"Serian, the First Form of Bliss and Serenity. Ren-Shii, the Second Form of Vengeance, and Carnage. Asfar, The Form of the Ethereal Balance, And the most considerable of forms, Telos, the venerable End." Seraphina introduced rather grimly. She was in no mood for games; that much was clear. She placed her hands behind her back and continued after a pause." While there are more, such knowledge has been lost since the Great Change."
Grim from my earlier words, Seraphina skimmed over the five of us in the training hall, standing over the tatami. A little taken by that helpless glint a lesser devil would miss, I remained stoic. Showing no satisfaction, much less gratitude for this knowledge, is not within my interest. I needed that shame to build.
"And what are the uses of these Forms," Said Kurt, drilling at me a side glance. "Not to offend, but I have long since built my current technique from scratch. I see no reason to change it."
"And you wonder why everyone outside the Bed of Chaos is stronger than us," I involuntarily taunted. People like to say there is no such thing as stupid questions, but that's bull shit.
"You–"
"Enough," Seraphina growled, flaring her menacing aura, silencing the both of us. " These forms are divided and do not require you to do anything unless you wish to use the original Martial Arts, which I'd recommend. These Martial Arts are not about your physical skill, but you're mental. It is so profound that even the laws of heaven and earth seemed enticed by these Forms."
Reaching her hands through the void, Sera pulled out Four Manuals, covered in worn cloth. Her fingers skimmed over the surface, and her voice reached out firmly, "These Manuals are so powerful, we require everyone at the age of two hundred to start learning. This was the time when their mindset would not change. They would be both disciplined and experienced enough to take these manuals seriously."
"How do we know which one to pick?" Cleo questioned, raising her hand to speak. She tip-toed to catch a better glance at the manuals held in Sera's hands standing on the master's platform.
"I cannot answer that." She answered, whipping my mind into thought, " Some of you may find your manual, and some may not, as I said before. Many of the other manuals were lost."
"I must go. The Battle on Alos is picking up. It seems like the interference of those of the Abyssal Fiends in our siege against Alos is drawing the wrong attention of the Dukes and Princes of Hell." She explained darkly, laying out the four manuals down. " Take it once at a time. Oh, and should I learn of those of the Court of Nox, learn of these manuals, I make it my mission to find your former masters." She relayed rather coldly, blinking from sight.
Flickering to the pedestal before the others could move, my hands found the manual that read, Ren-Shii over its base.
Flipping open its content, the Sin of Wrath exploded out within me. Creeping down my every fiber, making its way into my soul. Redness spilled over my eyes.
Gritting my teeth, I closed this manual. Fearful of its spell, it held over me. I could not learn this here. I needed seclusion, a place where my demonic nature could thrive.
"Is there a problem?" said Kurt, a little more assertive than before. Fixing his eye over me, like I had something to hide.
"Isn't there always? I will be taking Ren-Shii to master. I'm sure none of you are vengeful monsters like me, so mine." I hastily said, but Sigfired bore a loving smile, somehow standing before me just as I was to make my escape.
"Not so fast. What if I want to peek?" Sig questioned, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Rolling my eyes, I drew close to his ear and whispered a few words.
"A man of culture! Very well. But I do want a look. I'll be by if none of these match my taste," He claimed, and I nodded, stepping around, not even bothering to glance at Kurt.
Taking to the skies, after leaving the Training Hall. The churning of winds rippling reached me. Halting a little ways from my cultivation cave, I spot a grim Eroma.
Something was wrong. Eroma was the most casual man I knew. Rarely would he carry such an expression?
"We have a problem," was the first thing he said, and my heart dropped.
"Follow me," I relayed, making my way into my cultivation room. My eyes became attuned with the Weave, revealing no prying eyes or intent. A sigh escaped. "What is it?"
Holding his finger to my brow, a trace of Soul Qi coiled around his finger. Knowing his intent, I lowered my defenses, and his finger touched between my brow.
Images, conversations, and secrets all began to flash within my mind. One after another, they twisted into meaning.
"So you saw to take my brother in." I calmly asked, and Eroma nodded.
"You mad?"
"Eroma, you are a grown-ass man. We can share things we disagree on as long as you tell me these things. I will not question your decision. We are family." Moving to rest in the lotus position alongside Eroma in this barren cave, annoyance washed over me. There was nothing more embarrassing than this shitty place. "So the chosen carry the blood of devils, so does Richter."
"What are we to do?" Eroma inquired, leaning in, his eyes dark.
"Nothing,"
"Nothing?" He repeated, bewildered beyond words.
"I don't think you understand my relationship with the devils of the Nines. We use each other. I get what I want, and they get what they want." I carelessly mentioned, disregarding my dear uncle's concerns. "I have more important things to worry about than Richter. For now, I am sure the Devils are trying to get an edge over the angels. I say we leave them be, at least for now. It seems I don't need to kill him. They will soon begin killing themselves. "
"So, you know? That blood in them is slowly growing, but it's not turning them into a devil. At least not physically. Their minds, and qi, however, are slowly changing. I think it will be a mistake if you dismiss this Arsene. Knowledge is Power, you as well as I know this."
The darkness shuddered, hiding my smile, and I patted Uncle's shoulders, "Relax. Everything comes in time. But before anything, it's time you join the dark side. How would you like to become a Shadowfell?"