Aisha lowered her lance, her expression solemn as she explained further. "The Valkyries are bound by three major powers that define us," she began. "The first is Okai, a fusion of body, mind, and energy in perfect harmony. When we master Okai, it gives us strength beyond mere physical power. It heightens our resistance, sharpens our stamina, and connects us to the essence of our world."
Aliys listened intently, absorbing every word, as her mother continued, "But there's more to Okai—it grants us access to the Teachings of Time. This is a power only the main Valkyrie, the chosen of our lineage, can wield fully. It's a form of energy so rare, we call it Uryu. This energy lets us see time not as others do but as a deep, complex river, with currents unseen. It can keep us young, untouched by time's passage."
Aliys's eyes widened, the weight of her legacy dawning on her. "And with Uryu, I'll be able to…change time?"
Aisha's gaze grew dark and intense. "Not to change it—but to understand it in ways that allow you to sense its tides, to read its flows and eddies. Use it wisely, and it will guide you. Misuse it, and it will swallow you whole."
Aisha paused, searching for a way to clarify the intricate nature of their powers. Finally, she spoke in a tone both gentle and firm, "Aliys, think of it this way: Okai is like the base—a solid foundation, the structure upon which all else is built. It's the frame of the gun, shaping the energy within you, giving you resilience and balance. Without Okai, your strength has no focus."
She continued, "Then, there's Uryu. It's the ammunition, the powerful and unique energy that fuels the Teachings of Time. Uryu provides the substance, the energy that only the main Valkyrie can truly wield. And finally, the Valkyrie herself is the trigger, the one who channels and directs this force. Without the trigger, the energy is aimless. Only when the three work together can you reach your full potential."
Aliys felt a surge of pride and determination, understanding that her role as a Valkyrie was not just about strength but about harmony and control.
Aisha gave her daughter a small, knowing smile before closing her eyes, preparing herself to demonstrate the raw, formidable power that came with being a Chrono-Valkyrie. Aliys watched with anticipation as her mother stood still, her breathing slow and measured, the air around her seeming to pulse in time with her heartbeat.
A soft chant left Aisha's lips, an ancient Valkyrie incantation that resonated through the air like a distant echo.
In an instant, Aisha vanished, leaving only the faintest shimmer where she once stood. Before Aliys could even process what had happened, she felt a subtle yet powerful presence behind her, a whisper of energy that made her spine tingle. She turned, her eyes widening as she saw her mother standing right behind her, serene and unfazed, her lance held lightly at her side.
Aisha's voice was gentle but laced with authority. "This is but a fraction of what Uryu allows. It's not only strength or speed—it's mastery over time's flow, an understanding so deep it becomes instinct. In battle, it makes the difference between survival and defeat. Learn it well, Aliys, for one day you will wield it fully, as I do now."
Aliys, still stunned, turned to her mother with wide eyes. "What did you just do?"
Aisha smiled knowingly, lowering her lance. "I merely manipulated time around us," she explained calmly. "I slowed down the flow of time in your immediate surroundings while accelerating it around myself. This created a surge of time dilation, making it seem as though I appeared behind you in an instant. To me, it felt like a casual walk, but the difference in our time flows made it appear impossibly fast."
Aliys looked at her mother in awe, realizing the incredible skill it took to weave the energies of Okai and Uryu with such precision. She felt the weight of her mother's legacy and the potential she held within herself. "Can I really learn that?"
Aisha placed a gentle hand on Aliys's shoulder. "In time, my dear. With patience and discipline, you will master Okai and the Teachings of Time. When you do, even moments like this will be within your grasp."
oak oak stupid Aliys said
Aliys groaned, feeling a twinge of frustration. "All this talk about Okai and Uryu makes my head spin. Can't there just be a simpler way?"
Aisha laughed softly, understanding her daughter's impatience. "Believe me, I thought the same at your age. It's complex, yes, but once you start to feel it, to truly sense it flowing through you, it won't seem like such a puzzle. You'll understand that Okai and Uryu aren't just powers—they're part of who you are, woven into your very soul."
Aliys rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the grin creeping onto her face. "I guess I'll keep trying. Maybe one day it won't feel so... oak oak."
Aisha gave a slight smile, recognizing her daughter's curiosity. "The third power," she said, "is known as Astral Dominion. It's a rare ability, even among Valkyries, and only manifests fully in those who master Okai and Uryu."
Aliys's eyes lit up, and she leaned in, eager for more. "Astral Dominion?"
"Yes," Aisha replied. "It's the power to influence the very fabric of reality by connecting to the celestial energies of the cosmos. With Astral Dominion, a Valkyrie can amplify her surroundings, strengthen her allies, and even bend certain natural laws. But it's more than just strength. It requires absolute harmony—perfect balance within yourself."
Aisha's gaze grew serious. "This power can only be unlocked by those who understand the true weight of time and the flow of energy in everything. It's the final piece, the ultimate responsibility, and the heart of what it means to be a Chrono-Valkyrie."
Aisha nodded thoughtfully. "There is also the Teaching of Berserk Teeaquine, a unique and dangerous power that exists beyond the traditional Valkyrie abilities. It taps into raw, primal energy—a state of heightened combat prowess and unstoppable rage. When invoked, it amplifies the Valkyrie's physical strength, speed, and endurance to unimaginable levels. However, it comes at a great cost."
Aliys frowned, sensing the gravity in her mother's voice. "What do you mean by a 'cost'?"
Aisha's gaze turned somber. "The Berserk Teeaquine strips away control. The Valkyrie loses herself in the surge of power, becoming a force of destruction. While it grants power beyond comprehension, it can also consume the user entirely if they aren't careful. The Valkyrie loses their sense of self, and in that state, they can become a danger not just to enemies but to their own allies."
Aliys's heart raced as she processed the enormity of it. "That sounds terrifying. Why would anyone use it?"
Aisha sighed. "Sometimes, when the odds are impossible and victory is the only option, it may be the only way to survive. But remember, it is not a power to be taken lightly. It is only used in extreme circumstances, when there is no other choice. And it is never, never something to be relied upon.
Aisha looked into her daughter's eyes with a distant expression, her mind drifting back to the battle that had almost cost her everything.
"When I fought the man in red," she began, her voice low but firm, "I entered the Bloody Valkyrie Form for the first time. He was relentless, and he almost killed my son in the process. In that moment, to survive and protect, I tapped into this form—an extreme surge of power that boosts recovery and stamina, increasing my strength beyond normal limits. But at a terrible cost."
Aliys's brow furrowed as she listened intently.
"The blood on our bodies—it feeds the strength," Aisha continued, her tone grim. "It's a dark and dangerous power, because it strips away our sanity. The more blood that accumulates, the stronger we become, but the more we lose ourselves. In my fight with him, I managed to stay conscious, prevent myself from turning into a mindless brute, but it was a constant struggle."
Aliys's eyes widened. "So... you have to be careful with it?"
Aisha nodded. "Very careful. Bloody Valkyrie Form is a double-edged sword. It can save you when there's no other choice, but it's easy to lose yourself in the rage and power. Once you cross that line, it's hard to return. That's why it's considered a last resort." She paused, giving Aliys a look that combined both wisdom and concern. "You must always be aware of when to stop—of when you're too close to the edge. Never forget that power comes with a price."