Elsewhere, in the Institution's lecture rooms, the Daughters of Eros trained, they were all sitting on lined chairs, arms outstretched, summoning their inner power.
Shimmering orbs of Divinity — some sunlight gold, others verdant green, crimson red, shadow black and brilliant silver — floated above their palms, held together by sheer concentration.
The teacher or this class, Lady Savana, an imposing tall woman with a gaze of wisdom that pierced through distractions, paced down the line, observing each orb, analyzing each student's control.
She addressed the class, her voice low but resolute. "Only a rare few can channel physical Divinity into attacks. Most Awakened Players are limited to their Main and Sub Skills, and the powers that they grant them. Many of you won't achieve it, but for those who can... well, let's say your reach will be endless."
Suddenly, a soft whimper broke the steady silence. "No!" Phoebe of Elysium sat trembling, her flickering ball of Divinity sputtering out, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. Her shoulders slumped as she looked down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she lowered her face to her desk and covered it with her hands. Stay connected through empire
She started sobbing.
"Oh, Father," Aryanne rolled her eyes. "She's such a crybaby."
"Phoebe." Lady Savana approached her, her tone softening as he bent down. "Phoebe, Divinity demands more than strength; it requires calm focus. Breathe. It's just an extension of yourself. Try again."
Raising her head, the Elysium princess dried her tears and nodded, clutching her hands together, though her eyes remained downcast.
Meanwhile, seated on her own chair, Celestia glanced over at the empty seat beside her, sighing as a slight disappointment flickered in her gaze.
She'd saved it just for him. But where was he? Where was Aeric?
She had hoped that they would be able to spend time today rather than run around from Aryanne and her cohorts. Share a laugh and have conversations. But the absence was a heavy reminder, and she surprisingly felt a loneliness gnawing inside her despite the bustling room around her.
Behind her, Aryanne folded her arms as her silver eyes also noticed the empty chair. "Pfft. Seems like your precious boyfriend is absent today, Celestia. Maybe he's just scared to show up. He probably didn't want to face me again — or worse."
Misty blinked in surprise. "Huh?" But a sharp glance from Rosette silenced her.
Celestia's face twisted in disbelief. "What? That's a big fat lie if I've ever seen one, Rosette, and you know it! Aeric was home last night; he did return."
"You have no real way of proving that." Rosette's jaw tightened, eyes narrowing. "You live all the way in Dawn and we live in Starlight. You don't get to tell me what my brother did or didn't do."
Celestia let out a short, bitter laugh. "Why do you even care, Rosette? You're the one who conspired with Aryanne and her minions to hurt Aeric during the Heart Hunt. What were you trying to do? Kill him? He's your brother!"
Rosette's face flared with anger. "Don't you dare tell me how to treat my own brother. You wouldn't understand. You don't have a brother."
"And if I did, I'd sure as hell never treat him the way you and Misty do. If Aeric's not here, it's probably because of you two, and the way you treated him yesterday. Now you're just trying to project your guilt onto someone else."
Silence reigned after that.
The sisters exchanged a stunned look, Rosette's mouth opening as though to argue, but no words came. And Celestia, she gave them this glare that said; 'What now? Nothing else to say?'
Just then, Meira, Celestia's younger sister, appeared at her side, looking nervous as always as she fidgeted with her dress and glasses. "Celestia, I... I need your help with something," she murmured, casting an anxious glance at the two sisters.
Celestia nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Alright, I'm coming." But before she turned to go, she shot Rosette and Misty one final glare. Without another word, she followed Meira, leaving the sisters in silence.
Rosette stood in the empty corridor, a storm of anger and resentment brewing within her. She clenched her fists, her jaw set as she fought to contain her rage. Then, with a huff, she spun on her heel, grabbing Misty's arm and dragging her along.
"Where are we going?" Misty asked, struggling to keep up.
Rosette's eyes narrowed as she stomped out of the building. "We're going to find our brother.."