Chapter: 83
"A bit later, we returned to Yasaka's home. I could see Sif outside in the yard attempting to teach Kunou how to wield a sword properly. The little girl preferred to use her fox fire to fight, but Sif had told her that she shouldn't be a one-trick pony. Yasaka agreed, and after the attempted kidnapping of Kunou, had allowed Sif to train her. It's not like we had much else to do as we were stuck here unexpectedly. The only way for me to get back was to find Azazel's artificial Sacred Gear, and that was in the underworld. The only way into the underworld currently nearby was unfortunately in Kuoh…
Although our week of lazing ended sooner than we thought it would, particularly when we received the latest information.
"So, what are you planning to do now, Layla?" Yasaka asked me. We had just been informed of the latest news from one of Yasaka's informants in Kuoh. "I don't know why your kind decided to bring the girl there of all places. Are they stupid!?" Yasaka asked me.
"Yes, yes they are." Was all I could say.
Yasaka was annoyed. "We have just gotten the Red Dragon Empress away from the Devils, and now some of your stupider brethren are pretty much handing the other possessor of [Twilight Healing] over to them…" Yasaka lamented.
I sighed. Everything was moving so fast. It was like the universe was demanding I head towards the 'plot.' Asia had been excommunicated a few days ago and was already in Kuoh… with Raynare and her gang of other idiotic fallen. From my memories, Raynare really did not like me. I was always Azazel's favorite in her eyes and was incredibly jealous of that. Out of all the places in the whole world, they brought the girl to Kuoh. What was their plan even? Kill her, take her Sacred Gear, and blame it on the devils? Raynare would then have to never use [Twilight Healing] for the rest of her life. If she did, then their plan would fall apart, and everyone would know that the fallen had killed Asia. Even if she was excommunicated, the church wouldn't just let that go.
"I guess I'm going to Kuoh then," I said. "I'll be taking Sif with me, of course. I don't know how things will go from there."
Yasaka nodded to me. "Well, good luck then. If you manage to keep Asia out of their hands as well, then I'll owe you another favor.
[Quest Initiated→A nun who just wanted to help! Save Asia Argento from being killed by the Fallen or being recruited by the devils.]
[Reward: Level Up! Balance Breaker for your Sacred Gear!]
My eyes widened at the reward. Balance breaker! I wondered what it would be? Whatever it was, it would definitely be an upgrade. Twilight Healing was amazing, but it did have some limitations, such as not being able to fully restore missing limbs. I'm sure the balance breaker would allow healing to such a degree and possibly even more.
I headed outside to tell Sif the news that we would be leaving soon.
"Ooof." Kunou cutely fell on her butt after blocking a sword strike from Sif. It was too strong for her to fully stop, though. They were using wooden practice swords, of course.
"Don't just try to fully block someone who is stronger than you. You must redirect the force of the blow by parrying if your enemy has more physical strength," Sif said.
Kunou pouted. "But people are always going to be stronger than me."
Sif laughed. "Then you better get really good at parrying!"
Kunou's ears twitched in annoyance. It was cute, and I wanted to pet her, but I knew that was rude. Yokai weren't actually animals after all, unless they were transformed into their animal form. Then all bets were off…
"Layla!" Sif brightened up as I approached. "I noticed you were back, but you seemed deep in discussion with our hostess, so I didn't interrupt."
"Hey Sif," I said. "I just wanted to let you know that we'll be leaving tomorrow. We have to go into the Devil territory…" I explained.
"You're leaving already…" Kunou said sadly. Her ears and tails slumped down. She had grown a bit attached to us after we healed her. Unfortunately, we just didn't have more time to stay.
I squatted down so that our eyes were on the same level. "I'm sorry, Kunou, but we have to go save another girl now from the nasty devils."
Kunou looked like she wanted to say something else but didn't. "Good luck. I hope you come back soon."
"Hah, of course we will. Just so you know, I have never taken an apprentice before in my long life. I expect you to keep up your sword practice, and the next time we meet, I just might make you mine if you've improved," Sif said. That was a pretty big deal if it was true. A lot of pantheons still remembered the other Asgard, and once the worlds merged again, a lot of eyes would be on Kunou for being the student of a goddess.
The little fox girl smiled and grinned. "I will, just you wait!"
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