's real," you interrupted him, saying earnestly. "I don't care if you're some Savior or not. In my eyes, you are Phainon, a friend worth having."
Phainon's eyes were a little moist. "Brother Orion..." He nodded vigorously, a smile blooming on his face. "Okay! From today on, we'll be the best of friends!"