Atop the high wall, the setting sun dyed the distant sky a deep crimson.
“Your words are not without merit.” Jirusaga’s voice was low and powerful, echoing through the corridors of the Training Institute.
“The ‘Phoenix’ undoubtedly possesses immense potential, but her heart is not yet firm enough. We must take measures to ensure she fully integrates into the Organization and becomes our most loyal weapon.”
The nanny stood nervously to the side, waiting for further instructions. She understood that every decision made by the Grand Priest could affect the future of the Training Institute and the fates of those young experimental subjects.
“Starting tomorrow, increase the intensity of Phoenix’s training.” Jirusaga turned around, her eyes fixed on the nanny like burning torches. “I want her to not only learn how to fight, but also how to survive in the darkness.”
The nanny nodded. Although she felt concerned about this nearly harsh method of training, she also knew that this decision was beyond question.
“Yes, Lord. I will arrange it immediately.”
“Furthermore,” Jirusaga added, “I want you to personally supervise her training. Ensure she is not disturbed by any external factors, including things that might shake her loyalty.”
“I will do my best, Lord,” the nanny replied firmly.
Thus, Jirusaga decided to reshape the girl from the heart.
***
Night fell, and the sky was dotted with stars. A peaceful atmosphere permeated the courtyard of the Training Institute.
Tii sat alone on the stone steps once again, gazing blankly at the brilliant starry sky, her eyes filled with confusion.
At that moment, Jirusaga slowly approached and sat down beside her. She did not speak, simply offering her silent company.
After a while, Jirusaga asked softly, “Phoenix, what are you thinking about?”
Tii turned her head to look at her, her voice carrying a hint of respect. “Teacher… it is nothing.”
She was well aware that the person before her was the supreme existence within the Training Institute.
Jirusaga sighed gently and reached out to pat her shoulder.
“Child, I know you are thinking of your father. Sadness is only human, but it is meaningless to dwell on it blindly. You must inherit his will and fight for Black Feather.”
Tii did not respond, only continuing to look at the night sky.
Jirusaga gently pulled her into her arms. “Did you know? The stars are the tears shed by the gods, which is why the starry sky is so beautiful. All the beauty we see is the crystallization of faith and devotion.”
Tii was slightly stunned. “Teacher, do you mean… as long as I have devout faith, I can also become the strongest assassin?”
“Your talent and potential already far exceed those of ordinary people,” Jirusaga said calmly. “You must remember, your father wanted you to walk forward bravely.”
“My father…”
Hearing those words, Tii’s eyes welled up again.
“He is gone. From now on, I will take his place and watch you grow.”
The woman’s voice was uncharacteristically gentle, reminding Tii of her mother, whose memory had already blurred.
‘If Mother were still here… perhaps she would be like Teacher.’
The young girl suddenly felt that this cold-looking teacher was not as heartless as she had imagined.
***
On the training ground of the Training Institute, the red-haired girl was swinging her sword with full concentration. Her movements were swift and precise, the blade’s edge carrying a sharp, cold glint.
Sweat trickled down from her temples, but there was no hint of exhaustion in her eyes.
Just as she was preparing for the next round of practice, Jirusaga’s figure appeared at the entrance of the training ground once again.
“Teacher, you have come.”
Tii sheathed her sword and bowed.
Jirusaga walked slowly toward her. Her tone was still low, but it held an unusual softness.
“Phoenix, I have something to say to you.”
Tii’s heart tightened slightly. “Yes, Teacher. Please speak.”
Jirusaga took a small wooden box from her robes and handed it to her.
“Today is your birthday. This is a gift for you.”
An exceptionally faint smile actually tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Tii was momentarily stunned; she had never seen her like this.
She took the wooden box and opened it carefully. Inside was an exquisite wood-carved butterfly.
The butterfly’s wings were light and spread wide, carved with intricate and delicate patterns. These patterns were not random; they integrated elements of the Witch Tribe and mysterious symbols.
This was a common ornament in Valivadan, often made into brooches or buttons for young girls to wear.
A flash of surprise crossed Tii’s eyes. She looked up at Jirusaga, filled with gratitude.
“Teacher, this is so beautiful. Thank you.”
Her voice trembled slightly. She had not expected Jirusaga to remember her birthday, nor had she expected to receive such a thoughtful gift.
Jirusaga nodded gently, her gaze softening. “I am very satisfied with your training.”
Tii’s expression shifted. Having lived within the high walls of the Training Institute since childhood, she knew almost nothing of the outside world. Therefore, such affirmation was precious to her.
“If you are willing, I can take you outside to see the world.”
Tii’s eyes instantly lit up. “Yes, Teacher. I would very much like to go out and see.”
Following in Jirusaga’s footsteps, Tii stepped out of the Training Institute for the first time and into that strange, vast world.
The sunlight spilled over them, plating the rooftops in golden silhouettes. Jirusaga’s pace was steady and composed.
“Phoenix, your next mission will be a long-term infiltration.”
Her voice drifted slowly through the breeze.
“You will go to the enemy Kingdom of Ansels, infiltrate the palace, and play the role of an ordinary maid. You need to fully integrate into their lives and gather intelligence.”
“I understand, Teacher. I will do my best to complete the mission.”
Jirusaga smiled slightly, her smile carrying a deep meaning. “However, you must remember. As a maid, you cannot always be this cold. You need to learn how to smile. You must show gentleness and harmlessness like an ordinary girl to gain the trust of others.”
Tii was slightly dazed. At the Training Institute, she had only learned to fight and kill; she had never learned how to “smile.”
“Teacher, I… I do not know how to smile.”
“It is fine. I will teach you.” Jirusaga shook her head gently. “A smile is a natural expression of emotion. From today onward, you will stay by my side, and I will teach it to you.”
A trace of warmth seemed to seep into the girl’s cold world.
Jirusaga remained serious and calm, but in front of Tii, she showed more patience and care. She began to teach her how to hide her sharpness in a crowd, how to use a smile to mask her killing intent, and how to navigate complex interpersonal relationships with ease.
Every morning, when the first light of dawn spilled across the floor through the windows of the Training Institute, Jirusaga would bring Tii to the courtyard.
She had Tii face a mirror to carefully observe her own expressions. From the relaxation of her brows to the curve of her lips, not a single detail was overlooked.
At first, Tii’s smile was stiff and unnatural, but Jirusaga did not give up. She demonstrated again and again, patiently correcting every detail.
“Remember, a smile is more than just the corners of your mouth turning up,” Jirusaga said softly, a gentle light shining in her eyes. “A well-timed show of weakness and words that can soothe people’s hearts are equally important.”
“You must look submissive and harmless to avoid arousing any suspicion.”