The Saint Likes Me, But I’m Screwed… [Rewrite]

 In the depths of the dark abyss, crimson mana pulsates—like a beating heart, the source violently shook and raced. The faint crimson light shone brighter, revealing dark, rough sculptures kneeling—hailing the throne.

 Resting on the throne was a massive mana crystal, crimson dread—filled with rage and despair. A cloaked figure smiled at the wonderful sight—tap, tap, tap. Each step he took echoed loudly.

—KRRHH

 As if coming to life, the statue's red eyes focused down on the man—instantly, a red circle flashed beneath his feet, suscepting him to the immense gravitational pull. But the man cared not as he continued to march.

—KABOOM!  

 A dark armor had awakened. The hardened rune tiles at the man's feet cracked—a small crater formed beneath him as the dark steeled sword was at the center.

 "Oh? A Dark Armor?" the faint voice of the figure echoed.

 The Dark Armor tilted its head, glaring into the invader's golden eyes as its attack hadn't connected. It had found itself inside the illusion that was the stranger. It gripped its sword—mana exploded in dark crimson. Its dark-steeled longsword cracked as the red pulsated.

 "…"

 The cloaked man flinched at the amount of mana that was being released, but he knew that the worst that could happen was that his connection to the artificial phantom would just be cut off. And yet, the sheer animosity from the being before him made him gulp involuntarily.

—HUMAN. YOU DARE DISTURB MY LORD'S ETERNAL SLUMBER?

 Even though The Dark Armor was a dark spiritual being, something that is supposed to be drowning in madness, it spoke… using the intensity of the mana it was releasing.

 "!?" the man shuddered—what mana control does this spirit possess…!? He wondered. "W-wait! I came here to bring him back!" he desperately cried.

—MORTAL FOOL, the mana cried.

 "I-It's true! We have found Hycin's divine relic!"

 Tsk… even though we just got Goddess Hycin's Grail, we have to offer it to some damn warlord?!

—YOU DARE MENTION THE NAME OF THAT ACCURSED IRUEEL!?

 "E-eek!?" the man yelped. His body was cold, and there was a strange smell and taste. "Huh…?" Before he knew it, his body physical body had been pulled through a void as he suddenly found himself in the abyss. Before him was a dark crimson blade with cracks pointed at his throat.

—DIE, ROT LIKE THE FILTH FROM WHERE YOU CAME

 No… it wasn't supposed to end like this… the man thought, his mouth agape—THUD, and finally, his head thumped onto the floor—Ah… that damned Divine Light, are we too eager to get rid of it…?

 As the beheaded man lay cold, Dark Armor dragged its sword along the tiles—a void of nothingness cracked and gulped the corpse. But, peculiarly, a grail colored like the celestial sky couldn't be swallowed by the void. Thus, Dark Armor concentrated mana into its sword and pierced the grail using its remaining mana, leaving the grail to bleed. It knelt down, closing its eyes, resting along its lord.

—

 Present day: Ilifelen calendar, year 5212, Meain, 14th.

—

 It has been two days since Alum spent precious time with Amethely. Now, he's on and about learning under Rigeld during the days, and in his free time, he practiced magic on his own.

 Ever since the day he was with Amethely, he'd picked up the sword, tracing the moves she taught him—at first. Sometimes, he'd mindlessly swing the sword. Sweat ran down his chin; his eyes were focused. Although his mind was elsewhere, his posture was good and sturdy.

 "…"

 It's inefficient, he thought at first.

 It was perhaps the wrong mentality going into it, but he found it more rewarding when he changed to a shorter sword. It was easier to maneuver and easier to swing—he grew a little attached to it.

 Despite being slightly guilty that Amethely spent time teaching him her way of the sword, he improvised and sought to extract efficiency in the one-handed short sword. It got to the point he'd fidget with it—twirling it around between his fingers while casting magic—as he's doing now.

 Electricity bursts and crackles in the air, sparkling in the color of his mana—[Plasma Ray] he called the spell in his mind.

—THOOMB!

 The thunder clapped as he released the spell—static discharge danced around the practice dummy. It was almost unscathed with minor burn marks, meaning he'd penetrated the magic barrier protecting it.

 …When am I going to use this? He pondered, looking at the devastation.

 Although he had an affinity for lighting magic, he'd never used it properly until now. It was erratic and difficult to control. Not only that, it was almost suicidal to use it to enhance oneself as it'd had a history of frying its user. This was why he used raw mana or water magic like [Mana Reinforce] and [Mana Armor].

 "…"

 He glanced at the practice sword—instantly, it lit up in a glowing blue light, using [Infused Plasma]. But…

—Drip…

 The sword had melted just as fast as he cast the spell. The superheated metal dripped slowly, creating a small puddle of metal—it's the 5th… Uncle Rig will scold me… again… Alum sighed. This time for sure… He thought that he'd released just enough mana to activate the spell and not overwhelm the steel. But as it melted, it clearly wasn't the case. His mana was too condensed—even with a smaller output, he'd exceed the output required for the spells.

  ..

 He sighed inwardly as he left the training facility. On his way back to his room, he met Chely, who flashed him a warm smile.

 "Hey there, Al," she spoke casually.

 "Mm. Hey," Alum nodded, responding casually as well.

 "Thanks for the sweets the other day. They were good."

 "You're welcome."

 ""…""

 It went silent for a moment before Chely chuckled softly.

 "You really are a man of few words, aren't you? Unlike… a certain someone." Although she sighed, a tiny smile revealed itself.

 Alum's lips loosened slightly. "That's true. Thanks for keeping Noel company," he said, leaning on the wall beside him. "Despite his adaptability, he's more lonely than he seems." 

 "I'm aware," Chely shrugged; her arms were crossed, and an eye was closed while the other peeked.

 "Pfft…" Alum laughed lightly. "Were you charmed?" he inquired.

 "…" Chely averted her gaze. "You're insensitive. Although. I suppose he's quite foolish, making dumb faces and laughing too much."

 "I see—" So you're saying: he's charming, has a cute face, and especially when he laughs, he remarked inwardly.

 "Hey… What's with the deadpan smug look?" Chely asked, raising a brow.

 "No. Nothing in particular," Alum shrugged.

 "Right. Anyhow, I must be on my way."

 "Sure. But we're going the same way, right?" Alum's eyes were half-lidded, and an almost grin surfaced on his deadpan face.

 "…"

 Was he always like this? The flustered Chely wondered.

  ..

 Alum and Chely made their way to the dorm by the shore with few words in between. And since Chely is Amethely's older sister, he learned a few things about her as a child and how she's warm and awkward—even when she snuck out of the palace, causing panic around Aurlux. Even until this day, she had no idea how the young Amethely managed to bypass all the security.

 Of course, Alum grew increasingly anxious as she told him the story, but he came to learn—Chely doesn't actually know Amethely that well. Of course, he wasn't going to point it out since their certainty was a reason. Regardless, the sisters seemed close.

 "So… um, how was it? A day with Ame?" Chely asked reluctantly—it didn't seem as though she wanted to pry but rather to know more about her own sister.

 "It was eventful. I got to eat her cooking and practiced with her. I also allowed to look through some of the unfinished blueprints for her magitech projects—however, I must confess I didn't understand it much."

 Chely chuckled. "I see… she's a hard worker, after all. And well… smart too."

 Mm… I didn't think that she made sense—she still doesn't. But I'm aware that she's usually brilliant, Alum mused, thinking about all the strange and bizarre things Amethely's been doing.

 Eventually, they reached the dorms, and before Chely headed to her section, Alum invited her to his room—he had an inkling.

 "…"

 "…"

 As they entered his room, they found Miu and Noel playing chess with Emely watching the match and Luna casually reading on his bed. 

 Chely's eye twitched—she didn't think she'd find Noel all alone with three beautiful women again—even though she knew nothing was going on, it made her conscious.

 Meanwhile—Hm… Miu's losing, Alum thought as he glanced at the board.

 "Hm?" Noel quickly glanced at them. "Sup!" he greeted them with a grin.

 "…?" Miu followed his gaze. "Hi, Alum, Ms. Chely," she said warmly.

 "Oh my… Al and Miss Hero?" Emely tilted her head—confused since she wasn't awake the previous time Chely visited.

 "Hey. My room isn't a hangout place," Alum sighed but faintly smiled.

 Hearing his voice, Luna looked up from her book and saw both Alum and Chely—realizing her dress was disheveled, she fixed herself to look more refined.

 "Hello there, Miss Chely and Al," she somewhat shyly greeted them.

 "…Greetings, Princess," Chely replied, not as surprised as she was the first time. She then glanced at the others. "Do you all always spend your time here?" she inquired, but the door behind her suddenly slid open.

 "—Hey, Noel, I got us some snacks and drinks… oh? Alum and… Hero Chely?"

 It was David, who'd usually spend his time quietly in his room, but since the day Alum returned from the monastery, he'd invited him to join them in the evenings.

 "Miu's losing," Alum remarked casually.

 "Ah, in about five moves?" David followed, peeking at the board while holding a tray.

 "…"

 Miu puffed her cheeks at their comment, determined to prove them wrong—but she knew that beating Noel in skill-based games would be difficult—so if she made an unexpected move, she might catch him off guard!

 "…"

 "…"

 "Now two," Alum brutally commented.

 Al, did you have to say it…? Emely thought, pitying Miu.

  …

 ..

 The very next day, after breakfast, Noel and the other Wanderers went to the meeting room as usual. Luna would hold her long seminars, but as they all awaited her arrival, she entered the room with two other people—one they were familiar with and one they had once seen at a banquet.

 Noel's eyes widened at the sight—Chely stood there with the clothes he complimented her on, but he could also tell she wore some armor underneath. But that was beside the point—beside her was none other than the girl Alum fell for.

 "From today onwards, Lady Amethely and Hero Chely will be assisting me. I do not think it is something that needs to be stated. But mind your manners," Luna spoke calmly and clearly. "And from tomorrow, five paladins in training from The Order will also join you also. I concur you can get along; they are to move into the dorms," she added.

 "…"

 All Noel could do was be stunned as the others murmured. Most of which were compliments toward Amethely, the Saint, which was predictably expected. But they were also speculating about the five paladins who were about to join them.

 "On another note, we've moved your training to today—get changed and meet me at training facility W1. But first…" she glanced at Amethely and Chely.

 Amethely smiled brightly, but her eyes wandered as if looking for someone. Presumably Alum, Noel thought. And he'd be correct. When she first entered the room, she fidgeted a little, fixing her hair and looking at the reflection on the windows when they were on their way.

 Chely couldn't help but find her endearing, so her complexion was noticeably softer than usual. Even the others thought Amethely was cute rather than elegant. But that was due to them being from another world. But had it been the natives like Luna and Chely, they'd likely not judge her to be the cute type.

 "My name is Amethely Ilis; please refer to me as Amethely," she spoke elegantly, then flashed a bright smile befitting a saint. "It is a pleasure to meet you all," she added, her eyes gently tugging their heartstrings.

  Noel had to squint his eyes because it got too bright—the others had a similar reaction—some were left speechless with their chin hanging and eyes widened. Some blushed, their heart skipped like they'd fallen in love—which they might as well have.

 "…"

 Chely glared at Noel with a deadpan expression before a small huff left her lips. Noel noticed her expression, thus flashing her a grin, but it only led to Luna glaring at him, asking, 'What are you doing?' with her gaze.

 Noel shrugged and smiled instead, resting on his palm as he waited for Chely to introduce herself. But little did he know, Julia, who'd been watching, frowned at his apparent fondness for Chely—I liked him first, she thought, frowning as she subtly glared at Chely, who was too occupied with Noel's smug face to notice.

 As for Oliver, he casually noted Amethely to be beautiful, but that was it—unlike some of the people around him, he wasn't fawning over her. Instead, he glanced toward Miu, who facepalmed at Noel's subtle antics.

 Urgh… he cursed and frowned inwardly—he just couldn't move on from these unrequited feelings—clinging to what was there before even arriving in this world.

 Chely then stepped forth. "I've already introduced myself before. But… My name is Chely Ilis. It is my pleasure to meet you again. Henceforth, I'll be instructing alongside Princess Luna and Saint Amethely."

 "…" Amethely tugged Chely's sleeve, her eyes big and endearing. "Saint Amethely…?" she questioned how Chely referred to her as.

 "Ugh…" Chely clenched her chest inwardly, but a troubled expression surfaced. "I-I mean…" she stammered slightly. "Amethely, my adora—I mean younger sister."

 Amethely tilted her head, her lips pressed together. "Not Ame?" she asked.

 "Yes… my younger sister, Ame," Chely caved, her face burning red.

 "Ehehe~" Amethely giggled gently, her eyes warm, and the tension in the air eased.

 Noel also chuckled, and slowly, everyone began to laugh in mild amusement—everyone except for Luna, who noted a high amount of tension when it came to Chely. It was natural for people to be intimidated by Chely, so she didn't find it too surprising. But… her eyes sparkled as she snuck a glance at Amethely.

 Wh-whaaa!? I-I-I'll be w-working with S-Saint Amethely!—her mind raced; of course, it was because Luna was a huge fan of Amethely.

  ..

 Meanwhile, in Rigeld's office, Alum sorted documents and ran errands around the base, informing officials, collecting reports, and—sitting and doing nothing. Ever since he arrived, Rigeld finished his work much faster, and they were able to finish most of the work by lunch. So naturally, Alum began to study while Rigeld napped.

 "…"

 "Zzz… Zzzz…"

 Naturally, it was difficult for them to be doing other things since emergencies could always arise. So if Rigeld weren't in his office, it would greatly trouble the others. However…

 "Hey, Al," Rigeld called out to him suddenly.

 "What is it?" Alum replied, his gaze not leaving the book.

 "Why don't you go and hand Luna some treats the treats over there? She should be in training facility W1."

 "I suppose I could. It's quite unproductive here, after all."

 "Oh? I thought you disliked working," Rigeld teased, his eyes still closed as he feigned sleep.

 "I've got a goal to reach. That's all," Alum rebuked—he had to confess. Usually, he wanted to be lazy and do nothing at all as well. So, really, he and Rigeld weren't too far off from each other.

 "Hmm, that so?" he played dumb. "Well, either way. Their training was pushed forward, so stay and join them while you're there."

 "I don't have a reason to stay. There wouldn't be a suitable training partner there."

 "Aww, c'mon, don't say that. There's Luna, ain't there? Besides…" Rigeld grinned, taking his feet off the desk, and leaned closer. "Dont'cha wanna show off?" he asked in a whisper.

 "Sigh…" in turn, Alum responded with a deep sigh—show off. For what reason? He thought as he scoffed inwardly.