Shanoa flips the page of the book she has been reading, an old book judging by its appearance though the content still holds an important knowledge in regards of the lost art of alchemy, an even rare form of art than the art of glyphs. According to Yoko when Shanoa asked her, the lack of alchemy was because the church regards it as a heresy thus banned most knowledge of alchemy. While the topic of alchemy still heavily debated even today by the high ranking members of the church, the Pope has allowed some basic information in regards of alchemy to be stored in the archive of the churches all around the world.
"Dinner is ready"
Shanoa looks up from her book to find no other than Soma walks up to her with two plates of pasta on his hands. Shanoa marks the page she has been reading before she puts the book on top of the pile of the books next to the couch, she has been doing a lot of reading lately.
It has been a week after what happened in the monastery. After they returned from Germany with Yoko, who managed to extract the cursed glyph from Shanoa's body, a full investigation has been launched to the Black Forest. There was also a discussion in regards of her existence as well as her connection to the cult. Yoko has told them that Archbishop Aria has managed to convince most of the high ranking members that the cult was after Shanoa's knowledge of the art of glyphs as proven by the fact the cult itself capable to cast a glyph, an imperfect one since glyph functions by containing power not releasing it directly.
For that reason, many of the church members have agreed to let her continues living with Soma as Archbishop Aria suggested since he is the only one in Romania, aside from Julius, who possibly has the best chance in protecting her and since Julius usually required to solve a highly dangerous mission outside of Romania, Soma is chosen to protect her.
She feels like that they take advantage of the fact that Soma doesn't live in the monastery so that when another attack happened, it will be away from the church but Soma has assured her that his apartment is as well protected as the monastery… meaning Shards can break in easily and it probably Soma's presence that keeps her, and the cult, away.
Speaking of that woman, despite Soma managed to send the woman back to the monastery by roundhouse kick her into the portal, it seems she still manages to escape as none of the hunters of church members manage to spot her.
So far, there is no new information but Yoko informed them that there was something in the forest before. Her best guess is that the cult decided to move away after what happened a week ago, when Shanoa broke the dimension that most likely also serve as their HQ with her second strongest Union Glyph. With the limited information they have learned so far regarding their enemy, Yoko has made two theories concerning how Shards and Howl can infiltrate the church's ground.
First theory is that one of the cult's members, or perhaps Shards herself, has power to manipulate space which might explains how she always can get through the barriers the church use as not even Yoko, a Belnades, can cast a barrier that can stop a spatial manipulation on advance level. The second theory is that there are traitors among the members of the church but that isn't an easy accusation as most members of the church has been marked with a ritual seal to keep them from betraying the church's rules, morals, and codes. According to the history book that Shanoa read, this method has been employed after her time, meaning the church learned from Barlowe's incident.
As for Shanoa herself, she has been tasked to write as much information as she can in regards of glyphs… which might possess a problem for her. While it is true that Shanoa has mastered the art of glyphs but she doesn't know much in term of the theories behind the glyphs, usually that kind of matter would be dealt by either Barlowe or her brother who also happened to be the head of Ecclesia's research department. She only knows the basic theory and some advances ones but not the whole thing, she doesn't even know the theory behind the creation of Dominus, the most powerful set of glyphs.
But she still tries her best to write as much information as she can.
In order to ensure that she doesn't write the same theory that has been written in some books and scrolls within the church's archive, Shanoa has been given permission to bring some books home as a reference. Shanoa has taken advantage of this by bringing various books regarding magic development and types of magic home as the topic of magic has caught her interest which is why there are some book piles in her room.
Her new responsibility also thankfully gives her something to do when Soma is away at his university.
"What are you reading this time?" Soma asked once he commanded Alexa to turn on the TV and change the channel into news program.
"Alchemy, I never knew that it exists even though it predates my time" Shanoa answered before she glances momentarily at the cover of the book that explains the basic information of alchemy.
"Probably because the church still forbade its knowledge during your time" Soma replied with a shrug before he starts eating his pasta.
"Have you read about this subject Soma?" Shanoa asked as she gently collects the pasta with her fork.
"No but I do know a few stuffs about it. For example, do you know the Vampire Killer is actually a product of alchemy? Back in the 11th century, the whip was known as Whip of Alchemy before it transformed into the Vampire Killer for an unknown reason" Soma explained after he swallows the pasta in his mouth.
"How do you know? Is there a record of that?" Shanoa asked in curiosity as she tilts her head slightly.
"No, as far as I know there is no record of it. But I do have a few knowledge that not even Julius, a Belmont, knows. All because of this" Soma replied before he taps his own forehead a few times.
It takes Shanoa a few seconds before she realizes what Soma actually means.
"You… You have access to the Count's memories?" she hasn't considered this possibility, of Soma having access to Dracula's memories. But if that is the case, shouldn't he already know who she is the moment they met?
"Not all of them, there are too much holes in his memories that I can barely comprehend most of the stuffs there. In fact, even though he must have met and be slain by so many people throughout the centuries, I only can recognize three people from his memories. Leon Belmont, his second wife Lisa, and his son Adrian" Soma explained as he puts down his pasta and crosses his arms.
"Leon Belmont?" Shanoa asked while blinking her eyes since she is sure that she never heard that name before. She knows some Belmonts like Trevor Belmont and Richer Belmont but this is the first time she heard the name Leon Belmont despite the fact that she has read most of the church records in regard to the Belmonts.
"He was the one who started it all. I don't know the exact relationship between Dracula and him but from what I can gather from his memories; Leon Belmont was the first wielder of the Vampire Killer. Julius also told me that he was the one who started the tradition of Belmonts hunting down the creatures of the night" Soma said, explaining what he knows about Leon Belmont.
"Then why the church's records about the Belmonts do not include Leon Belmont?" Shanoa asked as she is confused why the man isn't included in the records of the Belmonts if he really was the one who began the Belmonts battle against the night.
"I have no idea but from what I know about church's history, it probably because the Belmonts were once driven out of Romania by its people when they began to fear the Belmonts' power. The church only really admitted the Belmonts' merit and existence when Dracula started his war against humanity because by that point, nothing seemed to work against Dracula, nothing except one Belmont…"
"Trevor Belmont" Shanoa stated, finishing Soma's words as she is also familiar with the story of Trevor Belmont.
"Yes, the church sought out a Belmont and found Trevor Belmont. That was why Trevor was the first Belmont that is recorded in the church's record because as far as they concern, Trevor is the first Belmont who officially worked for church. Any other Belmonts before Trevor was never recorded due to the fact that Romania's people driven them out due to their fear of the Belmonts' power" Soma finished with a shake of his head.
It… makes sense if she thinks about it. Even if Leon Belmont is a significant member of the Belmont clan, to the church, he is nothing but another member of Belmont family even if he was the one who started everything that changes the way of the Belmont. Until Trevor defeated Dracula, the Belmonts were feared by the people of Romania which must have contributed in the decision for the church to not make any record in regards of the Belmonts before Trevor.
Shanoa can't help but wonder briefly if Julius is okay with this but in the end decides that if there is no record of Leon Belmont until now that means Julius must haven't said anything about it.
"But why would you read about alchemy when the church assigned you to write about glyphs?" Soma asked after he picks up his plate of pasta again when the thought occurred to him.
"Because it intrigues me" Shanoa answered before she puts her fork into her mouth, not needing any other reason than her own interest to read the topic of alchemy.
"Is that why there are many piles of books in your room? I thought all of them are related to what you write on that note" Soma asked with an amused smile before he continues to eat his dinner.
"Archbishop Aria has not ordered me to finish the note about the art of glyphs immediately, I simply interpret that I do not need to rush and should familiarize myself with the magic system of the present time first" Shanoa replied which, in Soma's mind, means she just wants to read more books about magic first before writing what she knows about glyphs.
"Any other stuff you are interested in aside from alchemy?" Soma asked out of curiosity.
"The Dual Crush" Shanoa answered after a few seconds of consideration.
"The one invented by Charlotte Aulin? Are you interested in its theory or its application?" Soma inquired with a raised eyebrow, telling Shanoa that at least he is aware of the topic.
"Both. It did not exist back in my time and the idea of two people cast a powerful spell together to compensate for their weakness intrigues me. It certainly will be a useful skill to acquire in my opinion" Shanoa answered as she spins her fork to gather the pasta around it.
"Are you saying that we should learn Dual Crush?" Soma asked in amusement before he puts a forkful of pasta into his mouth.
"It is a suggestion. Have you ever tried performing Dual Crush with someone?" Shanoa replied after shifting her attention from her pasta to the white haired man.
"No, I don't have any reason to learn it before. But if you want to try it then I am up to it though I am not sure if we are compatible enough to pull it off" Soma informed her with a thoughtful look as Shanoa puts a forkful of pasta into her mouth.
According to the thesis written by Charlotte Aulin, the casters compatibility will determine how successful they are in performing Dual Crush. The higher the compatibility between the two casters is the better their chance in successfully casting Dual Crush. Compatibility itself is split into two, physical compatibility and spiritual compatibility. While physical compatibility between the casters can be trained so that their breath and movement can be in synch, it is the casters' spiritual compatibility that decides whether the two casters can perform Dual Crush or not as spiritual compatibility can't be trained to be in synch.
"Why do you believe so?" Shanoa asked with a raised eyebrow once she swallows the pasta in her mouth.
"Because of my power, not everyone can be compatible with the reincarnation of Dracula" Soma answered simply before he leans back and looks up at the ceiling.
"But I also possess a portion of the Count's power within me" Shanoa pointed out, reminding Soma that she also has the power of Dracula within her.
"True… I guess only one way to find out. But Yoko is still in Germany right now so I guess we need to wait for her return if we really want to check our spiritual compatibility or I can try to ask Julius if he knows someone who can test our spiritual compatibility" Soma mused as he gathers his pasta around his fork by spinning it on his plate.
In order to check the compatibility of two individuals who wish to utilize a Dual Crush, a special ritual that was invented by Charlotte Aulin needs to be conducted. Experienced witches like Yoko Belnades can conduct the ritual but since she is unavailable at the moment, Soma knows no one else that can help them check their compatibility. Hopefully, Julius knows another experienced witch.
Shanoa simply nods her head in response before she continues eating her past, prompting Soma to do the same as he focuses his attention to the news program. Soma doesn't know how but the church has managed to cover up the incident that happened a week ago that there is now news about it… except for the article that described a white object that moves so fast and breaks various windows across the city.
Soma is glad that no one manages to identify the object as a white bat.
"What about the investigation, any new development?" Shanoa asked once she has finished her pasta before she stands up and picks her plate alongside Soma's who manages to finish his pasta before her.
"Unfortunately, there is no new development so far. Arikado also hasn't said anything else ever since I called him that day. I wonder just who our enemy is, the power of full resurrection is something that not everyone can have, even the necromancer only can resurrect something as a zombie. As far as I know, not even Dracula has the power to resurrect people completely from the death" Soma wondered aloud as he stands up and follows Shanoa toward the kitchen.
Soma has asked Arikado regarding the voice and what it can do in case the man actually knows something about the owner of the voice. Arikado has simply replied all his questions with one answer; I will investigate it, before ending the call. Soma hasn't heard from the man again ever since that call and it was a week ago but he also already knew Arikado well enough that if he finds anything then Soma will have his answers by now.
"The fact that whoever it is capable to send me to the present already warned us that whoever we are against to now, it might be a being with powerful magic, highly possible to be inhuman in nature too" Shanoa stated her opinion as she turns on the sink and starts to wash the plates and forks that they used for dinner.
"And it is unavoidable that we might fight against this being sooner or later" Soma concluded as he accepts the newly washed plate from Shanoa before he starts to dry it. However, instead of using dish towel to dry the plate, Soma prefers to use Flame Demon's soul to dry his dishes, more effective without leaving any bacteria behind. Plus, it is a good way to practice controlling his power.
"Why do you think it did not choose to fight you directly when it has the chance to?" Shanoa asked as she turns off the sink once she has finished washing the plates and forks and now is watching Soma dries off the second plate with his power. She might disapproves this method of training but Soma shows enough control of his power that only heat comes out from his hand, no fire at all.
"I don't know; there could be one hundred and one reasons. But what I do know is the voice seems to be in no hurry to get you" Soma answered before he puts the plates and the forks into one of the cabinets on his kitchen.
"Probably because it knows that I cannot return to my own time. As long as I am in the present, it will always have a chance to kidnap me again" Shanoa said as she leans against the kitchen's counter and crosses her arms over her chest.
Soma stares at the black haired woman silently as he closes the door of the cabinet where he stores his dishes and eating utensils. It is clear to him that the prospect of living here for the rest of her life still bothers her and honestly Soma can't say that he understands how she feels at the moment. While he intends to help her in any way he can, he isn't sure if his assurance and aid alone will be enough to ease her mind.
Additionally, there is also matter on what Shanoa will do from here on. At the moment, being a member of the church sounds like an ideal choice, not only it is something Shanoa was familiar with but the church definitely can get a benefit from having a skilled member like her especially since she also has the knowledge of an art of magic that many believed to be lost. Yet a part of Soma disagrees with that decision.
There is a small part of him who wishes Shanoa can actually do something new instead of being in the church again. From the small bit she told him, after slaying Dracula, Shanoa lived in a village called Wygol where she works as a helper in a bakery. A chance to live her life normally he presumes, so perhaps he wants her to continue that life, away from the supernatural… though he guesses as long as she lives with him then supernatural is unavoidable… plus if she actually contents with the prospect of continuing to serve the church then he guesses there is no need for her to try anything else…
But it never hurt to ask, right?
"Say Shanoa, is there an activity that you enjoy aside from reading books about magic… or slaying monsters?"
She doesn't seem to expect his question as she simply stares at him for a couple of seconds while blinking her eyes twice.
"Something I enjoy?" Shanoa repeated slowly while keep staring at him.
"Yeah, it can be something simple like writing. Is there anything that comes to your mind?" Soma said as he walks up to his refrigerator to retrieve two cans of coffee, only to stop when the door of the refrigerator opens itself before two cans of coffee fly out of the refrigerator.
"I… do not know" Shanoa finally answered as she uses the Magnes glyph to make the cans of coffee to fly toward the counter before she uses the glyph to close the refrigerator's door.
"Then how about something that soothes you or calms your nerves?" Soma asked again as he grabs one of the cans on the counter and opens it.
Shanoa closes her eyes as she tries to remember if there is any activity that manages to either soothe her or calm her aside from fighting or reading. She has done a lot of things ever since she first came to Wygol village from taking a picture of a Yeti to recording the scream of a Banshee. However, if she needs to pick certain activities that can calm her in any way then… there are two…
"There was an old woman named Daniela at Wygol village. She was formerly an independent monster hunter who worked alongside her grandfather before his death. She asked me to draw a few places that hold a special memory for her. I do not know why but… drawing those pictures, knowing there were special memory happened there… it sorts of calm me" Shanoa admitted before she picks up the remaining can of coffee on the kitchen counter.
"What she asked you to draw?" Soma asked softly as he leans against the counter next to her.
"Scenery from the top of lighthouse, an abandoned church, and a waterfall" Shanoa answered, listing what Daniela wanted her to draw back then.
"Do you want to do it again? Drawing I mean" Soma asked before he drinks his coffee, earning a curious look from Shanoa.
"I don't know whether the nature scenery we have here can be compared to what you have witnessed but I say if drawing does calm you then you might want to do it once a while. Also, we have a pretty spectacular waterfall in Romania; I could take you there once this semester is over. Maybe you can draw it" Soma explained, even offering to take her to Romania's most famous waterfall once the current semester is over.
At first, Shanoa simply stares at Soma with a rather bemused look, confused about why Soma suddenly asks her something like that out of blue.
"Why?" Shanoa replied, still not understanding what he actually wants.
"Well, I was wondering if you would like to explore other possibilities aside from being a member of the church" Soma said somewhat vaguely but Shanoa immediately understands what he actually wants to say.
"You are… asking if I would like to use my ability to draw as… a future career, correct?" Shanoa asked for confirmation, earning herself a nod from the white haired man.
"Don't take it the wrong way, if you are content with being a member of the church then that is good. But… I don't know, part of me just believe that perhaps you should explore other options rather than staying with them, there are lot more this world can offer. Honing your ability to draw sounds like a good start to me" Soma explained; his silver eyes are radiating with sincerity.
Shanoa looks down at the can on her hands as she considers his words. His words remind her of that one question she always asked herself almost every day after she successful in completing her mission to slay the lord of darkness.
What she would do with her life next?
She has hoped that living in Wygol village would help her find the answer but notably even after living there for a few months; Shanoa hasn't come closer in finding the answer to her question. She has considered the possibility of simply living there quietly for the rest of her life… but now things have changed again. She is no longer in that village, no longer working as a helper in Irina's bakery, and no longer needing to take care of herself on her own.
"I… am not sure my drawing skills can be utilized as an opportunity for a career I can pursue" Shanoa admitted, not sure if her drawing skills actually can be used as a way to make a living. Daniela has said that her drawing is good and filled with emotions… but Shanoa is unsure if that alone is enough considering she knows nothing of art especially modern art.
Is she really considering it?
"Well, if you aren't confident with your current skills then how about learning from the expert? I am sure I can find you a place to improve your drawing skills, or if you want to learn here instead of outside then an online course is also an option. Additionally, if you prefer to learn on your own, online video tutorials are all over the place. There are many options to improve your skills" Soma suggested, listing the options that Shanoa can take to improve her drawing skills.
"I… am not sure" Shanoa admitted softly after a few seconds of silence as she is still a little unsure with what she actually wants to do with her life. Taking Soma's suggestion in trying something new? Or remaining as a member of the church, something she is at least familiar with.
"Don't think too hard about it. It was just a suggestion and like I said if you are content with being a church's member then that's great. I have no doubt that the church will get many benefits from someone as skilled as you, who know maybe you will even get a discipline just like Julius. Either way, the final decision is yours. This is your future that we are talking about after all" Soma assured her with a smile as he places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Two months ago, she probably will instinctively back away from him since she knows who he really is… but now as strange as it sounds or as unbelievable as it feels… Shanoa actually feels herself calming down when he physically touches her like this, just like that night. This… this is weird…
"Well, I probably should finish my homework and text Julius about our plan in learning Dual Crush" Soma declared as he gives her a smile and a nod before pushing himself off the counter and heading toward his room but not before retrieving three cans of coffee from the refrigerator.
Once Soma has entered his room, Shanoa lets out a sigh before she finishes her coffee in one gulp. The topic about her future always leaves her confused, mainly because she doesn't know what she wants for her future. She guesses she should focus on the present now rather than future especially since she is still a target…
With that in her mind, Shanoa returns to the couch after throwing the can into the trash bin and telling Alexa to turn off the television before she continues to read where she left off earlier.
When they arrive on the cabin by riding Soma's motorcycle, instead of unloading his grocery, Julius is sitting on the bench in front of his cabin alongside a woman that neither Soma nor Shanoa ever met before. Once Soma has parked his motorcycle and dismounted it, Julius and the woman immediately approaches him and Shanoa.
"Julius, thank you for agreeing to help us" Soma said as soon as he removes his helmet and places it onto his motorcycle. Shanoa simply gives Julius a nod once she has removed her helmet.
"It is fine, considering what happened last week I think having a trump card such as the Dual Crush is reasonable. I have no doubt that this won't be the last time those people will try to kidnap her" Julius replied with a nod before he gestures to the woman next to her.
"This is Noir Chantarine, a witch from France branch. She was here to assist me with a mission three days ago and has agreed to test your compatibility for Dual Crush" Julius said, introducing the witch that has helped him bringing down an artificial monster brought to life by a scientist three days ago.
"I have heard many things about you Mr. Cruz; it is such rare opportunity for me to finally be able to meet the reincarnation of Dracula himself" the black haired woman, Noir, said calmly as she eyes Soma with fascination. Despite her calm tone, Soma can't help but feel a little uncomfortable with the way she eyes him as if he was a test subject that she can't wait to perform an experiment on.
"Likewise, thank you for agreeing to help us" Soma manages to muster with a nod, swallowing the uncomfortable feeling within himself.
"And you must be the witch who possesses the ability to use the art of glyphs, Shanoa Aeliana, correct? I cannot wait to see how your contribution to give more knowledge to the church's body of knowledge, especially in regards to what many believed to be a lost art" Noir spoke up again but this her attention is directed toward Shanoa who simply nods her head in response to Noir's words, her face is devoid of any real emotions.
"We should keep this brief Noir" Julius said, already crossing his arms with impatient look on his face which earns him eyes roll from the witch.
"What's wrong? You look in hurry" Soma asked, finally noticing that Julius looks rather impatient today.
"A new mission just came in this morning, vampire-related. I want to gather information immediately and take care of this as soon as possible before the vampire can do anything" Julius explained as Noir pulls out two papers from her coat, handing one paper for Soma and one for Shanoa.
"I see" Soma replied in understanding. When vampire is involved, it is best to deal with them as fast as possible before they have a chance to actually turn anyone else into their kind… or do something worse. Plus the fact that the church assigned Julius of all people must means that whoever this vampire is, they must be one with enough experience and power to surpass the church's average hunters.
"Now, I want you two to pour your magic into those papers until they glow" Noir instructed while she pulls out a small book from her coat.
Soma and Shanoa exchange a quick glance to each other before they start to concentrate to put their magic into the paper they hold respectively. A few seconds later, the paper that Soma holds suddenly starts to glow dimly in red while the paper that Shanoa holds glows dimly in blue once they finished putting their magic into the papers.
"Give those to me" Noir instructed, prompting Soma and Shanoa to give the glowing papers to Noir who immediately place the papers onto the open book on her hand.
"Are vampire related cases happen frequently?" Shanoa asked Julius as Noir starts to chant something under her breath.
"Thankfully no, but when one do show up it is a must to deal with them as effectively and as fast as possible unless we want their number to multiple… or worse" Julius answered as he narrows his eyes slightly.
When Soma about to ask concerning the church's current condition, a surprised gasp from Noir immediately catches their attention.
"What is it?" Julius asked when he notices the witch usual calm face has adopted a surprised expression.
"Their spiritual compatibility… it is at 96%" Noir muttered carefully as she keeps her gaze on the book that she holds, as if she tries to be sure that she isn't misreading anything.
"96%?" Julius muttered in surprise while both his eyes has widen slightly in surprise after hearing the result of Soma and Shanoa's spiritual compatibility.
Shanoa blinks her eyes in confusion, not really understanding why they are so surprised. When she glances at Soma to see if he knows anything about it, she notices that even Soma looks surprised by this revelation.
"Soma?" Shanoa called to get his attention. When he glances at her and notices her confusion, Soma immediately understands why she calls him.
"The highest compatibility recorded by the church is 97%, and it was the compatibility between Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin, you know the one who created the Dual Crush" Soma explained before Noir interrupts him.
"To this day there is no one in the church that has managed to reach compatibility that high anymore. It is even rare to find a pair that can reach 90% compatibility, yet to find out you two actually have compatibility that high, with one of the components being the reincarnation of Dracula on top of it, this is a very rare case. I believe this is what Miss Aulin referred as a natural match"
Now Shanoa understands why Julius and Noir looked so surprised when it was discovered that she and Soma have such high compatibility. She wonders if it has anything to do with the fact that Shanoa has a portion of Dracula's power within her while Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula or if there is another factor that affects their high number of compatibility.
"Say, do you two mind if I perform a few experiments that involve you two? Perhaps this will result in an answer that explains why you two as well as Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin have such high compatibility" Noir asked with a calm smile… yet despite her smile, Soma can't help but feel there is more meaning that he doesn't want to know behind that calm smile of hers.
"I don't think we have time for that. We have a lot to do today Noir" Julius interrupted her before he reaches something within his coat.
"Here, use this to train your physical compatibility" Soma only can blink his eyes as Julius hands him what looks like to be handcuffs.
"That is a magical device that will give you two a small shock if you two are not moving or breathing in sync. Many Dual Crush practitioners use that device to help them train their physical compatibility" Noir explained once she notices, with amusement, the baffled look on the face of the reincarnation of Dracula.
"Do a physical exercise like jogging or push up and meditate while using this, you will know each time you two aren't in synch. Once you two can move and breathe in synch continuously, come back to me" Julius added once Soma accepted the handcuffs.
"Got it" Soma replied with a nod.
"Good, I need to go now kid. I will see you two around" and after giving the two of them a nod, Julius turns around and walks toward his truck.
"My offer still stand shall you two change your mind" Noir stated as she gives the two of them a nod and a smile before she follows Julius.
"Should we try it now?" Shanoa asked once Julius and Noir already enter Julius's truck.
"Have you ever meditated before? Because I never try it" Soma admitted before he takes another look at the handcuffs on his hand.
"I could teach you if you wish so" Shanoa replied with a nod.
"Please teach me then. Should we do it here? I heard the fresher the air is the better for meditation" Soma asked after waving his hand when Julius and Noir pass by them with Julius's truck.
Shanoa simply nods her head before she gestures Soma to follow her to find a good spot for meditation. In the end, they spend the whole afternoon meditating and trying to synch their breathing… as well as getting shocked too many times that Soma has lost count…
Thanks God both he and Shanoa have regeneration power, otherwise the two of them probably will unable to feel their wrist for the whole day… or week.
Predictably, when they went home, Soma made a stop at art shop to get her a drawing book as well as drawing tools. That is how Shanoa ends up sitting on one of the sofas in Soma's apartment with a drawing book and a pencil on her hands.
She has decided to try drawing again since even after she finished Daniela, Shanoa still continue drawing some scenery like a flower field or a lake on the drawing book that Daniela gave her. However, drawing something by using her imagination or memories has never been something she excels at as she prefers to draw something that she can observe directly with her eyes. Technically, she has drawn something… or rather someone… by relying on her memories but she isn't sure if she wants to visit those memories at the moment.
Letting out a silent sigh, Shanoa looks up at Soma who is sitting on the couch while reading a novel about a boy who met a dragon before discovering that he is the chosen hero who will save the world. His eyes are fully focused on the words of the novel while his lips occasionally will arch up to form a small smile whenever he, she assumes, finds something amusing in the novel. He looks so serene reading a book like that while soft jazz music plays on the background since Soma apparently enjoys reading while accompanied with a background music.
Shanoa observes Soma for a few seconds, with the man himself seemingly unaware of being observed as he is too occupied with his reading, and before she can fully consider it…
Her hands already move.
Yoko stretches both her arms upward once she finally finished her report in regard to the church's investigation on the Black Forest. She and her team have been investigating the Black Forest and its surrounding area to find anything that might help them in not only identifying their enemy but also, hopefully, to find their current location.
Of course, things have not always gone their way. Even after searching through all parts of Black Forest as well as questioning some people, especially the rangers that maintain Black Forest and the staffs that work on the tourist area, they still find nothing. Yoko knows that there was something in the forest, she can find many faint magical traces on several spots but the traces are too faint to be used as a lead for her tracking spell. This cult moves fast, she needs to admit it. In span of short time, they manage to leave the Black Forest without leaving anything that can be used as a way to find their current location.
However, that isn't the only thing that worries her… what Soma mentioned about the voice…
Yoko train of thoughts is interrupted by the sound of her phone vibrating, alerting her that she has an incoming call. Picking her phone from the table, both Yoko's eyes widen slightly in surprise when she realizes who is actually calling her now.
"Arikado, it has been a while" Yoko greets with a smile once she accepts the call and leans back against her seat.
"Yoko" comes the cool voice of Arikado Genya from the other side of the line.
"It is pretty rare for you to contact me directly like this, usually you prefer E-mail" Yoko stated with a teasing tone.
"I assume Soma has told you of the enemy he faced on that day" Arikado replied, completely ignoring her small teasing. If she doesn't know him any better, Yoko might pout a little.
"Yes, he has told me about the voice. What worries me is the fact that he specifically said that the voice has ability to resurrect someone fully from death, do you think that the voice could belong to Death?" Yoko answered; her tone turns serious as she recalls what Soma told her about the enemy he faced when he saved Shanoa.
"Perhaps, however I fail to see what Death wishes to do with the Dominus glyphs inside that woman. He cannot resurrect his master with a portion of his power as long as Soma is alive. And I very much doubt Death will try to kill Soma consciously instead of merely testing him" Arikado replied, seemingly believe that Death isn't responsible for this event.
"Then who else has a power to resurrect someone fully instead as a zombie? Not even Dracula has that kind of power" Yoko asked with a frustrated sigh.
"While we will need more clarification instead of simply believing on Soma's words… I have a suspect in mind"
"Really? Who is your suspect?" in truth, Yoko isn't that surprised if Arikado has managed to figure out the identity of their enemy. The man seems to always have his way to find an answer.
"Someone who has the capability to replace Dracula as the Dark Lord" Arikado answered simply, causing Yoko to blink her eyes three times.
"You mean to say that this all caused by another candidate?" Yoko asked in disbelief tone, somewhat unable to believe that a candidate for Dark Lord's position has the capability to do what Soma described to her.
"No Yoko, I am not talking about a candidate that capable to succeed Dracula as the lord of darkness… I am talking about a being that is capable to take over the title from the king of vampires" Arikado corrected… and somehow it seems to make it even worse for Yoko.
"You mean… like a being or a demon that actually capable to become the Dark Lord too? Like they have a comparable power to Dracula?" against all expectations, Yoko hopes that what she believes right now is completely wrong…
"… Yes"
… Oh dear, suddenly everything just becomes even more complicated.