Airoku's Point of View
I calmed my thoughts as I reflected to myself: just because a god was the cause of my misfortunes doesn't mean they're all evil. I took a deep breath, quieted my emotions, and looked at the nun.— I have many questions right now, but what I want to know the most is the reason and purpose behind all of this. Tell me why I'm truly necessary to you, and how I can know that all this information and what you're offering me is real.At that moment, the room's atmosphere turned cold and uncomfortable. However, I'd already been through many crises before, so that environment felt indifferent to me. I looked the nun straight in the eyes; she remained unfazed, with an air of elegance that made me question whether she was really the same person who had beaten me up.— Airoku, I'll be honest with you: both Luke and I are looked down upon by a large portion of the gods. Luke has been hunted practically since birth, even before he knew who he really was.As I listened, I gradually began to understand why she needed me.— You want me to help you face those gods?— Not really — the nun replied, chuckling softly.Confusion took over me. If they didn't want me to strengthen their combat abilities, then what was the real reason they needed me so desperately, to the point of keeping me alive despite all the risks I posed?— I'd like to ask you a favor in exchange for helping and protecting you.— If the favor is too much, I'll have to refuse, even if that means facing you and risking my life — I said coldly.Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to say, but I felt she was mocking me.— If the time ever comes, I'd like to ask you to take care of Rey and Venus. They're the little ones you met this morning.My expression twisted into one of confusion and disbelief.— Stop joking — I said dryly.— This isn't a joke.— Ha, ha, ha, ha... — I let out a hollow laugh.— You're asking someone like me — dangerous, despicable, ruthless, someone who knows nothing but how to kill — to take care of two little kids?As I said this, not even knowing what expression I wore, I noticed the nun's face becoming serious and indifferent. With an authoritative tone, she replied:— If you were really all those things, I would have ended you already.A chill ran down my spine, and cold sweat trickled down my forehead. Since meeting the nun, it was the first time I had felt such fear toward her.— You're kinder and have a more beautiful heart than you think — she added with a gentle smile, completely opposite to her previous expression, almost as if that earlier moment had been just an illusion.I mustn't let myself be fooled by her.— You don't know me, how could you possibly know that? — I said, looking away.— I'm good at judging people — she replied, laughing softly.— My other question is: how can your friend help me?I turned my gaze back to the nun's face and saw her adopt a strange expression. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her lips curved into a soft smile, as if thinking about something very dear to her.— Luke is somewhat like you. He bears an enormous burden on his shoulders due to a power and status he never asked for. And even after everything he's been through, he's still so... so beautiful and kind.— Ahem... sorry to interrupt your thoughts. He seems like a good person — I quickly corrected myself, stammering a bit —. Or... god, he sounds like a good god, from what you're saying. But... how can he help me exactly?— Mmm... it's complicated to explain, but in simple terms, he can modify existence in a certain way. Let's say he controls karma.— He controls karma? — I exclaimed, full of disbelief and distrust.— As hard as it may be to believe, it's true. You could say Luke is the god of karma. That's precisely why the other gods are after him.It was hard for me to digest — or even believe — what she was telling me. But for now, this was the place where I'd gotten the most information about the owner of this damned sword.— So, what do you say, Airoku? Will you accept helping us, and in return, we'll help you?— Aaah... — I let out a sigh. It seemed the nun had gotten her way, judging by the expression on her face. And even if I didn't want to admit it, my trust in her had grown. But I couldn't let my guard down —. Fine, I accept the deal. But... when is this Luke guy coming back?The nun gave me an awkward smile.
"He'll take around three…""That's fine, three days isn't much.""Ha, ha, ha…" she laughed even more awkwardly.
My face turned pale at the thought that suddenly crossed my mind."Months?"
At that moment, the idea of canceling the deal immediately crossed my mind. I didn't know if I could endure being with the nun for that long.
"Don't worry. In that time, I'll teach you how to defend yourself and better use your abilities," she said with a soft but firm tone.
On impulse, I wanted to ask her if she was an apostle of that so-called Luke, but I stopped when she raised her index finger to her lips, asking for silence.
"It seems we have some very rude people approaching."
Upon hearing her, I sharpened my senses. I could detect about thirty different presences.
"Now, little Airoku, it's time for your first lesson."
Another chill ran down my spine—this time, because of how she'd called me "little." I would never get used to anyone calling me that.
We both stood up. I felt a bit strange noticing how much taller she was than me, but I ignored that fact and simply walked out of the room. The nun followed, walking with an elegance that made me wonder if someone heading into battle—possibly to kill dozens—could really move like that.
"Before we go, I must tell you something, little Airoku.""What is it?""None of the people outside deserve to live. And among them, there are three apostles… like you."
I felt curious. How had she come to that conclusion? And how did she know there were three apostles among them? I was worried, because I'd faced apostles before, and each one had been extremely powerful. Now we'd face three… and she remained so calm.
I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, and noticing my look, she gave me a small smile. Then, a thought crossed my mind—she had said "like you," not "like us." So she wasn't an apostle. Just as I was about to ask her, we reached the door, and the nun stepped outside.
The night scenery was beautiful, and in the distance, the silhouettes of many people could be seen.
"Little Airoku, your first lesson: the process through which you use your sword's abilities is a communication between existence, the universal laws, and your karma, which is contained within the dharma—your body, the vessel. All of this is channeled through the essence, which acts as a link between karma and existence. But this essence is also like fuel: if it runs out, using karma becomes dangerous, as your body could enter a state of collapse."
It was difficult to process all that information at once, but I got the general idea.
"So, what you mean, in simple terms, is that the dharma is the body, the karma is the muscles, and the essence is the blood.""You're very smart, little Airoku. That's an excellent way to understand it. Now, what you must do is try to feel the essence each time you activate your karma and learn to compress it, using it precisely. You shouldn't let it flow uncontrollably, but release it only at the right moments."
I tried to follow her instructions, but almost immediately, a searing pain surged through my body. My legs gave out and I staggered. The nun quickly caught me.
"Dear, do it carefully. It's dangerous if you do it like that. First, start by just enhancing your body with the essence you have."
I looked at her with an exasperated expression. She smiled softly. I thought to myself that if she had explained it better, this wouldn't have happened.
"Haaah…" I took a deep breath and tried again.
I visualized my body as the vessel of dharma, the karma flowing inside it, and finally, the essence covering it like blood.
I felt a powerful force coursing through me, but then a burning sensation rose in my throat. Ghhrrk. I dropped to my knees, vomiting a mouthful of blood. My entire body felt like it was being torn apart.
"I thought you could manage it, but I guess it's still too soon for you," said the nun as she brought her hands closer and a subtle glow emerged from them. My condition quickly improved.
I stood up and glared at her, furious, while a sharp pain shot through my head.
"Are you trying to kill me?""Of course not, dear," she replied seriously. "The problem isn't what I said. The problem is that you're trying to skip too many steps. You're trying to run before you can walk."
Her expression was so serious, and her concern so genuine, that I managed to calm down.
"Then what's the correct method? You don't expect me to succeed with just those vague instructions, do you?""You're right, that was my mistake. I'm used to seeing people who break the mold. For now, rest. Tomorrow, I'll continue teaching you more calmly, alright?""Alright," I replied, resigned.
"Then let me take care of these people, little Airoku. If you want, go back inside and sleep. I won't take long.""They have three apostles. I'll help you. Even if I know you're strong, so are they—absurdly strong.""HAHAHAHAHAHA!" she laughed loudly, then looked at me. "You're so sweet, my little Airoku. But don't worry, I won't be in danger. I may not defeat them, but at the very least, I can drive them away."
I felt she was underestimating an apostle's power, but then, for the first time since I met her, the nun slowly opened her eyes… and I was left breathless.In her pupils, two perfectly visible scales could be seen."JUDGMENT," she said in a loud, serious, and commanding voice.
As I tried to grasp what was happening, I watched her body begin to grow. She took the form of a massive male being, with two horns protruding from his head and a tail at the base of his spine.Her appearance was demonic, profane, masculine, and intimidating. There was no longer any trace of the nun who had been with me just moments before.