Saintia Sho Ep.3 — Blooming in the Dark! Eris's Dryads

Eris goes on the offensive by sending her Dryads — creatures halfway between human and nature, born from the corrupted energy of the golden apple. Their Cosmos is cold, elusive, rooted in darkness like roots beneath the earth. They infiltrate the outskirts of the Sanctuary with disturbing precision.

This is Shoko's first real test as a Saintia. Her more seasoned companions cover her at first, but the situation evolves quickly: isolated from the group, Shoko finds herself facing a Dryad alone. The fight is uneven on paper — but Shoko discovers something important: her fear can transform into Cosmos if she thinks of Kyoko.

The episode establishes group dynamics among the Saintia, each with a distinct fighting style. The victory against the Dryads is only partial: Eris watches, notes the weaknesses, and prepares what comes next. The golden apple pulses somewhere in the shadows — and Kyoko, under its influence, begins to lose consciousness of herself.