Then priest voice echoed again softly yet carrying the weight of judgement through the Chruch .
" Reina Throne , step forward . "
A murmur rippled through the crowd - silk rustling , fan hiding sneers , whispers crawling like snakes .
" The Baron's daughter . "
" That own who defeated Cedric . "
" She's so brave . I'm she will get Heroic Mark or Mark of Lion . "
" That child is fit to be knight. "
The words of praises didn't reach to Reina's heart . She heard that kind of praise from them all before . With the calm eyes and unshaken poise .
She walked down the marble path toward the glowing altar . Her steps dignified and measured .
The sunlight through the stained glass turned her silver hair into threads of white fire .
She knelt before the divine orb - the relic of Kumina , said to be reveal a soul's divine mark .
Every noble child dreamed of this movement.
Reina stared at it , unimpressed . She had once faced dragons . What was a ceremony compared to it ?
She placed her hand on the orb .
The world seemed to hold its breath .
The crystal pulsed once -- pure white --- and
Then began to tremble
The light flickered .
Sputtered .
And then - turned black .
A sharp crack .rang out as a line of darkness split the orb in two . A wave of cold mana washed through the temple, snuffing out candles , and chilling in the air .
The priest stumbled back his voice was cracking.
" The relic --- it corrupted. "
Gasps filled the scared hall .
The black smoke that poured from the orb coiled like a living shadow , twisting up to Reina's arm around her shoulders before dissolving into the air like a mist .
The nobles shrieked and drew back . Some crossed themselves with the sigil of Kumina .
The priest stared , pale and trembling. " The machine of the gods has turned black .....
" That's mean.... " He swallowed hard , " She bears no Mark . Nor shall she ever bear one."
For a long moment , silence dominated the hall - thick , suffocating , cruel .
Then , whispers came
" How shameful to have this kind of child "
" I hate you . ,"
" She should just die . "
" She bring shame to her family. ,"
Lady Emilia rose from her seat , her face drained of color . Her hands trembled against her gown . Beside her , Harold's jaw clenched so tight a muscle twitched . Yet his eyes ..... held pride . Defiant pride .
Liora , sitting among the newly blessed , bit her lips hard enough to draw blood . The Wolf mark on her wrist flared with faint light reacting to her anger .
She wanted to shout ...to defend her best friend , to tear the sming faces apart ....
But Reina only smiled ....
Her calm smile unsettled everyone .
Because Reina knew the truth .
That black light was not rejection .
It was recognition.
She could feel it ----- the pulse of divinity , the whisper of the power too vast for mortal tool to contain . The Goddess Myril 's Mark was upon her , though no priest could see it .
The Relic had scattered because it couldn't measure the divine power - Mystic Art , an ancient force beyond the church's understanding .
" Reina " Emilia whispered her breaking voice .
" My child ..... "
Reina turned to face her mother and father bowing deeply . " Mother , Father ... Don't be sad for me . The relic's reaction only means I'm not meant to walk the same path as other. "
" But -- , " Emilia began , tears shimmering down her eyes .
Harold gripped her hand tightly. " Let's her speak . "
Reina looked at them both , eyes steady ,voice clear . " Please allow me to surrender my noble title ."
Gasps . Even the priest forze .
" What non sense! " Emilia cried , clutching her chest . " You are my child , Our daughter . "
" I was . " Reina said softly . " But now the Chruch , will never let the Markless remain among the nobility. "
" Mother , Father .... I'm thankful to both of you , for giving birth to me . But if I stay , I'll only bring shame to you and your name . Let me go before they force your hands. "
Her word stuck like dragger . Emilia covered her mouth , sobbing silently.
Liora stood up , shouting through her tears .
" No .. I don't care what the church says ! You're my friend . You are special. "
Reina smirked faintly , " Thank you Liora , You always were kind one . "
She reached out and wiped a tear from Liora's cheek . " Live proudly . I'll always watch you... And thank you for being my friend. "
The priest finally found out his voice , loud and trembling .... With the divine authority.
" By the decree of the Chruch of Kumina , one who bears no divine mark shall not dwell among the marked . She is to be exiled -- to the Forest of Veils , where her soul shall be purified through solitude. "
" No ! " Emilia screamed , struggling against the guard that moved toward her daughter .
" Please , she's just a child . "
Reina raised her hand gently . " It's all right , Mother . This is the worlds law . I'll obey it . "
Harold bow his head low , his voice rough ,
" If this path you choose , Reina then you walk with pride . Remember --
" You're still my daughter . "
" I know " Reina whispered, " And that's enough .
The crowd parted as the priest signaled the knight of the chruch . Chains of light shimmered briefly as they bound her wrists -- not cruelly but symbolically . Reism didn't resist .
She walked past the nobles whose eyes were filled with scorn , past relics that lay scattered on the floor , past her weepinb mother and father .
As she reached the Chruch door , she paused .
Her silver hair gently swayed in the breeze of open world .
She looked back one last time .
As Ray Throne , I have never received the love of family , gentle hand of mother , shield like father and a friend like Liora .
But it's time to said goodbye. If I stay with them , I couldn't master my sword. I couldn't fulfill the wish to have peaceful life and to be the strongest. That's why , I have to leave them .
It's tearing my heart away but I have to do this .
" I'll come back . " She said softly as her tears down from eyes , " I'll return , just wait for me , Mother ... Father ..... "
The great doors closed behind her with a thunderous boom