Yesterdays interaction was somewhat short, simple, yet not easily forgettable. He spent the day in the library again, hoping to find something about the void, or the void angel. Nothing was found on the void angel, but information on the void was found in one of the ancient texts.
"The void is a primordial and boundless expanse beyond the known realms, existing outside the grasp of time and reality. It was said to be the birthplace of chaos, where both creation and destruction coexisted in perfect balance. Few who sought the void ever returned, and those who did spoke of an endless abyss filled with the echoes of forgotten worlds and unspeakable truths."
The only way to get information on the void angel was by asking the void angel herself. As agreed, they met up at the cafeteria. When Nihara finally arrived, she carried a tray with a strange variety of the cafeteria's offerings.
"Thanks for waiting. The food here is… something, isn't it? I figured I'd try a little bit of everything."
René nodded, unsure of what to say. He wasn't used to conversations like this—or people like Nihara.
She sat, digging her spoon into a pudding cup, scooping up a good amount, and bringing it to her lips. The moment the pudding hit her tongue, her face scrunched into something that could only be described as mild horror. She swallowed it with obvious effort and stared at the cup for a moment.
"This tastes like… shit." she declared. Then, after a pause, she added, "Simile, of course."
"Wasn't expecting an angel to swear. I guess cafeteria pudding isn't for everyone though." he said.
"Not for anyone, probably. But you're wondering why I'd say that, aren't you?"
"Curiosity's a powerful thing."
"We're not what humans think we are. We don't float around with harps, singing hymns all day. Angels—especially ones like me—exist to understand the mess that is humanity. How could I judge if I didn't comprehend the things you think, feel, or say?"
"So, what, you picked it up just to fit in?"
"Not quite. Swearing is… efficient. It is how humans depict their emotion when other words simply will not suffice. Disgust. Anger. Frustration. Sometimes even humor. Saying 'this tastes like unpleasant dirt' doesn't carry the same weight as 'this tastes like shit.'"
"So, you're saying swearing is practical?"
"Exactly. You'd be surprised how much language fascinates me. It's a reflection of who you are—your creativity, your chaos, your struggles. If a simple word can carry so much weight, why wouldn't I use it?"
"Well that's.. interesting. Anyway, I'd like to know more about you."
"What's there to know? I'm Nihara. I'm someone trying to make sense of the mess humans have made of things—your world, your choices. But that's my job, I suppose. To observe. To learn. And… to act, when necessary. I'm not as grand as the stories would make you believe, René. I don't wield infinite power, nor do I claim to be flawless. I'm just... here."
"What about the Void part?"
She sighed. "I have hazy memories of my past. As I've said, I'm the only of my kind, and that's about all I could tell you."
"I see."
After their conversation, they finished eating their dinner and headed toward the academy's arena. The arena was typically a place for students to test their skills or let off steam, but tonight, something felt different. Someone would be fighting against a literal angel. Rene wasn't sure what to expect. He was nervous and excited at the same time. The arena itself was a large oval structure, its stone walls illuminated by lanterns that emitted a soft, golden glow. Inside, the floor was a mix of dirt and smooth stone, scuffed from years of training and duels. As they entered, the sound of voices grew louder. Several students were gathered, some seated on the stone benches that encircled the arena, others standing in small groups.
The source of the commotion became clear when René spotted a boy standing in the center of the arena. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a cocky grin on his face. His uniform was slightly disheveled, and he held a training sword loosely in one hand. Nihara could easily tell he had just beaten everyone in here.
"Oh? Are you the weird one everyone's been talking about?" the boy called out.
He pointed the sword at Nihara, who had just stepped onto the dirt floor. René felt his stomach tighten. He stepped forward, ready to say something, but Nihara raised a hand, stopping him.
"And you are?" she asked.
"Adrian. Top of the combat class. I've beaten everyone who's dared to challenge me. And now, I'm going to show everyone here that you're nothing special."
Nihara tilted her head, her lips curving into a small smile. "Alright, Adrian. Let's see what you've got."
The crowd stayed quiet as Nihara stepped into the center of the arena. They thought she would lose like anyone else. Adrian swung his training sword around, the steel glinting under the lantern light. He lunged forward, his blade aimed directly at Nihara's shoulder.
She didn't move until the last possible second. Then, with a fluid motion, she sidestepped the strike, her hair swaying as the blade cut through empty air. Adrian stumbled slightly, caught off balance, but recovered quickly. He spun, slashing horizontally, only for Nihara to duck under the swing with almost casual ease.
"You'll have to do better than that." she said.
Adrian's face flushed with anger. He charged again, this time unleashing a flurry of strikes. The crowd watched in awe as Nihara evaded each and every one. She was analyzing, studying his patterns, waiting for an opening. Then, she struck.
Her palm shot out, striking Adrian with a bright burst of energy. He hit the ground hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop.
The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, but Adrian wasn't finished. He scrambled to his feet, attempting to punch her directly in the face, however she caught his fist.
"Is this really all you have?"
Adrian roared in frustration, using his other hand to throw another punch. Nihara let go of his fist, stepping back to avoid the strike. She seemed almost bored now, her movements effortless.
But then, something shifted.
Adrian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, glowing crystal. He crushed it in his hand, and a surge of energy erupted around him. The crowd gasped as he charged at her faster and stronger than before.
This time, she didn't dodge. She raised her arm, blocking his enhanced punch with her arm. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena. Everyone covered their face as dust went everywhere. Nihara winced slightly, her arm visibly bruised, but she didn't back down.
"Impressive. But you're still not strong enough."
"You're a bastard!"
Before she could react, he sent her flying with a single punch. Then again. Then again. Then again. Over and over. She was only able to get small attacks in. Her breathing was ragged, but she refused to yield. It was time to use her full power.
She closed her eyes. The atmosphere around her seemed to shift, becoming heavier, darker. A low hum filled the arena. Everyone watching suddenly gripped their chest, feeling a force draining their energy. Shadows crept along the floor, converging toward Nihara.
"What… what are you?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she disappeared from sight. The boy barely had time to react as Nihara reappeared behind him, her fist driving into his side with devastating force. He flew across the arena, smashing against the stone wall. Groaning, he pushed himself up.
"How—" he started, but she interrupted.
"You like brute strength. Me too."
She raised her hand, and the shadows on the floor surged upward, forming spears of pure darkness. With a flick of her wrist, they shot toward him. He managed to dodge the first few, but one caught his shoulder, pinning him to the ground. He grunted in pain, struggling to free himself, but the shadow spear wouldn't come off.
He screamed, freeing himself with a burst of energy that pushed Nihara back. She slid across the ground, her invisible wings shielding her from the debris kicked up by the blast.
"Good. You're learning. But learning too late won't save you."
The void surged forward like a tidal wave, engulfing everything in its path. The boy braced himself, summoning a shield of energy to block the attack, but the Void wasn't something that could be stopped so easily. It twisted around the shield, slithering toward him like tendrils. He screamed as the Void wrapped around his limbs, dragging him to his knees. His power slowly drained.
After a minute she released him from the Void's grip. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Nihara turned to René, who had been watching with wide eyes.
"Are you alright?" he asked as she approached him.
She looked at her bruised arm, wincing slightly. "I'll heal. Angels don't break easily."
Suddenly, she showed her wings. Right in front of everyone.
"Nihara!" Rene yelled.
"Shhh."
She slowly walked toward Adrian, fully unfolding her wings.
"You're not imagining things. I am in fact an angel. The Void Angel. Don't underestimate your opponents. If you don't know anything about your opponent, don't fight them if you're looking to always win. Know their weakness, how they fight. Tell anyone about this and you'll meet the devil himself, got it?"
He nodded hesitantly but genuinely.
"How do you trust him not to tell?" Rene asked, stepping into the hall with her.
"Remember how I told you I gain power by absorbing dark energy? I took everyone's doubt on who would win away. Then for Adrian, I took the energy coming from his arrogance away. Hopefully that should make him a better person. But it doesn't always work. Even so, my threat should make sure he doesn't tell anyone."
Nihara stretched, wincing slightly at the soreness from the fight.
"Now, enough about all that. What's your dorm number? I'll need it later."
"My dorm? Uh… 302. Why?"
"I'll find you after I clean up. Go rest. You've had a long day."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and headed toward the baths, leaving René behind. Later that night, René was sitting on his bed, flipping through a book, when the soft sound of a knock startled him. He opened the door to find Nihara standing there, carrying a small pillow and a blanket.
She pushed past him without a word, tossing the blanket onto the floor and settling in. "Your room is better than the alleys or rooftops I usually use."
René stood there, watching as she laid down. He sighed and shook his head. "I don't even get a say, do I?"
"Not really." She smirked, closing her eyes. "Goodnight, René."
"Goodnight, Nihara." he replied, pulling the blanket up to his chest as he lay in bed, wondering what he'd gotten himself into.