Chapter 8 -8-Another Speedrun! Record Broken Again!
Tin-Silver Kingdom – Lumen Sanctum Academy
Unlike the Royal Academy, Lumen Sanctum Academy was an institution operated solely by the Church—independent in every aspect, including recruitment. Even the monarch of the Tin-Silver Kingdom had no jurisdiction over its internal affairs.
In fact, within the kingdom, a newly crowned king was not considered legitimate until he received the ceremonial blessing—a personal coronation by the Holy Pope.
And yet, despite this theocratic dominance, Lumen Sanctum Academy was not viewed as lesser than the Royal Academy. If anything, within the minds of the nobility, its prestige often surpassed that of the Royal Academy.
However, no amount of noble blood or political maneuvering could guarantee entry into Lumen Sanctum. Only those of absolute piety, who earned the favor of the Pope himself, could be considered for admission.
At that moment, deep within Lumen Sanctum's trial-based underground labyrinth, a radiant young woman was locked in battle.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, but her golden eyes remained unwavering.
Saintess Marina tightened her grip on her staff, her focus drifting slightly.
"Marina! You spaced out again!"
"Stay focused! You must concentrate!"
Snapped back to reality by her teammate's urgent call, Marina blinked and nodded. With a graceful motion of her scepter, she unleashed a sweep of blessed golden light.
