Let's Train Heroine

"Lucan," the principal began, folding her hands on the desk, "I have news regarding the White Pegasus Shrine."

"Is it about the plan we discussed?"

The principal shook her head. "There\'s been a change. After careful consideration, it has been decided that instead of a fake assignment, you will be the one actually chosen to go to the White Pegasus Shrine."

"I... am truly going?"

"Yes," the principal confirmed. "You saved the academy during the recent crisis and have consistently been one of our most diligent teachers. There is no one more deserving."

Lucan felt troubled. He didn\'t want this, but he couldn\'t refuse. Refusing would be disrespectful to White Pegasus, which is a central part of the religious beliefs.

"I\'m honored, ma\'am. I\'ll do my best to represent the academy."

"And you won\'t be going alone," the principal added. "Two other teachers have also been chosen based on their outstanding performance: Xue Lan and Lila Winters. The three of you will depart together."

Lucan nodded.

"Prepare yourself," the principal advised. "You\'ll leave in three days. The academy is counting on you."

Lucan stood, bowing slightly. "I won\'t disappoint you, Principal."

---

The journey to the White Pegasus Shrine was long but uneventful. The three teachers—Lucan, Xue Lan, and Lila Winters—traveled happily, talking with each other.

The winding mountain paths and thick forests that surrounded them were beautiful, with the early morning mist curling around the trees. They stopped to appreciate the view.

As they neared the shrine, the dense forest gave way to a clearing. In the distance, they could see the White Pegasus Shrine perched majestically on a plateau. The shrine itself was a masterpiece of architecture, with tall spires that reached toward the heavens and intricate carvings that adorned the stone walls.

But the most striking feature was the massive statue of a White Pegasus, its wings outstretched as if preparing to take flight. The statue gleamed in the sunlight, its surface so smooth and polished that it appeared almost ethereal.

Lucan halted the carriage at the base of the shrine, and the three teachers dismounted. As they walked toward the shrine, Xue Lan\'s breath hitched at the sight of the White Pegasus statue. "It\'s even more beautiful than I imagined," she whispered.

Lila nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Indeed, it\'s breathtaking."

Lucan, however, was focused on something else. This would be the best time for an ambush.

"We should pay our respects quickly," Lucan said.

The three of them approached the statue, ready to bow and offer their prayers. But just as they were about to kneel, a sudden whistling sound filled the air.

"Get down!" Lucan shouted, grabbing Xue Lan and Lila by their arms and pulling them behind the statue. A volley of arrows rained down on their previous position, embedding themselves into the ground with deadly precision.

They crouched behind the White Pegasus statue, using its massive form as cover. Lucan peered around the edge, his sharp eyes scanning the tree line where the arrows had come from. Sure enough, he spotted movement—figures in dark clothing, partially concealed by the trees, reloading their bows.

"Fifty of them," Lucan muttered, assessing the situation quickly. His mind raced, piecing together the details. The attack wasn\'t random. It was too well-coordinated, too precise. He knew who was behind this.

"Himan."

Xue Lan looked at him, concern etched on her usually calm face. "You know them?"

Lucan nodded, his eyes never leaving the tree line. "They\'re outlaws or Lost City\'s people, hired by Himan. I suspected something like this might happen, and more importantly, this is the reason why I came here."

Lila tightened her grip on her sword, her eyes narrowing. She didn\'t comment on why Lucan hadn\'t told them who these people were, what their motive was, and why. For now, those questions weren\'t important—the priority was to leave this place quickly.

Xue Lan bit her lip. "So, what do we do now?"

Lucan turned to her, his expression serious. "You and Lila stay here, behind the statue. It\'s the safest place for now. I\'m going to deal with them."

Xue Lan\'s eyes widened. "But Lucan, there are fifty of them! You can\'t face them alone!"

Lila stepped forward, her voice firm. "We should fight together."

Lucan shook his head. "No, I need you both here. If you come with me, it will only hinder me."

Before either of them could protest further, Lucan was already moving. He darted out from behind the statue, sprinting across the clearing with the speed and agility of a seasoned warrior. The moment he emerged, the archers began firing again, but Lucan was ready.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a barrier of shimmering water, which swirled around him, deflecting the arrows harmlessly to the ground.

They hesitated, surprised by the sudden appearance of Lucan\'s barrier, but their leader quickly shouted orders, and they began to spread out, trying to encircle him.

Lucan\'s eyes narrowed as he assessed their movements. "So, they want to surround me, do they?" he thought, a plan already forming in his mind. He couldn\'t afford to be trapped, but he could use their numbers against them.

With a powerful leap, Lucan launched himself into the air, the water barrier shifting to form wings that carried him high above the battlefield. From this vantage point, he could see all of his enemies at once. With a sweep of his hand, he directed the water to lash out like whips, striking down several of the mercenaries before they could react.

The leader of the group, a burly man with a scarred face, barked orders to his men, but it was clear they were faltering. Lucan\'s speed, combined with his mastery of water magic, was overwhelming them.

Meanwhile, Xue Lan and Lila watched from behind the statue, their hearts pounding. They could see Lucan fighting with incredible skill. They never thought a priest could use water magic and have amazing physical abilities.

"We can\'t just sit here and do nothing," Lila muttered, frustration clear in her voice.

Xue Lan nodded. "But Lucan was right. If we leave our position, we could put ourselves in even greater danger."

Lila clenched her fists, her warrior\'s instincts battling with her sense of duty. "Then we prepare. If any of them get past Lucan, we\'ll be ready."

They both stood, weapons at the ready, their eyes fixed on the battle unfolding before them.

Lucan, meanwhile, had engaged the leader directly. The man swung a heavy axe, but Lucan dodged with ease, countering with a swift strike that sent the axe flying from the man\'s hands. The leader stumbled, blood pouring from a deep gash in his side.

"It\'s over," Lucan said coldly, his sword pointed at the man\'s throat.

---

"Kyy... Amazing, so amazing... Lucan-sama is the best, the coolest, and the strongest," Maris cheered from far above the clouds, waving her hands. She naturally knew Lucan\'s plan and had come here.

However, she was above the clouds, hiding as she watched the fight. She began imagining a scenario where she was captured by enemies and then Lucan came to save her.

"Hehe... It\'s an amazing dream."