Chapter Seven
The next day, at the Outer Wards, Aenzil, Clara, Tezuka, and Nemisis gathered before Kuto.
"Thank you all for coming," Kuto said. "Although we know each other, let's reintroduce ourselves out of courtesy. I'll start: I am Kuto Xercise, others call me Old Man Kuto, and I will be your master."
"I am Aenzil, the squad captain, wielding the power of demon fire."
"I am Clara, Pyion's chosen champion, master of the elements and beyond."
"I am Tezuka, the god of lightning," he said proudly with a smile.
"And I am Nemisis,"
Silence followed. Everyone stared at him.
"Did I say something wrong?" Nemisis asked.
"No, you didn't," Kuto replied calmly. "But next time, say: you are Nemisis Xercise, son of Apenxy and Xenon."
Clara eye widen.
"Don't be shy. Maybe someday you can use your title, little King," Kuto added.
"Enough. Today I will teach you the Xercise way of conversing," Kuto announced.
Aenzil stared at Kuto in disbelief, the words echoing in her mind.
"But Ma-" she started.
Kuto silenced her before she could finish.
"I want all of you to work as a team and come toward me."
"Are you sure?" Nemisis asked. "I think this is unfair since you might be blind."
"What do you mean by that?" Kuto questioned, sounding irritated.
"Your eyes are closed. I know you can still move, but how long will you be able to block us?" Nemisis said.
"Be careful, Nemisis," Aenzil warned. "No one has seen his eyes before because they never lived to tell—the only exception being Xenon."
"Ah, you brought back a memory," Kuto smiled. "Xenon, my son, almost died, yet I can't believe he still wanted to continue training after that. His brothers refused."
"Does it kill instantly when opened?" Tezuka asked.
"No, but push me, and you might find out," Kuto replied. "Now come at me with everything you've got!"
The four surrounded Kuto and attacked tactically, giving him no rest.
This had no impact on Kuto, who dodged every attack. He moved so smoothly it seemed effortless.
And through it all, Kuto smiled.
"Aren't you feeling this conversation we are having?"
His movement suddenly blurred; the others couldn't keep up. It was as if time itself was struggling to catch him. He moved before reality did. He released a force that pushed everyone away.
"I see, this team has both strength and speed, but your communication isn't great."
Just then, Aria appeared beside Kuto.
"I see you are enjoying yourself," she said.
Kuto smiled brightly.
"Well, it's been a long time since I communicated this way."
"Are they ready to begin?"
Kuto watched them as they helped each other up.
"I believe in them," he said. "They might not seem so, but their differences are what make them compatible."
"Aww, are you being emotional now?"
Kuto smacked her head lightly.
"You make me sound weird now," he sighed, "Time is catching up with me."
In the courtyard, they all gathered. Before them was Kuto, seated beside him was Queen Doreen, and Queen Chelsea. Aria stood before them.
"You four are the chosen champions of Fantasy City; you shall be called The Celestial Phantom. I am The Great Sage Aria. The greatest of all."
Kuto murmured to himself, "Did she just call herself the greatest of all?"
"Aren't you too young to call yourself the greatest of all time?" Nemisis asked.
The rest of his teammates gave a sharp stare. Both Queens gave out little giggles while Kuto gave a slight chuckle.
"What did I say wrong?"
Aria is trying to hide the fact that she is irritated. "You know, boy, it's best not to speak when others are talking."
She cleared her throat.
"Alright, today I am going to brief you on what you are expected to face out there: realm users, superhumans, and other arising threats. I will also cover soul aspects and how to strengthen them."
She paused, then continued.
"First, realm users are those who have been given a realm. A realm is comparable in size to a universe and can be used for offensive, defensive, or intimidation. Be cautious- once a realm is activated, your chances drop to five to twenty percent."
Tezuka raised his hands.
"Not now," Aria said. "I will answer your questions when I'm done."
He lowered his hand.
"Now, superhumans are humans who have abilities close to ours. They are either reincarnated or came here through the light. A well-known one is Champ, leader of a group of raiders. His weapon was shattered a few days ago by an unknown person."
The others murmured among themselves. Aria's gaze shifted to Nemesis, who met her eyes calmly.
"Which brings us to the reason to strengthen your soul. Our souls are far superior to most - but higher ones, they're actually nothing. Champ may be a superhuman, but the fact that his weapon was destroyed easily doesn't mean he is weak."
She paused for a moment.
"Now, when it comes to soul-strengthening, you need to connect deeply with your soul and the type of power you wield. Looking at you four- three of you use spirit energy, and one uses a different type of energy. Now... is it time for your questions?"
Tezuka stood up.
"Miss Aria, is it true that realms can be earned when you defeat the user?"
"Of course it is, but... " Aria paused. "That is not a path you should wish to walk. Still, I won't stop you from trying."
"But how powerful is a realm?" Clara asked.
Aria thought for a moment. In terms of power, a realm is mostly more powerful than the user because of the realm's source. It's rare to see anybody more powerful than a realm except for the two almost extinct families."
She turns to Kuto with a bright smile on her face.
"The higher ones... what are they?" Nemisis asked.
"Higher Ones isn't exactly accurate," Aria replied. "A better term will be vessels - because what you call 'the Higher Ones' are merely vessels of something greater. Higher ones are entities below the Great Division; they choose champions to act as vessels to manifest their power. Mind you, this doesn't mean they are evil."
She paused.
"An example is the worshiped Octo-Phoenix of Fantasy City, which played a significant role in the kingdom's history through its chosen champion. Here in El Tanorie is El Toro Ardiente. However, no champion has appeared for either of them... at least, not yet."
"So does this explain why the unknown fighter could break Champ's sword?" Aenzil asked.
"Indeed, if this person is a Higher One's vessel or a Higher One, as you call it these days, then breaking a weapon won't be that hard."
There is a brief silence.
"But what about the Soul goddess?" asked Aenzil.
Aria tapped her chin lightly, pretending to think.
"She exists on an entirely different level. But look, on the bright side - we don't possess human souls. And the Xercise... never did. Even if they had, they wouldn't rely on them."
Aenzil's brow furrowed. "Wait, if that's so, then-"
"Now for the threats at hand," Aria said, her tone turning serious. "It hasn't been confirmed yet, but according to the prophecy of my master, you know who has returned."
She paused.
"And if that's true... things are about to get rough."
From a distance, a guard hurried toward them. He bowed to the Queens and Kuto before leaning in to whisper something into Kuto's ear.
Kuto stood up.
"Alright, that's enough for today. We're returning to Fantasy City. Aria, Nemisis- I need to speak with you. The rest of you, prepare yourselves."
He then turned to the two Queens. "I would like both of you to stay as well."
The others quietly depart.
Kuto exhaled. "We all saw what happened at the tournament. I would like to say I'm sorry for the damage. And also thanks to Aria, the crack was sealed."
Aria smiled lightly. "It was nothing."
"But are we sure?" Queen Chelsea asked, her voice uneasy. "I can feel its presence... closer than ever."
"And now you know who is also back, according to the prophecy." Queen Doreen added.
Kuto sighed. "Those are concerning, but for now, we must focus on strengthening our defenses, refining our offenses, and preparing to help our allies."
He turned to Nemisis.
"Now, little one... I have seen the power you possess; you are just like your mother."
Nemisis frowned slightly. "I blacked out in the tournament even after restraining myself as you told me to."
"Oh? So you remember your blackout?" Kuto said calmly. "Good. Then this will help."
A dagger appeared in Kuto's hand.
Nemisis tensed. "Hey, hey, hey, what are you thinking, Oldman-?"
Before he could react, Kuto moved.
The dagger pierced Nemisis's neck-but instead of blood, it dissolved instantly, transforming into a cross-shaped seal etched into his skin.
Nemisis staggered back, clutching his neck. "What did you do?"
"I placed a seal," Kuto replied. "It will allow you to last longer before you lose yourself to your habits."
Nemisis narrowed his eyes. "Why do you say it like it's something I do?"
Kuto turned away.
"Now go. Rejoin the others."
Nemisis walked towards the exit. From a window, Teku watched Nemisis.
What was all that about? he thought
Nemisis stopped in his tracks and looked at the window. He saw no one.
He shook his head and walked away.