Salīa's ears instantly perked up.
How could they not?
Since words of looming war had already stirred the air, talk of the Protector was bound to burgeon and trickle through the cracks and crevices of the realm.
After all, they needed something to ground their faith in if everything else would soon be crumbling through. Yet it made her severely uneasy that they ever thought that someone like her could do such a thing.
If they knew the supposed legend was right beside them, they'd surely be disappointed. For not even I could answer the question he asked.
I know nothing of The Protector.
"I know much of The Protector," Kiiroi delighted and gestured for the flower-girls at the stage to play a new tune.
Salīa could see the stranger's lips curl into a smirk. For the flower-girl's promise alone, he filled a pouch. He certainly pours coin like its wine.
"Long ago, there was a goddess of love, seduction, illusion, magic, preservation, creation, and more…but we simply call her Ama.
The first being, if not the creator of the realm of Khī.
Having fallen deeply in love with this realm, she created a warrior-guardian under the title, The Protector.
She granted this guardian some of her celestial essence so that it would be blessed with all it could need to reincarnate limitlessly and protect Khī no matter what," Kiiroi said. "The Protector took on this responsibility and promised to only appear during times of looming darkness, forever daring to face any rising threat and cease all realm-shattering wars.
Having been gifted powers from Ama, The Protector is both infamous for fighting formidably but also loving passionately.
In other words, this guardian's martial and erotic prowess are equally matched."
Salīa choked on her tea.
What a legend I apparently am, both with the talent to kick my legs and spread them. Anything else?
"Some might misinterpret this gift, but not The Protector or its followers. For its many powers, if mastered, can even rival that of the highest celestial beings.
We, as mere mortals, only know some of those powers. Such as The Protector's unrivalled skill of demon-slaying.
Whether exorcising through simple charms or expelling them with spells so sweet it deludes these demons into dust."
"Is that so?" asked the stranger.
"Oh, yes," the flower-girls agreed.
"Do not be mistaken. The Protector may cultivate peaceful methods in battle, but will very well fight mercilessly if called to.
Though this path is tricky, as it can mislead the guardian into inciting war if following false prophecies or if corrupted by demonic deviation.
Which is why many also know this guardian by another name, The Destroyer."
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