Zero was completely immersed into the story, not realizing that he made it to the end of the tunnel.
Standing at the end of the tunnel, Zero stood frozen in front of the last mural. It depicted the goddess turning into a colorful cloud-like mass that filled up the holes and cracks of the divided realm. The mass in the mural was primarily black in color, with mixtures of red, blue, and purple hues.
The clouds slowly turned into water, the colors turning and flowing, becoming rivers and streams that flowed all the way down to the floor.
The more Zero looks into the flowing black river, the more he feels an attraction to it. As if it was alive, spreading its two arms wide to embrace him, and desperately calling him to return....
To return? Return to where?
Zero was shocked, staring wide eyes at the mural. He was shooked right down to the core. His body was even more uncomfortable, a tingling sensation running through his skin, like electric currents. He felt a rising heat all over, as if his blood was boiling, and his chest becoming stiff and heavy. It was like a hand grabbed hold of his heart and slowly squeezing it tighter.
"A-az...ra?" anxiety was apparent in Zero's voice, no matter how much he tries, he couldn't help but of the fear that something was coming for him. His chest gradually numbing, his body growing cold, and his breathing turned ragged "Ugh...W-wha....I?"
(trans.:"Azrael, What is happening?")
Being a contracted spirit, Azrael is directly connected to Zero's mind and spirit. They can feel each others emotions, control each others Mana, and directly exchange knowledge with one another. He directly sent out his Mana, forcefully suppressing the destructive Mana in Zero's body. It seems that Zero's situation was worst than he thought.
An Excel users emotions and personality can directly influence their powers. An good example are people who are hot tempered or have destructive personalities, as they are most likely to gain powers that are equally fierce and destructive, like the fire element.
Of course, with its destructive nature, these powers can bring harm not just to others but also to the users themselves.
Azrael knows where Zero's anxiety stems from, and with Zero's special constitution, the effects of losing control over his emotions are more severe.
Having lost ones memories will greatly affect a persons mentality. But Azrael knows that those memories may eventually help in his growth, both mentally and spiritually. But those memories, may also be the thing that breaks him. Besides, there's a limit to Azrael's ability to help him.
Seeing that Zero's state has stabilize, Azrael calmly speaks to him, "I understand your confused and anxious, but only when you finish your mission and have served your duty as a guardian, will the answers you are searching for be revealed to you".
Warm currents courses through his body, the tense muscles on the child's body relaxes and he lets out a slow sigh. Zero ponders over Azrael's words. A mission? A guardian? Azrael did say he was a guardian before, but what exactly is a guardian?!
Sensing the child's bewilderment Azrael gently speaks to him, "Remember about the Tyreans and the Raksens from the story of the murals, when the realm split in half, what do you think happened to them?"
Zero tilts his head to the side, staring blankly ahead. Seemingly inquiring Azrael about the matter in his head.
Azrael gently continues "It is believed that before the Goddess Ava lost herself into the void, she command both the Tyreans and the Raksens to guard the broken pieces of her two sons. These pieces hold the powers of the two sealed gods and are the only things that could keep whatever is left of the realms alive."
Both the Tyreans and the Raksens have been bestowed with abilities and natural physics similar to the two gods. These gave them the knowledge and skill to handle the powers left behind by the two gods. They were perfect for the task ordered by the Goddess Ava. The descendants of both the Tyreans and Raksens have inherited these abilities as well and guarded these pieces from one generation after another. These pieces that hold great power come in many forms and are referred to as "Regalia" by the guardians. After years these group has been divided into three divisions and twelve different clans each task to protect and maintain parts of the realm, they have served as the so called guardians and protected the peace and balance of the realm for centuries long.
"You are a Guardian. A descendant of one of the twelve ancient clans", Azrael clarifies. Letting these information slowly sink into the child's mind.
The child lowers his head, seemingly hesitant, he asked Azrael in his mind "If I'm a guardian...Then, then my mission is?"
Azrael patiently answers, his deep voice carrying a coaxing tone, "Your mission is to protect the Regalias and maintain the balance of the realms. Your very brave and strong. You can definitely do that, can't you?"
Zero excitedly raises his head back up, eyes sparkling with determination. "I understand. I will do my best to protect...", he pauses, then like a poked balloon, his excitement deflates instantly and is replaced by worry. He hesitantly asked again, his voice growing smaller by the end "How...how do I do that exactly?"
Azrael: "..."
As a spiritual weapon, Azrael may have an independent consciousness, but he does not truly have a concept of right or wrong. He is immortal being. As long as his spiritual core is intact, he can continue to exist. Although his vessel is inorganic, he has lived for so long and has seen much of the world, but as a living weapon, morality was never a consideration. He never once bothered to even think about it. Merely fulfilling the task or desires of his wielder. He only knows that in order to complete a certain task, it is inevitable to fight and spill some blood at times. If he were to raise and teach this child...
For the first time in his entire existence, Azrael, contemplates on the morality and aspects of raising a mortal child.