The room crackled with tension as Riser Phenex, his fiery hair blazing, settled beside Rias Gremory, his gaze locked onto hers like a hawk circling its prey. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, mirroring the electric charge that seemed to sizzle between the two rivals.
"Why's everyone so tense? I just came to see my future wife," Riser drawled, his fingers idly caressing Rias's leg.
"We're not married yet, Riser," Rias retorted, pushing his hand away before standing up.
"Yet? Are you seriously counting on that to remain the case forever? Don't make me laugh," Riser sneered, a wicked grin etched on his lips, intensifying Rias's discomfort. He leaned in, capturing her chin with his hand, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Whether you like it or not, when the time comes, you'll be mine," he murmured, his voice dripping with possessiveness.
Rias swiftly extricated herself from his grip, her expression a mixture of defiance and disgust.
"Enough of your chatter, Riser... I challenge you to a rating game," Rias declared loudly, momentarily confusing her rival.
"If I win, we call off the wedding," she continued, the room falling into an expectant hush. Riser erupted into boisterous laughter, his amusement ringing through the air. As his laughter subsided, he mulled over her proposal.
"Very well then. This could be amusing. Don't get me wrong, the likelihood of you winning is close to zero, but if it takes a game to put my future wife back in her place, I'm going to savor every moment of it," Riser proclaimed, his voice dripping with arrogance. With a deft motion, he conjured a teleportation circle beneath his feet.
"Oh, and just to make things entertaining, I'll give you and your pitiful excuse for a peerage a mere ten days to prepare. Better make it worth my time," he concluded, his form igniting into flames before vanishing from room crackled with tension as Riser Phenex, his fiery hair blazing, settled beside Rias Gremory, his gaze locked onto hers like a hawk circling its prey. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, mirroring the electric charge that seemed to sizzle between the two rivals.
Asia POV
Well, that was quite an intense turn of events. Why didn't Rias tell us about this earlier? Issei seemed equally surprised. What do you think, Rassei?
Rassei, my familiar spirit, is a small blue dragon with the ability to shoot lightning. He's my partner in a sense. Strangely enough, he's not the biggest fan of Issei. I wonder why that is?
Speaking of Riser's unexpected visit, it seems we've been handed quite the challenge with only ten days to prepare. If I want to be of help to Rias, I need to put even more effort into my training. Thanks to the Kendo practice, I've built up my stamina and improved my defense. However, I've been focusing mostly on my physical capabilities. Now, I need to direct my attention to understanding and refining the true potential of my sacred gear.
I'm not entirely sure how yet, but perhaps delving into the mechanics of demonic energy could provide insight into the workings of my sacred gear. They're not the same, especially since I've possessed my sacred gear since birth. However, my transformation into a devil might give me an advantage in unlocking more of its potential
End of POV
The next day had dawned, signaling the beginning of more intensive training. Rias had assigned Akeno to work closely with Asia and Issei, guiding them through the intricacies of demonic energy manipulation.
Akeno extended her hand gracefully, a sense of authority radiating from her.
"The heart of harnessing demonic energy lies in your imagination. Envision the elemental force as if it's right before your eyes. Engage all your senses if it enhances your focus. The clearer and more detailed your mental image, the more substantial your power will become. And now..."
Akeno's words were accompanied by a lightning bolt shooting from her outstretched hand, leaving Issei and Asia astonished by the display.
"Remember, you don't have to perfect it instantly. Imagination is akin to a muscle; it requires regular exercise to grow stronger. Begin with simpler visualizations. Over time, gradually increase the complexity of your mental constructs. Through consistent practice, your mental clarity will sharpen, enhancing your ability to wield demonic energy. Now it's your turn."
Issei took a deep breath and extended his hand, closing his eyes in concentration. Despite his efforts, he struggled to manifest the element he desired - fire - within his mind's eye.
Meanwhile, Asia recalled the meditation techniques she had been taught, focusing on the elements often associated with them. She assumed a meditative posture, allowing herself to sink into a state of tranquility. Slowly, she began to visualize the chosen elemental force in her mind's canvas...
.
Asia POV
I opened my consciousness, endeavoring to conjure the realm of pure blue aura that I had chosen as my focal point. In this mental expanse, everything was bathed in shades of blue, a serene canvas upon which I would paint my visualization. As I immersed myself in this ethereal landscape, I unexpectedly began to hear distant voices, their cadence foreign yet hauntingly familiar. It was the same language that had echoed in my dreams, a cryptic tongue that eluded my understanding despite my newfound status as a devil.
Determined to explore the source of these enigmatic utterances, I navigated through the azure expanse toward the center of the dialogue. There, I encountered two figures engaged in conversation. A woman with flowing blue hair and an aura of potency stood juxtaposed to a dark-skinned man adorned in priestly attire akin to those worn by Levite priests, an imagery I could identify from my days within the church. Yet, their speech was alien to my ears, neither Hebrew nor Arabic, though it bore semblance to both. Could it be Amharic or Tigrinya? The language remained elusive.
"𐩱𐩩 𐩽 𐩥𐩵 𐩽 𐩨𐩬𐩺 𐩽 𐩱𐩨𐩹 𐩽 𐩸𐩡𐩫𐩡 𐩽 𐩣𐩺𐩡𐩩𐩻𐩩𐩫 𐩽 𐩩𐩥𐩵𐩱 𐩽 𐩢𐩵𐩹 𐩽 𐩧𐩨 𐩽 𐩠𐩹𐩨𐩫 𐩽 𐩩𐩣𐩡𐩪"
"𐩦𐩫𐩧 𐩽 𐩴𐩨𐩡 𐩽 𐩣𐩬 𐩽 𐩣𐩥 𐩽 𐩥𐩣𐩡𐩫𐩵 𐩽 𐩥𐩤𐩺𐩧𐩪"
"𐩱𐩩 𐩽 𐩪𐩨"
Their voices intertwined in conversation, weaving a tapestry of interaction that resonated with shared emotions. Laughter punctuated their discourse, a harmonious cadence that danced in the air. As I observed, a perplexing thought tiptoed into my mind: were they, in some strange way, flirting with each other?
.
End Of POV
Asia's eyes fluttered open as she emerged from the depths of her meditation, greeted by the ethereal sight of several water orbs suspended in midair before her. The achievement left her in a state of awe, her own power materializing in front of her eyes.
"Congratulations, Asia! You did it!"
Akeno's jubilant voice broke through the moment, congratulating her on the successful manifestation. However, amid the elation of her accomplishment, Asia still grappled with the profound imagery of her recent vision. The mysterious dialogue and the vivid scene with the two enigmatic figures lingered in her mind, casting a veil of confusion over her triumph.
In the subsequent days, Asia devoted herself to mastering the manipulation of water under Akeno's guidance. Her progress, while steady, was far from perfection, yet it provided her with newfound confidence in her abilities to defend herself. Still, even as she honed her elemental prowess, the riddle of her sacred gear remained as elusive as ever.
6 Days Later
Six days had elapsed since that pivotal moment, leaving only four days until the looming deadline. Asia's frustration had intensified over this time, as her Twilight Healing seemed to have hit a plateau without any signs of improvement or enhancement.
Observing Issei unlock new capabilities associated with his gear had only exacerbated Asia's own sense of stagnation. Despite having learned to harness her gear's power for self-healing, she had yet to experience any further breakthroughs. It was as if an invisible barrier was curtailing her progress.
Though she had achieved the ability to summon water using her demonic energy, she found herself yearning for something more impactful - a transformative power that could truly tip the scales in the forthcoming Rating Game. Nevertheless, her dedication to Kendo had paid off, with her skills rapidly advancing to the point of surpassing even Katase and Murayama.
She was currently sparring with her sensei.
Out of preestablished frustrations with her current predicament, Asia launched her attack at the master. She managed to push her back a couple of time, a small victor that brought her mild satisfaction, nut of course, this was temporary as it was now the master's turn to return the, but as her Sensei, it was a duty to return the favor, with just one push, Asia's body was padalling meters, and with the next, she was pinned against the wall.
She moved in for the coup de grace, give Asia no room to escape. It was either attack or be demolished. She went in for an attack, but swift a and precise strike, the Sense sent Asia's shina spiraling from her grip. The fear she felt at the moment transitioned into fatigue and she immediately fell to the ground. The sensei hovered above her.
"See me later" her sensei declared, the words resonating with both instruction and encouragement.
Later
It was now later, Asia and Kaede were having tea together.
"My dear, it was a spirited spar we had earlier. Your determination and passion are admirable." The master said, sipping her tea and smiling warmly.
Asia could tell she was being partly sarcastic. At this point, she had to accept that her Sensei could read her emotions like a book.
"You could tell, huh?" Asia stated, smiling sheepishly from the awkwardness.
"Pretty much, yeah" The master replied.
"I'm sorry sensei, But I can't help feeling frustrated."
"Mind explaining?"
"It's just that everyone else seems so skilled and capable. I want to be like them."
"I see. My dear, listen closely. Every person's journey is unique, just like a blade forged by a master swordsmith. Trying to mimic others will only lead you away from your true potential. Remember, it's not about being a replica of someone else's skill; it's about refining your own strengths." She answers her.
"But how do I know what my strengths are, sensei?"
"Embracing your strengths requires self-discovery. Reflect on what aspects make you feel alive, what resonates with your spirit. When you engage in those actions, your will become fluid, your heart aligned with your body. That is where your strengths lie."
"So, you mean I should focus on what I'm good at, rather than trying to copy others?" She asks, expressing thoughtfulness
"Exactly. When you imitate others, you stifle your own growth. When you embrace your unique skills and develop your own style, you'll surprise yourself with your progress. Remember, Kendo is not just about mastering techniques; it's about understanding the art's essence and expressing it through your individuality." The master says, nodding.
"I see now, sensei. I've been so focused on comparing myself that I've neglected my own journey." She realises
"Comparisons can be like a fog that obscures your path. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Strive to be better than your past self, not better than others."
Asia stands up, feeling ecstatic from the information.
"Thank you sensei, I'll be sure to think about it!"
With that, she rushed out of the dojo, carried by a renewed sense of purpose.
Later that night, Asia found herself alone in her room, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Rassei, her familiar spirit, perched on the windowsill, its tail twitching with curiosity.
"I wish I could be stronger to help Rias," Asia murmured, her gaze fixed on the moonlit night outside.
As the feeling of discouragement began to settle in, Asia stopped herself. With a determined look, she slapped both of her hands onto her cheeks. She had come a long way, and while she might not be as strong as the others, that didn't negate her progress.
Steeling her resolve, she rose from her bed and assumed a meditative position on the floor. The goal was to merge her demonic energy and the power of her sacred gear into a unified force. Though their rules of function differed, Asia believed there must be a way to harmonize them.
Throughout the entire night, she focused on channeling her demonic energy and the power of her sacred gear, tirelessly working to find a way to unite their functions. She refused to relent, dedicating herself to this pursuit until the first light of morning.
Day 7
It didn't work. No matter how hard she tried, nothing was working. Today was weekend, meaning she could spend the rest if the day with Akeno, she didn't need to do extra training sessions anymore as she had caught up, so she was free all the time.
Akeno POV
Asia appeared visibly frustrated today. The weight of sadness was etched across her face, and the dark circles under her eyes hinted at the toll her efforts were taking on her. Did she even manage to get any sleep last night?
During today's training, Asia was tasked with taking the offensive. Her objective was to attack me using the water she had conjured. However, something was off. Her usually focused demeanor was replaced by a sense of clumsiness and distraction.
"Alright, let's call it a day," I instructed, noticing her struggling.
"No, not yet. I can still..." She began to say, her voice trailing off as she suddenly collapsed, falling to the ground face-first.
Concerned, I hurried over to check on her. It was clear she had pushed herself to the limit, her body exhausted from overexertion. Gently, I picked her up and decided it was best for her to rest. I carried her to the club headquarters, making sure she would get the much-needed rest. And by "rest," I mean she was completely drained. Besides Kiba, I have never encountered such a determined and hardworking individual...I admire her.
End Of POV
Asia awoke on the couch, rubbing her eyes and letting out a sleepy yawn as she stretched her body. Across from her, Akeno was seated, observing her with a gentle smile.
"Hey, what's going on?" Asia inquired, still a bit groggy from her nap.
"You fainted during training. But don't worry, you're okay now," Akeno reassured her, her smile warm and comforting.
"Oh... I see," Asia responded softly, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness as she looked down. Sensing the turmoil within her, Akeno decided to address the matter head-on.
"Asia, don't push yourself too hard. We care about you just the way you are."
Managing a small nod, Asia couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry.
"I just wish I could give back, you've all done so much for me. I want to be able to help too."
Her words came out amidst her tears. Akeno moved closer and enveloped her in a comforting hug.
"I understand what it's like to struggle with self-doubt and guilt. But right now, focus on the people who care deeply for you. Don't burden yourself by harming your own well-being. I know you're determined to help Rias, but I'm certain that Rias would prioritize your safety above all else. So, don't put yourself in harm's way. Even if you feel like you're falling behind, live for the people who cherish and love you-like me, Rias, Koneko, Issei..."
"Issei?" Asia's ears perked up at the mention of that name, a surge of emotions flooding her. Akeno's subtle chuckle indicated that she was well aware of Asia's feelings.
"Yes, even Issei. Imagine his reaction if he saw you like this. He wouldn't dream of you getting hurt."
A shared laughter filled the room. However, in the midst of that laughter, a word triggered a realization within Asia-the word "dream." The visions that had been plaguing her mind suddenly seemed to click into place. Rising to her feet with newfound determination, she knew exactly what she needed to do.
"Dreams... of course!" Asia exclaimed, her voice resolute.
In a hurry, she left the Occult Research Club headquarters, a sense of urgency driving her steps.
"Where are you going?" Akeno called out, curious.
"Just follow me!" Asia responded over her shoulder, Akeno trailing after her.
Sona POV
It was around 4:00 PM, and I had just concluded assigning tasks to the members of my peerage. Our presence was required at the school during the weekend for some responsibilities. Amidst my duties, a peculiar energy caught my attention. Glancing out of the window in the Student Council room, I spotted Akeno and Asia engaged in something unusual.
Akeno appeared slightly perplexed, while Asia sat down in a meditative posture. The scene intrigued me; I decided to observe and uncover the nature of their activities.
As time passed, my curiosity was rewarded. However, it seemed that Akeno and Asia had noticed my observation from where they stood. They began making their way towards my location, evidently intending to seek answers, much like my own curiosity about the unfolding events.
End of POV
Just before they proceeded to the student council head office, Asia began explaining herself to Akeno.
"I've been having these strange visions lately. They're so vivid, almost like they're connected to my memories, or rather, my sacred gear's memories," Asia confessed to Akeno.
"Your sacred gear's memories?" Akeno echoed, clearly intrigued yet puzzled.
"Yes, exactly. It's like a clearer version of the sensation I experienced when Rias resurrected me."
Akeno's confusion deepened as she tried to comprehend what Asia was conveying.
"Akeno, remember when you told me that demonic energy is linked to the clarity of imagination?" Asia asked, seeking affirmation.
Akeno nodded in response.
Asia closed her eyes, allowing the visions to take hold. These enigmatic murals that had appeared in her dreams, they held a significance she couldn't quite grasp. She focused on recalling their details, letting her imagination guide her through their intricate patterns.
While Asia was engrossed in her internal exploration, Akeno observed in a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Unexpectedly, as Asia's visions intensified, a strange and eerie wind began to whirl around them. Gradually, an outline of one of the murals formed, glowing with an ethereal green light.
Asia's determination and focus were palpable, and suddenly, the mural burst into a vibrant display of green energy, emanating from Asia's sacred gear and fueled by her demonic energy. The force of this newfound union caused the very air around them to tremble, like ripples from a stone cast into water.
In the midst of the surge, Asia felt an exhilarating sense of accomplishment and strength. She had achieved her goal - the fusion of her sacred gear and demonic energy. As the light subsided, the mural faded away, leaving Asia and Akeno in awe and wonder.
They exchanged glances, only to find Sona Sitri observing them from a distance. Realizing they had been seen, Asia and Akeno exchanged nods before making their way to the student council hall, seeking Sona's knowledge and guidance.
Presently, Sona, Akeno, and Asia sat together in the library. Sona was poring over ancient Semitic writings, and after some searching, she found what she was looking for.
"Here it is - Musnad," Sona announced.
"Musnad? What's that?" Akeno inquired.
"It's a script used in the Arabia Felix and the Ethio-Semitic region. The Sabaeans, an ancient Semitic people, used it around the 10th Century BC for trade along the Red Sea."
Asia and Akeno exchanged shocked glances upon learning this.
"But that raises another question - how is your sacred gear connected to Eritrea and Southern Arabia?" Sona mused aloud.
"Let's focus on that later. Right now, we need to help Asia master this new ability before the deadline," Akeno proposed, offering support to Asia.
"You're right. Thank you so much for your help, Sona. We'll catch up again later," Asia expressed her gratitude, wearing a hopeful smile.
As they left the library, Sona was left bewildered by the enigma they had presented to her.
"Alright?" She replied, puzzled.
However, before they could go too far, they realized that Sona's expertise in water magic, being a member of the Sitri Clan, could assist in Asia's training to some extent. They hurriedly returned to the library, eager to capitalize on Sona's knowledge and skills.
Rating Game
The climactic moment had arrived. The ten days of relentless training, the sleepless nights, and the ceaseless determination were all culminating in this crucial juncture. Koneko and Asia, standing side by side on the open expanse of the sports ground, faced the formidable members of Riser's peerage.
Koneko's gaze was unwavering, her fists clenched tightly as a feline-like readiness emanated from her. She turned to Asia, a mixture of assurance and inquiry in her eyes.
"Are you ready for this, Asia?" Koneko asked, her voice carrying a blend of camaraderie and fierce resolve.
Asia, fully clad in her Kendo armor that now seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, tightened her grip on the shinai. Her stance mirrored her conviction - firm, unwavering, and ready to embrace the challenge ahead. A verdant aura enveloped her form, weaving her with nature's essence. Droplets of water danced around her, a testament to her newfound power.
"More than ever!" Asia declared, her voice carrying a surge of determination that seemed to echo across the battleground, resonating with the essence of her resolve.
As the moon cast it's light over the school, their shadows emanating across the field, Koneko and Asia prepared to face their opponents. The anticipation hung thick in the air, charged with the weight of their aspirations and the echoes of their training.
To be continued/በቀረበት ይጠብቃል/𐩨𐩤𐩧𐩨𐩩 𐩽 𐩺𐩦𐩨𐩤𐩡
