"So you're telling me…the one we killed– gah what was its name? Geirdriful?"
"Yes."
"YOU'RE TELLING ME IT WAS THE WEAKEST ONE? RATE IT ON THE GRADING SCALE."
"I don't really know the grading system but I'd put it around grade 3?"
(She thinks the higher number, the stronger it is)
I sat dumbfounded in the backseat of a black SUV. The atrociously jacked lady that directed our mission sat in the front passenger seat, while Nanami sat next to me.
But besides that, I can't believe I was having so much trouble basically against a grade 3 curse. I swear I've exorcised grade 3 spirits before and nothing has even felt close to that level.
"I think there's a flaw in your logic. Upon my experience as a sorcerer, I've exorcised many grade 3 curses and higher. I think as the fight dragged out, its CE drastically reduced. Perhaps it's otherworldly factors contributing, but I can't see how that curse was near grade 3."
Rare save from Nanami. My pride has been restored.
"Well, I don't know the Japanese grading system all too well. I said that by the way…"
"Whew, you had me thinking I was weak. Almost worried.." I relaxed back in my chair.
"Oh no, you undoubtedly are. That was the weakest Valkyrie amongst the 9 and you sustained multiple injuries. As much as I hate to say this, but I don't think you're ready for the rest of them." Emilia said with a tone of disappointment.
I looked out the window, and I won't lie, I was pretty upset. I mean, who wouldn't? At this point I thought I was strong enough to compete with someone like Yuta but it seems I have lengths to go. It makes me question if Yuta would've had as much trouble fighting the curse than me.
"You could be a little nicer about it.." I said to her as I sunk into my seat.
"Let's not forget Furō, you still have unmatched potential with such a knack for manipulating your own CE. Work harder, get stronger, and you won't have to worry about being weak." Nanami said while facing out the window.
"He's right you know."
I got a little bit irritated that Emilia agreed when she just called me weak to my face. But whatever.
I remained quiet for the rest of the ride back to the HQ, as my pride has taken a devastating hit…but it's only up from here. I knew the road wouldn't be easy as soon as I enrolled in JJT so I can't let this setback discourage me.
For 2 entire days, this training lab was off limits because of my presence there. Trying to crack the case of RCT (which I may never solve) and getting the hang of my newfound ability. I never necessarily thought I'd need something like RCT, but the way that Shoko and Yuta utilize it is incredible! Being able to heal mortal wounds and even limbs is no easy feat… and just being able to do it out of thin air makes it even more impressive. Although, I can see why it takes so much cursed energy to initiate.
'Getting stronger sure is hard when there's no one to teach you..' I thought to myself. Nanami is cool and all, but he has other things to handle unfortunately. Maybe I should ask the big lady for pointers.
I'ma go do that.
So I walked out the lab and traversed through the hallways, attempting to find that unit of a woman. I thought she'd be more identifiable, but I'm seeming to have a lot more trouble than us-
BUMP!
"Oh, sorry! I didn't see you there Furō.." Emilia bent down to give me a hand.
Her large, veiny hand…
But graciously, I took it of course.
"No worries," I said as I patted myself down "but I was actually looking for you."
Her popped a curious look on her face.
"What for may I kindly ask?"
I opened my hands wide while having them lifted from my torso.
"Well, you see, I supposedly have all this power but no one to guide me through it, you know? And I was wondering if you could help me through this endeavor of mine."
Emilia gazed at me in silence for a few seconds before coming to an answer.
"Well, besides monitoring the Valkyries and maintaining contact with the Japanese, I don't have much else going on. It won't be for too long, but I'll help as much as I can, okay?"
The largest grin of my life plastered across my face when I heard her say that.
"When can we start?" I asked eagerly.
"If you're free, we can start now?"
Excellent.
BONUS:
Bzzzt.
1 NEW MESSAGE FROM YUTA
>Yuta: When we see each other again, I have to get you some jollof rice! Sooo good. 🤤
>Furō: last time i let you give me food, i got food poisoning. no