"By the way, what was the boy's name?" Yoru asked casually, though curiosity lingered in his tone.
The Stellar Priest looked at him for a moment, as if considering whether to answer. Then, with a deep breath, he spoke, his voice carrying a strange weight.
"His name… is Beyond Knowone ."
Yoru frowned. "Beyond Knowone?" he repeated, puzzled by the unusual name.
The priest nodded. "Yes. The Dark Reflecter born with the ability of Infinite Knowledge."
Yoru's eyes widened as the words sank in. "Infinite Knowledge?*"
"Indeed," the Stellar Priest continued. "He knew things no one should ever know—truths about this world, the Reflecters, and the delicate balance of existence. Knowledge so vast and dangerous that it could tip the scales forever. That's why they feared him. Not for his actions, but for what he knew… and what he could able to do."
Yoru stared at the priest, his mind racing. "And you think I'm somehow connected to him?"
The Stellar Priest didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked at Yoru with an unreadable expression. "That, child, is a question only time can answer."
Yoru's voice carried an edge of unease, though he tried to mask it with curiosity. "So that's how we were divided? I get it now... but then, why did you all capture me? Am I a Light Reflecter... or a Dark Reflecter?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and sharp, like the pause before a storm.
Petra, standing a few steps away, glanced at him with an unreadable expression. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out at first. It was as if she was wrestling with the truth, debating whether he was ready to hear it.
Finally, she sighed and answered, her tone cautious, almost reluctant.
"You... you're neither, Yoru."
Yoru frowned, his curiosity deepening into confusion. "What do you mean, neither?"
Petra hesitated, then continued, "You're something different—something we haven't seen before. That's why everyone's afraid of you. The Light Reflecters… the Dark Reflecters… even us."
Yoru's eyes narrowed as a chill crept over him. "Afraid? Why?"
"Because—" Petra began, but her words were cut off as the Stellar Priest stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the room.
"It's wrong to say he's 'neither'," the priest interrupted firmly, his voice echoing with calm authority. "And 'afraid'? No. They aren't afraid of you, Yoru. They are… surprised."
Yoru blinked, his confusion deepening. "Surprised? Why? What's wrong with me?" His voice cracked slightly, frustration seeping in.
The Stellar Priest's expression softened, though his eyes remained unreadable. "Nothing is wrong with you, child," he said carefully. "But you… are different."
Yoru clenched his fists, the uncertainty gnawing at him. "Different how?"
The priest's gaze met his, steady and unshakable. "Aki informed us that ancient spells were used on you—spells even she could barely comprehend. And from what she could decipher… you possess the Power of Division."
"Division?" Yoru repeated, the word foreign yet heavy on his tongue.
"Yes, Division," the Stellar Priest repeated firmly, his tone calm yet unwavering. "You are a Light Reflecter by nature, but your inner power resonates with the abilities of a Dark Reflecter. That's what makes you… unique."
Yoru blinked, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "Huh? Is that even possible? Light and Dark—together? That doesn't make sense."
The Stellar Priest offered a faint smile, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity. "It surprised us too, Yoru. Such a phenomenon is rare, but not impossible. Reflecters, like all beings, are born from the unpredictable hand of nature. There are others with unique combinations—abilities that defy the ordinary boundaries of Light and Dark. You, however…" He paused, carefully choosing his words. "You are the first we've encountered with Division, a state where two opposing forces coexist within one soul."
Yoru processed the words slowly, his mind buzzing with questions. "So… what does that even mean for me? Am I some kind of anomaly?"
The Stellar Priest laughed softly, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted the heavy revelations. "Hahaha, not an anomaly, Yoru. Think of it this way—you have another version of yourself within you. A counterpart that can awaken through the Power of Division. Manually, you can access both Light and Dark abilities… but under certain conditions."
Yoru's eyes widened, a spark of excitement breaking through the confusion. "Ohhh, that sounds so cool!" he exclaimed, his usual energy returning as he grinned. "So I can switch between Light and Dark powers? Like, I can just—" He mimicked striking an action pose, "—go full Light Reflecter or Dark Reflecter whenever I want?"
Petra facepalmed quietly, shaking her head with a small smirk. "It's not a game, Yoru. Don't get ahead of yourself."
The Stellar Priest chuckled, folding his arms. "She's right. While it sounds powerful, Yoru, it's not as simple as flipping a switch. Mastering the Power of Division requires understanding the balance within you. Without control, the two forces could clash… and destroy you instead."
Yoru's enthusiasm dimmed just slightly. "Wait, destroy me?"
The Priest nodded. "Yes. Division is both a gift and a burden. It gives you incredible potential, but the path ahead will test your strength, resolve, and heart. Misuse it, and the power could overwhelm you."
Yoru took a deep breath, processing the words. His grin softened into something more determined. "Well… I'm not afraid of a challenge. If this is part of who I am, then I'll learn to control it. Light, Dark, or whatever—it's mine to figure out."
The Stellar Priest smiled approvingly. "Spoken like one who's ready to begin."
Petra glanced at Yoru, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. "Just don't blow yourself up trying to be 'cool,' okay?"
Yoru shot her a playful look. "No promises."
"And from now on, you are a Reflecter too, Yoru," the Stellar Priest declared, his voice echoing with authority and purpose. He raised his hands and cast a spell, his fingertips glowing with an ethereal light. In the center of the room, threads of shimmering energy began to weave themselves into form, materializing into a set of elegant robes and garments that radiated a faint aura of both light and shadow.
Yoru's eyes widened in awe as the spell completed. The Stellar Priest gestured toward the newly conjured clothes. "These are for you, Yoru. A symbol of your new path—both Light and Dark intertwined, just like you."
Yoru stepped forward, carefully picking up the garments. The fabric was unlike anything he'd ever touched—light as air, yet strong and firm to the touch. A wave of joy and excitement coursed through him. His heart raced as he clutched the robes close to his chest, unable to contain his grin. "So… now I'm a Reflecter too?" He looked up at the Stellar Priest and Petra, his smile beaming with newfound purpose.
The Stellar Priest nodded, his expression calm and steady. "Yes. And with this, your journey begins. The path ahead will be filled with challenges, Yoru. But I believe you will forge your own way, as only you can."
Yoru held the robes up high, feeling a surge of determination well up inside him. His voice, clear and confident, echoed through the room. "Now I'm a Reflecter too—and my journey begins now!"
Petra crossed her arms and smirked at Yoru's enthusiasm. "Try not to trip over your own destiny, will you?" she teased, though there was a hint of admiration in her tone.
Yoru glanced at her and grinned. "Not a chance. Watch me—I'm just getting started."
In that moment, the weight of uncertainty faded, replaced by the thrill of a new beginning. The garments of a Reflecter weren't just clothes; they were a symbol of transformation—a promise that Yoru was no longer just an ordinary boy. His journey as a Reflecter, with all its mysteries, challenges, and powers, had officially begun.