It's been years, or rather a lifetime, since I've been on a plane trip, although this isn't a vacation trip or anything like that. I don't know how long the whole trip was since I spent most of the time asleep, trying to forget the event that happened in my house when I left.
What's done is done, nothing can change that. The only thing I can do for now is to simply move forwards. I don't know what will happen from now on, or what kind of training I will undergo in the Vatican but I'm ready to take anything, no matter how harsh they are. 'No pain, no gain' as they say, so I just have to brace myself for it.
In any case, I'll do everything in my power to come out of the top before the canon starts!
"Hey, kid, are you lost?"
"Where are your father and mother?"
"No comprendio. English, please."
My trial starts only now!
After the little accident at the airport, I walked down the streets of Rome in the direction of Vatican City, following Diethelm. Kiyotora stayed behind in Japan in order to take care of some business concerning me, whether it was to formalize that I would stop going to school or that I would leave the country.
I hope it's both, if not, then my disappearance would just put more burdens on my parents... No, I don't have the right to worry about them. I've already done much worse than that.
"Are you alright, Sakuya?"
"Yes, I'm fine, mister Waldseemüller. Don't worry about me."
"Please, call me Diethelm. As soon as you become an exorcist, you will become our brothers, so you don't need to be polite with us."
"I'll think of it." I didn't come here to make friends and planned to stay along, minding my own business, meaning spending all of my time training. But I suppose there is no harm in trying to act friendly with them, having some kind of connection could be useful.
"Can I ask something, mister Waldseemüller?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"What will happen to me from now on? I mean, I understand that I was brought here to become an exorcist but how will I become one? Is there some kind of procedure?"
"Let's see... I'm not familiar with the procedure since I was originally from Berlin and only joined the Vatican last year, but for now, I'll have to report what happened at Kuoh to our supervisor and introduce you to him. And then, we'll have to make you go through a baptism. It's just a formality when one is initiated to Christianity so you don't have to put much thought into it." Diethelm started to say as we reached what seemed to be the entrance of Vatican City which was full of tourists.
However, instead of joining them or going through this path, we went to another location further away where there was another entrance that was restricted to visitors. We were quickly granted access when the guards seemed to recognize Diethelm and let us pass without any problems.
I guess it's a path reserved for the inhabitants, or rather, people related with the church. But a baptism, huh... Isn't that the ceremony where a person would get his head bathed in holy water by a priest or something? I remember seeing a scene like that in a manga, although the priest tried to kill the character by drowning him in a bowl full of water.
"And after that, you'll be sent to an institute located outside of town in the countryside where you will live, study and train for a few years with other recruits like yourselves. At least, that's what happened to me when I became an exorcist back in my homeland."
And as we walked down the streets with Diethelm continuing to inform me about both the Vatican and some trivia, we eventually reached the largest building in the area and entered it.
Stepping inside, I couldn't help but to be in awe when I saw the interior and decor, especially the murals, and despite my lack of knowledge of the Christianity lore, I could recognize some of the events that were depicted in the paintings.
That pose... that must be Adam. And this is… supposed to be Jesus's reincarnation, right? I remember something like that was recorded in the Bible, but I wonder if it really happened. But again, I know that the content of the Bible is filled with embellishments and lies, a fact I can justify thanks to the few memories I have of the show.
In the book of Revelation, while I could link Armageddon to the Great War between the three factions, there is a mention about how the Devil Satan appeared as a giant red dragon during that event before losing against Michael, putting an end to his revolt against God, However, I know that the giant red dragon that is recorded in the book isn't Satan but instead Great Red who never had a role in this mess. It doesn't help that the term 'Satan' is more of a title than anything in this world, so I can't take the Bible at face value.
Honestly, I just can't help but think that the books were written by some priests for Church propaganda. It would be funny if the real reason they wrote the entire Bible was that they wished to make a bestseller back in the days.
"Sakuya, we arrived." I blinked when I heard Diethelm speak, getting me out of my thoughts as I looked to see that we were standing in front of a door. I glanced at the sign to see what kind of room it led to, or at least tried to, even though I couldn't even read Italian.
'Gabinetto del Cardinale Sacerdote', yeah, I have no idea what it means.
"Yes." I could hear a gruff voice coming out from behind the door, as if it belonged to an elderly old man.
"This is Diethelm Waldseemüller, reporting on duty, Your Eminence."
"So you returned. Come in."
"Please excuse us." Just as he said that, Diethelm opened the door and went inside after gesturing me to follow him, which I did.
And when I went inside, I However, I was more surprised by the man sitting behind it. He was a wrinkled old man with white hair but, despite his seemingly old age, he also had an extremely developed muscular build, one that would make a bodybuilder cry out of envy. And I could tell that he was also very tall, despite his seated position.
Although there wasn't a single drawing of him made in the light novel, other than the one depicting his rejuvenated appearance, I knew the old man's identity just by looking at him.
Vasco Strada. To think that I would meet the greatest monster among all humans alive on this Earth like this.
"You have done well, returning safely from Japan, Warrior Diethelm. However, that child… is he the reason Warrior Kiyotora isn't with you?"
"Yes, this child is Sakuya. We met this kid during our mission while chasing the stray devil Gouki… or rather, it would be better to say that Sakuya took him down after we accidentally let him escape after our first contact with him."
"I see. I'd like to scold you for allowing an innocent child to get involved and be in danger, but I'll wait until the Kiyotora Warrior returns so I can scold you both at the same time. And that feeling that comes from inside him, is this..."
"That's what you think, your Eminence. Sakuya is a Sacred Gear wielder. We thought it would be best for him to come under our protection. But it's not that we kidnapped him, we asked for his consent after explaining things to him. Kiyotora stayed in Japan to take care of the usual paperwork and everything else."
I don't know what they're talking about exactly but I heard them call out my name and Kiyotora's, so I suppose it's about what happened in Kuoh.
And as they continued to talk, I quickly glanced around to see that there was nothing important besides shelves filled with binders and files piled up on the only desk in the room.
It seems that this place is Vasco's office. Still, I knew that I would eventually meet him since I decided to become an exorcist, but not that soon. Seriously, I wonder how long he had to train to have this body. Maybe he spent his whole life training daily... Anyway, that level of dedication is definitely worth respecting. That's something I should learn from him, even if I don't want to end up with a bodybuilder's body.
And as I continued to observe Vasco who continued to talk with Diethelm, seemingly admonishing him for several minutes, he then turned his gaze to me, giving me a kind smile.
"Nice to meet you, Sakuya Hyoudou. I've heard what happened in your hometown from Warrior Diethelm here. My name is Vasco Strada, I'm a Cardinal Priest... but I'm sure that such a title is incomprehensible for you. Just think of me as someone high up in the echelon. And as Warrior Diethelm and Warrior Kiyotora's superior, I'll apologize for them for not doing their jobs correctly and putting you in danger." Vasco said as he bowed his head, surprising me because of his action and surprisingly good Japanese.
"Ah, you don't have to apologize, sir. It all ended up well... somewhat, so there is no need for you to lower your head to a child like me."
"You are kind, my child, but it is still my duty to do so. While you might have come out of this ordeal alive, it's a fact that their negligence ended up putting you in grave danger. If it weren't for that, you would still be living with your loved ones, unaware of the dangers of the world." Vasco said as he looked at me with an apologetic expression on his face, but I softly shook my head at his words.
"No, I think... it was better for me that it went that way. Even if I didn't go through that experience, I'm sure that one day, I'll be confronted with the supernatural world one way or another, so... I'm a bit grateful that it happened. Also, I was the one who made the choice of leaving my family instead of staying with them... so you don't need to concern yourself with that."
Yes, that's right. With Issei as my brother, I would be involved no matter what, and it goes double for possessing a Sacred Gear. I could say that it's fate or even karma for once wishing to be an anime's main character when I was young in my previous life. And I chose to leave my current family on my free will, so I don't need anybody to apologize for something I decided to do... or even feel sorry for me.
"I see. I understand." Vasco said, nodding his head off before he stood up from his seat and approached me. Seeing the behemoth in human form standing in front of me, towering over me like a giant, I couldn't help but to be nervous, trying to keep my nerves in place.
"Sakuya Hyoudou, I believe that both Warrior Kiyotora and Warrior Diethelm told you about the supernatural and explained to you what it entails to be an exorcist. But I'll ask once again, are you sure that you want to take this path?" Vasco asked, staring straight into my eyes with his own, and I immediately nodded to his question.
"Yes, I do." If I wasn't determined, I would have never made the choice of leaving home.
Hearing my words, Vasco closed his eyes before he nodded his head with a smile, apparently satisfied with my answer.
"Very well. In that case, I have nothing more to say. Now, let us proceed with your initiation as our new brethren. I'll take care of your baptism personally, so please follow me." He said as he made his way to the exit with me walking beside him. Meanwhile, Diethelm also left the room but headed off in a different direction than us.
While I wondered for a moment why he left, I just shrugged my shoulders and went after Vasco and followed him as he took me to the main hall before the altar where we were soon joined by Diethelm who returned with a basin full of water.
"Is that holy water?" I asked Vasco who nodded, staring at the liquid in the basin.
It does look similar to ordinary water but there is something different… I don't understand why, but I can feel something emanating.
"Now, for your baptism, I'll have to pour the water on your head three times, so please put your head above the basin. It would be great if we don't make a mess." Vasco said as he scooped some holy water in his hand while I nodded and did as he asked. And as I closed my eyes, I could feel a huge amount of water being slowly poured over my head, surprising me for an instant but I quickly got used to it.
Somehow, this reminds me of a time when I got my hair washed at a hair salon.
"I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Oh, God, you who are in heaven. I pray to you so that you will accept this servant's baptism. Leave your sins behind and accept the benediction of resurrection. May your soul be filled with the light of goodness and righteousness." I heard Vasco say as he kept pouring water on my head, however, it didn't seem to be in Italian but rather in Latin, a language I once learned in middle school in my past life.
Does that mean that I'll have to learn not only Italian but also Latin if I want to live here? Just thinking about it just gives me headaches.
And soon after getting my head wet three times, I felt a towel being wrapped around it, signaling me that the baptism was over.
"Rejoice, young man, as from now on, you are now officially a fellow disciple and a brethren of ours." I heard Vasco say while I was drying my hair off.
Alright, now I can finally say it... my peaceful days are really over and I will never go back to that time ever again. And now that I'm starting my new life as an exorcist, it's time for me to turn over a new leaf.
I better give it my all... for my future... for myself...
Soon after the baptism was over, Vasco returned to his office to finish some paperworks concerning me and my admission as an exorcist. Apparently, because I'm a Sacred Gear wielder, it was decided that instead of being sent to an institute, I will be living in the Vatican where I would live and train starting tomorrow.
And in the meantime, I had the day free to explore the city in order to familiarize myself with the surroundings. But before I could start my little expedition, I was taken by Diethelm to the barracks so he could show me my new room.
The building itself wasn't too bad as it looked like a modern dormitory. Although I'm a bit disappointed that the kitchen is collective, I'm happy that my room is individual with an inner shower room, that I won't have any roommates, which is better than nothing.
Also, a few steps away from it, there was a supermarket and a drugstore a few steps, making it sounds like that there was everything I would need just nearby. Of course, I haven't explored the market yet so I may be wrong.
"How is the cassock, Sakuya? Does it fit you?" Diethelm asked me as I tried on clerical clothes given to me after my arrival by a nun.
"I think it's a little too big. I'm a bit worried about stepping on it as I walk..."
"You're right, but you're a growing child so it may be better that way. Just be careful when you're walking and you'll be fine."
It's a bit troublesome, but I'll deal with it. But first of all…
"Can I ask something, mister Waldseemüller?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"What should I do to make money? For rent, living expenses and all."
"For that, you can do either a part-time job like delivering the newspapers from the Vatican Printing Press, working at one of the stores downstairs, and others. There is a board at the Church of St. Anne, the church just next door, where the residents can post their requests they need to be fulfilled for a price as well. A majority of them are mostly menial works like cleaning one of the city's churches or taking care of the gardens, so there are plenty of options for you to choose. Also, you don't need to pay for rent for this room as long as you're affiliated to the Vatican."
Well, at least, I know I won't have any problem with money for a while, but I'm certain that there will be a time when I will be in need of it so I may have to take on a part-time job one day. But again, it will depend if my future schedule allows it or not. I'll just think about it again once everything is settled.
"If you don't mind another question." I started asking Diethelm who nodded with a smile, making me appreciate his willingness to indulge me. "Is there a training ground or something similar in the Vatican? I would like to go there after I explore the place."
"Yes, there are a handful of them and they are all located underground, below all the churches in the city with the largest one being under the basilica. Even though the Vatican can be considered the headquarters of the Catholic Church, it's also a tourist spot so anything related to the supernatural must be concealed from the public."
I understand that the supernatural must be hidden from ordinary folks, but I can't help but wonder... are there some of them working here in the Vatican, or is everyone already aware of the other side? Meh, I'll just have to keep my mouth shut so no need to think about it. And it's not like I have any reasons to talk about it with anybody, unless my talking buddy is an exorcist or something.
"Thank you very much for answering my questions, I appreciate it."
"It's nothing, really. As comrades... no, as people, I believe that it's important for us to help each other, so if you need help, don't hesitate to ask." Diethelm said as he patted my head a few times before he started to make way for the front door.
"I'll be going back to my own room now. Like I said, if you need something, just come ask me. My room is room 313 on the third floor, do you need a memo?"
"No, it's fine. I'll remember it."
"Alright. Oh yes, even though there is a collective kitchen at the end of the corridor on each floor, there is also a cafeteria on the first floor which is always open, so if you're hungry, you should head over there. The service is free for exorcists so you don't have to worry about payment."
"Okay. Thank you for the info." I said, bowing my head in gratitude to Diethelm who gave me a smile before he left my room, leaving me alone in it.
Alright, time to go explore the city. If I'm going to live here from now on, I'd better get familiar with it soon.
The city was smaller than I thought. Even though I've heard that the Vatican was considered a country, this place looked more like a district than anything else. It only took a few hours for me to explore the whole place in its entirety, the fact that more than half of the city being the Vatican Gardens really helped speed up the little tour, but there wasn't much to see.
The Gardens aside, which I would define as just a place of relaxation with some religious but unimportant monuments scattered around and some greenhouses, the residential district is equally unremarkable.
A regular supermarket and pharmacy, a television center with all broadcasts centered around the Catholic Church and its teachings, a post office, a press office, a bank and others. Nothing that would make it any different from an ordinary one, and it seemed like I could get anything that would be essential for daily life from the market. However, when it came to entertainment, there was nothing at all.
I suppose it's because the Vatican is a place where religion is the main focus so having a hobby or anything which would divert from the church's teachings would be frowned upon. Well, it might be a good thing since the lack of distraction may help me focus better on my training.
But still, it wouldn't hurt anybody to take a break and rest sometimes. So, for those times, maybe I'll discreetly head to Rome so I can buy a Gameboy Color or a MP3 player once I have some money.
Speaking of money, I tried to search for the board Diethelm talked about but, while I found it, most of the requests were written in Italian, so I couldn't read the content. In the end, before thinking of getting money, I must first learn how to speak and read Italian.
The other places in the Vatican City were either forbidden to enter, such as the pope's residence or the treasury, or simply not interesting as they were simply tourist sites or faculties I found no interests like the station radio or Ethiopian Seminary. However, there were a few spots where I found an interest in visiting which were both the hidden training grounds and the Vatican library.
I know that I will spend a lot of time in the training grounds so I'm glad to see that it is equipped with training tools and weapons. I'll have to ask either Diethelm, or Vasco if I manage to see him, what kind of training program an exorcist follows.
As for the library, I was a bit curious about its contents, and after a bit of research, I found out that it was filled with historical records, law, philosophy, science, and theology documents. Honestly, I thought I would be able to find out more information about the supernatural, be it about magic or anything supernatural, but I couldn't find anything.
I was quite disappointed at first, but I then found out that the library is part of the spaces that are open to the public and a tourist spot, so it is possible that all documents related to the other side might be hidden. I didn't search the library from top to bottom so I might have missed something, maybe a secret entrance reserved to exorcists or the higher ups. And that may have been the case for the other sites because what I've seen so far may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Well, I guess I have no choice but to ask Diethelm or Vasco directly if I want to learn more of the other side. I could always say that I wanted to learn more about devils in general since I nearly got killed by a stray one or about my Sacred Gear. I have to use all the opportunities I can get in order to become stronger because there are limits to what I can do on my own.
But that's something I'll do tomorrow once my training as an exorcist starts. The sun is already setting down and I'm a bit tired from walking around all day. It doesn't help that there's a time difference between Kuoh and the Vatican. I'm sure that right now, it must be past midnight or something over there...
I know I have no right to worry about them when I'm the one who abandoned them, but I hope they're alright… Damn, I'm really hopeless, aren't I...
The next morning, Vasco visited me, much to my surprise... or should I say shock.
It's not everyday that I'm greeted by a giant wall of muscle outside my room when I try to go to the cafeteria for breakfast.
"So, how are you this fine morning, Sakuya?" Vasco asked as we walked down the residential district's streets, walking toward the basilica, the largest building in the Vatican.
"I'm still a bit tired from the jet lag... um, how should I address you, sir?"
"You may call me your Eminence or Father Strada, this is how I'm usually called. Choose whichever suits you."
"Understood, your Eminence. Can I ask what we are going to do today?"
"Our first activity of the day will be on your Sacred Gear. I've heard from Diethelm's report that you have awakened it during your encounter with the stray devil and manifested it to take it down, am I correct?"
"Yes. My memories of the event are a bit fuzzy towards the end, but just as I was being crushed by the devil, I remember seeing the light and a bunch of blades shoot out from the ground and then nothing."
"I see. So, you haven't manifested it of your own, but instead, it manifested itself as you were in danger. In that case, I will be teaching you how to manifest your Sacred Gear with your own will. I'll be guiding you for your first time, but I expect you to manage to do it alone from now on. After that, I will give you some exercises to do so you can build up some stamina and strength. You'll need both in order to survive the rest of the program I have planned for you."
Hearing his words, I widened my eyes in both shock and delight.
"You'll be in charge of my training, your Eminence?! Not that I'm unhappy with it, but won't it impact your schedule and bother you?!"
"There is nothing to worry about. Despite my age and duties, I always try to make some time in order to keep myself in shape. And taking care of you won't bother me at all, in fact, I think that, as both your elder and now superior, it is my one of my duties to guide the young ones."
"Thank you very much, your Eminence!" Without wasting any time, I knelt before Vasco to show my gratitude and to try and hide the wide smile I couldn't stop from growing on my face.
To think that I would be supervised by Vasco of all people, isn't that just freaking fantastic?! I felt like I had hit the jackpot! Perhaps I shouldn't play lotto or gacha for at least several years, I'm feeling like I've used all the luck I would have for many years.
"You don't need to bow to me, Warrior Sakuya, I am simply fulfilling my duties, that's all. The only beings you should bow down before is our Lord and its messengers." I heard Vasco say as I felt his humongous hand being placed against my head, patting it. "Now, let us go. We have a lot of work to do today."
"Yes sir!" I inadvertently shouted as I ran after Vasco who walked away, unable to calm my excitement.
Alright, I'm getting pumped up. I wonder what kind of exercises he will be giving me. Well, whatever it is, I'll do them all, no matter how harsh they are. 'No pain, no gain' as they say.
If it means to become stronger, I'll do anything. I already threw everything, be it my family and peaceful life away, so I have nothing to lose. So, just give me your worst, Vasco Strada. I'll take everything you'll throw at me and overcome them!
As soon as we reached the training ground below the basilica, I quickly changed into an uniform that was given to me by Vasco and then joined him in the field where he was waiting for me.
"It looks like it fits you well. I was worried that I took the wrong size." Vasco said as he looked at me, nodding to himself while I just moved my body around, trying to get used to it.
Apparently, I was currently wearing the traditional Church battle suit, which consisted of a black, skin-tight, sleeveless shirt and disconnected sleeves that lead into fingerless gloves, also black pants as skin-tight as the top and a pair of black boots, all of which were adorned with straps.
Despite the outfit's tightness, it's quite comfy and easy to move in. I like them. The only problem is that it bulges a bit, but it's nothing major so I can just ignore it. Although, he said that it's the traditional suit, then does that mean he also wore that thing... No, that's something I don't want to imagine.
"Well then, Warrior Sakuya. Are you ready to start your first lesson?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good enthusiasm. But first of all, I want to know how much you know about Sacred Gears in general. I believe that you were given a general description about them by Warrior Kiyotora and Warrior Diethelm." Vasco started to say while I nodded, having heard a bit from Kiyotora after that event back at Kuoh.
"Yes, they are artifacts with powerful abilities that were bestowed upon humans by our Lord, some being common to rare or even unique such as the Longinus, and that they all have various but distinct abilities."
"That is correct, however, it seems that they haven't told you everything. The most important detail about Sacred Gears is that they are artifacts driven by desire."
"By desire... You mean, by strongly wishing or wanting something?"
"Indeed. Desire is what drives Sacred Gears around and it also determines the power for it as well. The stronger you desire, the stronger your Sacred Gear will respond to you as it will take that desire of yours and use it as fuel to increase its power proportional to the intensity behind it. They can also adapt and evolve based on their wielder's thoughts, needs, and feelings, gaining abilities or qualities as time passes but it is rare for them to do so. "
Desire, huh... That time, I really wished to live with all my being, to not die, so maybe it's why I managed to awaken my Sacred Gear for the first time. Perhaps any kind of desire may do the trick, like Issei and his obsession with boobs…
"I'll help you manifest your Sacred Gear so follow my instructions. If everything is done correctly, you should be able to feel something happen in your body. Do not forget that feeling as it will be essential for you in order to bring out your Sacred Gear in the future." I nodded at Vasco as I let out a deep breath and waited for his instructions.
"First, close your eyes and raise your arm. And then, imagine the strongest person that comes to mind."
The strongest person I can think of... I can think of many… But if I relate it with Blade Blacksmith, a Sacred Gear that creates swords... Yeah, I can't help but think of that jokester of a swordsman.
A goofy and smug swordsman... but also one of the strongest humans in a world where monsters that can manipulate concepts exists... a human who could go toes to toes with six godly dragons and even surpass them...
"Then imagine that person in a particular pose where he looks the strongest."
When he's unleashing his trump card. I can't forget the impact it gave me when I first saw it, just thinking about it gives me shivers...
"Lower your arm slowly and then, mimic that person's pose and scream if you must. Do not hold back, you must give it your all or it won't work."
Ugh... It's a little embarrassing but I can live with it.
Imagining having a sword in my right hand, I planted it on the ground, then opened my mouth.
"I am the Star Sword Sovereign. Under that title I command thee... From the sea of stars, call forth the deities of the blade... Arise, Seven-Star Avatars!" I shouted as I thrusted my imaginary sword into the air above me, and then, I felt something happen both in my body and my surroundings. I was also surprised when I felt something appear in my right hand.
Opening my eyes, I saw that I was surrounded by a wave of blades of various sizes, all sprouting off the grounds. I then glanced at my right hand to see that I was holding a sword which emanated some kind of whitish aura.
"This is…"
"This is your Sacred Gear, Blade Blacksmith. Now that you have manifested it and felt it, I believe you would be able to bring it out on your own without using that method. Just like I said, do not forget the feeling and, with a bit of training, I'm sure that you'll do it brilliantly."
"Thank you for your kind words, your Eminence."
As I gave my thanks to Vasco, I turned my gaze to the sword I held in my hand.
It's heavy... Well, it's to be expected. This is a real sword and not a bokken. I'll have to train with it for quite some time to get used to it. But for now, I'll have to take care of that mess. If my Sacred Gear really answers my desire, then... disappear.
And just as I willed it, the blades all dissipated into spheres of light before they disappeared into thin air, leaving nothing but holes on the ground.
"I... won't get in trouble for causing this, right?" I nervously asked Vasco, pointing at the holes, but he shook his head in denial.
"It's fairly usual for training grounds to get a bit ransacked, so you don't have to worry about it. Once you come back tomorrow, you'll find the place just as it was when we arrived."
Hearing this, I let out a sigh of relief.
In that case, I don't have to worry about destroying the place when training. That's good.
"Now that we're done, it's time for you to start your physical training. For your first exercise, I want you to leave the Vatican City and run all the way around the city wall."
"Can I ask just a question? How long is the wall?"
"It must be around three and a half kilometers. Also, I want you to do at least three laps and to not stop until you can't run. If I see you stop even once until you've done your laps, you'll start over from scratch, am I clear?"
Three laps, so at least ten kilometers without stopping... That's impossible... No, no, I mustn't think like that, that's the wrong mindset... I must think of this as a challenge. A challenge I must overcome... I just said it, didn't I? No matter what exercise it is, I'll just blast through them!
"Yes, sir!"
"Great answer. Then, follow me, I'll show you your starting point."
Bracing myself for the upcoming trial, I clenched my fists as I followed Vasco as we both left the training ground and headed outside. And after walking a bit, Vasco pointed me to a direction which I recognized as the entrance I took with Diethelm when I first came to this country.
"Over there will be your starting point. Once you leave the gate and cross the border, you may consider that you have started the exercise. Understood?"
"Yes, your Eminence." I said, earning a smile from Vasco before he gave me a pat in the back.
"I'm expecting a lot from you. Now, go on. I'll pray for your success."
And with a nod, I started to jog in the direction of the entrance. And once I was out, quickly greeting the guards on the way, I started to stretch my body.
Alright, let's do this!
Without wasting any time, I immediately started to run alongside the wall, determined to end the exercise with flying colors.
A/N: And that was the 5th chapter of High School DxD - Hallowed Blade.
I wanna say thank you all for the reviews, and thank you Darklord331 for beta reading my chapter.
Originally, instead of writing in italicizing words for foreign languages from Sakuya's POV, I wrote them in their original language, Italian and Latin respectively.
Would you rather see the foreign language be translated and written in italic, or having them in their original language but with the translation (in parentheses).
That's one question I had in mind the whole week and wanted to ask you guys, which one do you prefer?
And now, I shall answer your reviews.
Alucard05: Can't be helped, there is no way that his parents would allow Sakuya to go under normal circumstances. And while I understand that you dislike the use of brainwashing/mind control, I'm the same but I see it as a necessary evil, especially when it is even used by the main cast over regular people during canon.
If the person who found Sakuya after his fight was a person from another faction like a certain magical girl, the story might have turned into a different direction.
Anything that the church will treat as friendly or acceptable, the illegal and interdimensional immigrant that Sakuya is will try to learn. As for things that are considered taboo or heretical (coming from other pantheons or religions) by the church. Well, by his own admission, Sakuya's not a devout so it's not something like that which will stop him from trying.
And as for our sweet holy maiden, that's... a secret for now.
SirAlphonso: And what's a beta male? Please enlighten me.
Also, no harem in DxD? Hard stuff. Are you sure you're in the right fandom?
Mpower0438: Thank you for the review.
DarkDrawerJ: Yeah, instead of going the way I did on the original which was kind of laid back even though Sakuya nearly got killed in his 'first' encounter with the supernatural, I thought that a more serious mood with some consequences was more fitting in this scenario.
Now, I wonder who will be able to warm Sakuya's frozen heart… That's something to see.
Guest: If it made you feel that way, then I did a good job in my opinion. Never said that Sakuya's life will be a happy one, full of rainbows and sparkles.
bludvein: I understand why people who preferred the older version, but I think there is some confusion here. His family haven't forgotten him, they were brainwashed into believing that they allowed Sakuya to study abroad in Italy.
I understand your point of view very well and respect your opinion, so I'll just say that there is a reason why I decided to go this way. Why? This is to be seen in the next chapters.
And it doesn't mean that the entire story will be 100% serious or realistic as absurdity will be present in... many ways.
loki0191: Thank you for the review, I understand not everybody will like my story but I guess it's only natural.
Sakuya may have gained two factions worth of enemies, but if he decided to stay 'neutral' in his lonesome, he would be the target of all the factions who would want to get him under them because of his Sacred Gear. And because he's weak and inexperienced, forcefully trying to recruit Sakuya is an option with nearly guaranteed success.
Not to mention that his family could be potentially involved as collateral damage, just like how Gorou and Miki were kidnapped by Rizevim because he wanted to mess up with Issei by breaking the family apart. So, who says that they won't become leverage against Sakuya if someone wished to have him under them, especially when he's still weak compared to most of the supernatural.
And it's not that Sakuya can't train in Kuoh, it's that he would be training in his lonesome and continue his own workout which is pretty insufficient.
As for the whole paragraph, you say it came off as a sermon, which may be true for some, but it's just Sakuya stating his opinion on the question he was asked. He's not lecturing her, preaching or anything. He's just stating what he's thinking, and I won't deny that his opinion is indeed naive. Just because he's mentally old doesn't mean that he's wise or mature. I've seen many adults being man-children, being even worse than actual ones.
At the very least, I thank you for giving my story a chance, even if it didn't suit your tastes.