"Water, the essence that cradles life within its liquid embrace, holds an unparalleled significance within the tapestry of existence," Sona mused, her words imbued with a sense of reverence as she conjured a shimmering sphere of water in her palm.
Asia's attention was rapt, her eyes fixed on the aqueous manifestation in Sona's hand, her curiosity piqued by the knowledge that was about to unfold.
"In the intricate symphony of the elements, water emerges as a symposium of stillness and healing," Sona continued, her voice carrying an almost mystical cadence that mirrored her reverence for the subject matter.
Asia absorbed every word, her gaze tracing the fluid contours of the water sphere, mesmerized by the innate power it seemed to hold.
"Yet, as with any force, its potential extends far beyond these tranquil domains," Sona expounded, her demeanor shifting subtly as she prepared to demonstrate water's versatility. With a subtle motion, she projected the orb towards a towering tree.
The tree's trunk yielded with a resounding crack, a testament to the raw power concealed within the liquid substance.
.
The battlefield transformed into a theater of clash and confrontation as Nel and Eel, a pair of young girls who stood as pawns within Riser's peerage, surged forward with chainsaws wreathed in fiery magic. Asia's eyes hardened as they closed in, her determination amplifying in the face of danger.
Reacting swiftly, Asia wielded her Shinai with precision, the surrounding orbs of water augmenting her strike. The watery sentinels not only extinguished the fiery onslaught but also propelled the twins back, causing their advances to devolve into stumbling retreats. Amidst the chaos, Mira, another of Riser's pawns, seized the opportunity to mount her assault. Armed with a wooden weapon ablaze with flames, she aimed a swift and precise strike at Asia, exploiting her momentary distraction.
Asia's attention, however, was fixated on Mira's impending blow. Swiftly and deftly, one of the orbs of water positioned itself above Asia's head, forming an elemental shield that negated the force of Mira's attack, extinguishing the flames in the process. An opening presented itself, and with fluid grace, she unleashed a retaliatory strike that sent Mira reeling, creating space between them.
In the ensuing engagement, Asia and Mira engaged in a rhythmic dance of combat, their distinct martial arts techniques intertwining in a ballet of strikes and parries. Asia swung her shinai at Mira, who countered it with hers, as both weapons met. Mira's staff whirled with a dancer's grace before hurtling through the air like a vengeful comet, its trajectory aimed directly at Asia's chest. The impact struck with a force that sent her stumbling backward
She smiled as Asia painted, fortunately, thanks to her protective gear, she wasn't hurt...that badly. Asia gripped her weapon tightly and went in the offensive. Just she was about to attack, Mira jumped upwards and spun on top of her, landing behind her. Asia, anticipating this, immediately spun her whole body clockwise. The momentum of her movement, and her water magic, added to her blow as she hit Mira to the side of her chest, just slighty above her diaphragm, the forces pushed her away, and although she was hurt, she didn't fall over.
At this point, they were exhausted, both combatants panted heavily, their stamina depleted from the intense struggle.
"So what now?" A taunt escaped Mira's lips, punctuated by a challenging smirk. Asia, her breaths labored yet resolute, returned the gesture with a knowing smile. She understood that the current stalemate called for a strategic twist.
With unwavering determination, Asia stood tall, her stance becoming deliberate as she drew a deep breath, an aura of vibrant green enveloping her form.
.
A Day Before
Akeno POV
With Sona's guidance, Asia's mastery of water magic had greatly improved. Our sparring sessions had become a regular occurrence, providing her with valuable combat experience. Yet, despite her progress, Asia still found it challenging to land a hit on me. It was understandable, considering my superior experience in combat. The training sessions stretched on for approximately two hours, gradually taking a toll on her stamina.
"Alright, Asia, let's take a break," I suggested, offering her a moment to catch her breath.
However, true to her tenacious nature, she declined the offer without hesitation. This response surprised me, as I believed we had resolved the previous frustrations that had driven her to such lengths before. There was something different this time, something driving her beyond her physical limits. She stood resolute, drawing in a deep breath. An ethereal green aura began to radiate from her sacred gear, enveloping her form. In an instant, her energy levels seemed to be revitalized, as though the weariness of the past two hours had never taken its toll. It was as if she had never exerted herself at all.
The moment was reminiscent of Raynare, but there was an undeniable distinction. Asia had harnessed this power to an even greater extent.
Observing her, I couldn't help but marvel at her incredible determination and growth. She really is incredible.
End Of POV
.
Asia straightened herself, inhaling deeply, and in an instant, her energy and stamina were replenished, leaving her opponent in a state of shock.
"I should be asking you that," Asia responded, a confident edge to her tone.
Frustrated by her inability to gain the upper hand, Mira abandoned restraint and launched herself into a frenzied assault against Asia. Her attacks became relentless, each strike aiming to overpower Asia through sheer force. However, Asia's newfound capabilities allowed her to deftly counter Mira's onslaught, her proficiency evident as she navigated the storm of blows with ease. Though Mira's speed was considerable, Asia's refined techniques and enhanced stamina granted her the advantage.
In a different part of the battleground, Koneko was engaged in a fierce battle with Xuelan, one of Riser's rooks. The intensity of their combat was palpable, with Xuelan utilizing her raw strength to deliver powerful punches and kicks in an attempt to break through Koneko's defenses. The flames that accompanied Xuelan's attacks added an extra layer of danger, each blocked strike resulting in minor burns for Koneko.
Xuelan's taunts filled the air. "Just give it up. We both know this can only end one way."
Koneko responded with unwavering silence, her focus solely on the battle at hand. She raised her hand to her mouth and called out with a tactical strategy in mind.
"Asia, now!" Her voice carried determination and urgency.
Asia, in the midst of her clash with Mira, heard Koneko's call. Though puzzled by the unexpected timing, she recognized the significance of the moment.
Mira, attempting to exploit the situation, taunted Asia, "Looks like your friend needs help. What are you gonna do now?"
Determined to assist Koneko, Asia brought her shinai crashing against Mira's stomach with force, causing her opponent to stagger and fall. With a swift motion, she raised two fingers and chanted the incantation.
"Sab'a: Semekh."
The ancient Sabaic letter (𐩯) materialized before her, heralding a move that would soon be revealed.
Two Days ago
Asia POV
"Here they are." Sona placed a small paper, containing Musnad letters and their corresponding names, onto the table where I was seated.
"These are the letters of the Musnad, an abjad script, meaning it lacks vowels," Sona explained, her words accompanied by a sense of intrigue and importance
The script had a distinct and blocky aesthetic that caught my attention. It was challenging to fathom how my power could be tied to such an ancient and, frankly, obscure language - a language that had long vanished from common use.
"Just like other Middle Eastern scripts, it's read from right to left. Since your newfound power seems linked to it, understanding the script could prove beneficial. As for the language..."
I sensed a shift in Sona's tone, a hint of disappointment as she trailed off. Her next words held a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Surely it can't be that difficult, Devils possess the innate ability to understand all human languages!... right?"
Sona's gaze met mine, her expression a blend of anticipation and reassurance.
"Yes, but there are conditions."
Taking a seat next to me, Sona began to elaborate, her narrative signaling the start of a longer story.
"Since the beginning, language barriers posed no challenge to devils. We possessed an innate understanding of languages, eliminating the need for formal learning. However, an event unfolded that revealed a startling truth, a truth we devils are reluctant to acknowledge."
Intrigued, I leaned in, captivated by her words.
"During the first century, while Judea was under Roman rule, a massive conflict erupted among the three Abrahamic factions. This war had far-reaching consequences for many, including devils. A significant aspect of our devastation was the language barrier. Angels and fallen angels spoke a language that we couldn't comprehend - a predicament we had never anticipated. The resulting linguistic gap hindered our understanding of the enemy, leading to our defeat and the tragic loss of many pure devil families and bloodlines. While other factors played a role, this language barrier was a bewildering challenge. We initially dismissed their language as gibberish or coded dialect. However, around the 1900s, a shocking realization dawned upon us - we could suddenly understand it. It wasn't gibberish; it was Hebrew."
Hebrew? I struggled to comprehend the implications of this revelation.
"By the first century, most Jews spoke Aramaic, relegating Hebrew to liturgical and judicial contexts. But in the 1900s, European Jews embarked on language revival efforts, reconstructing the language from biblical manuscripts. This revival restored the language's vitality. You see, Asia, language isn't just a means of communication; it's interwoven with culture, thought, and emotion. Devils possess the unique ability to tap into these connections. When Hebrew lost its cultural significance, our ability to understand it waned, as humans no longer held a profound connection to it. This vulnerability had dire consequences for us devils. While we can comprehend any human tongue, there are exceptions. Languages that have died out or are retained solely for liturgical purposes, such as Ge'ez, Coptic, Akkadian, Ugaritic, and many others, remain beyond our reach."
I absorbed this knowledge, understanding why Sona felt a sense of disappointment.
"According to this book, Sabaic was spoken in Yemen, parts of Ethiopia, and Eritrea. By the first century, Ge'ez had eclipsed Sabaic, with only remnants in Yemen. However, by the 7th century, the Arabic caliphate's rise led to the standardization of Arabic under King Abdul Malik in 690, erasing Sabaic from the Arabian Peninsula and history itself. Unfortunately, I must inform you that you can't learn the language."
As I processed this information, a sense of disappointment washed over me. Just as I had discovered a potential treasure trove, it seemed fate had dealt me another challenging hand. I suppose I'll have to make do with the abilities I already possess.
An hour later, as twilight painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, I found myself seated on a bench, my gaze locked onto the intricate Sabaic inscription I had conjured onto my hand. Frustration and uncertainty clouded my thoughts. I learned and memorised the language, but if I couldn't even understand the language, then...
Suddenly, a commotion to my left drew my attention. A child had stumbled and fallen, clutching his injured knee. My instinct to help surged forth, and it was as if the mural on my hand sensed my intent. Swiftly, the inscription detached itself from my hand and descended onto the child..
End Of POV
Now
Asia hurled the Sabaic mural towards Koneko, and it landed upon her, an ethereal cascade of healing energy enveloping her form. Instantly, Koneko's injuries were mended, and her vitality was restored. A renewed vigor coursed through her, propelling her into a focused and determined stance. With newfound energy, Koneko engaged Xuelan with unwavering resolve, her attack striking true and retiring the rook.
[Riser's Pawn and Rook have been retired]
A feminine voice echoed, signaling the successful outcome.
Asia's attention shifted to Nel and Eel, the twin pawns who were struggling to regain their footing. Exhaustion was etched across their faces, evidence of their depleted strength. Koneko approached Asia, standing by her side, and Asia leaned in, whispering a soft request.
"Please be gentle."
However, Koneko paid little heed to the advice, her readiness evident as she launched herself at the remaining pawns, her intent clear.
"Two of Riser's Pawns have retired," the announcement followed, marking Koneko's efficient takedowns.
"Geez, I told you to be gentle!" Asia exclaimed with a hint of exasperation, her arms gesturing in a mix of frustration and humor. Asia turned her gaze toward Koneko, who responded with an uncharacteristically emotionless stare.
"I never promised anything," Koneko retorted, her response accompanied by a subtle gesture toward her own actions. Asia's sigh conveyed a blend of amusement and fond exasperation as she bowed her head, acknowledging the spirited exchange.
Yet, amid the aftermath, Asia's heightened senses alerted her to impending danger. Reacting swiftly, she dashed toward Koneko, her intention clear. Koneko looked on, perplexed by the urgency of Asia's movement. In a split second, Asia's outstretched hand pulled Koneko into an embrace, tumbling them both to the ground just as a detonation erupted. The explosive impact scorched the spot Koneko had occupied moments earlier. Drawing upon the last reserves of her demonic energy, Asia conjured a protective shield of water, forming a barrier that buffered them from the fiery assault. As the flames and shockwaves ebbed, Asia dissolved her shield, her own energy spent, leaving her visibly drained.
"Asia!" Koneko rushed to her side, concern evident in her eyes.
Lifting her gaze, she spotted Yubelluna, Riser's Queen, hovering above them, an ominous presence. With determination flickering in her eyes, Koneko mustered her strength, ready to confront the looming threat. However, before she could act, Akeno intervened, her hand landing firmly on Koneko's shoulder.
"You look after Asia until she's recovered, I'll take care of her" Akeno commanded, her voice unwavering as she glanced at Yubelluna, her resolve unshaken.
Taking to the air, Akeno ascended to face Yubelluna head-on, positioning herself as the guardian of their battleground.
The stage was set, the pieces in motion. With the battle escalating, a tense air of anticipation hung over the field. The game had only just begun.
To Be Continued
