The Subtle Unveiling of the Soul

And now, we find Kuraihime and the Deity of Harmony known as Reuin Kagetsu sitting across from each other at a table. "So, I understand you accepted Miss Kurogane's invitation to this institute to further explore your identity, is that correct?" Reuin asked Kuraihime with a smile, and Kuraihime responded with a slow nod.

"Great. Then let us begin the awakening of your Spiritual Artistry!" she said to Kuraihime with a smile and closed eyes.

Chapter 7 - A Path Field with Struggle

"May I ask a question before we commence?" Reuin inquired. Kuraihime responded with a slow nod.

"Hmm, from what I perceive, you lack general knowledge, as you are new to this world, correct? If that is indeed the case, then studying is important, isn't it? Besides that, do you possess an understanding of the world's Magic?" Reuin stated, her head leaning against her hand, which was supporting her. Kuraihime responded with a gentle nod, then raised her hand slightly to ask another question.

As she recalled the monster she had seen the previous day, she found heeself pondering a matter with Reuin. "Ah, from what I know, you are a deity, correct?" Upon hearing the question, Reuin nodded. "Could you please enlighten me about the creatures in this world?" Kuraihime inquired of Reuin.

"For someone in your situation, your speech is remarkably eloquent. I believe it will make awakening to your true potential easier," she replied to Kuraihime, followed by a slight

"Anyway, regarding your question, all I can say is that if you're referring to actual creatures, there are beings here in Aetheria known as 'Revenants.' They are ancient beings that exist within the realm of Magic. They also serve as the source of nebular essence when they manifest through contracts with individuals, making them powerful beings. However, what should be avoided are the 'Cursed Revenants.' They dwell in darkness and malevolence. The main difference between them and ordinary Revenants is that they possess a higher concentration of nebular essence, which makes them more aggressive and dangerous to everyone," Suddenly, Reuin ceased speaking and gazed at Kuraihime with a smile before uttering the words, "And they are sealed Cursed Spirits. Therefore, their very existence in this world should be avoided" Reuin explained to Kuraihime.

"Is there anything else you wish to know apart from the beings in this world?" Reuin asked Kuraihime. In response, Kuraihime nodded. When Reuin saw her reply, she stood up from her seat and offered her hand for a handshake.

While Reuin awaited Kuraihime's reciprocation of the handshake, she stated, "I must clarify that this is just a handshake. However, I comprehend that your general knowledge is rather limited. So... will you accept my hand to awaken your knowledge and identity?" Reuin conveyed to Kuraihime. After a moment, Kuraihime accepted the handshake from Reuin. When she held Reuin's hand, her gaze suddenly shifted to Reuin's other eye, which slowly began to open.

As it opened, she observed the shining yellow pupils of that eye and its black iris, along with its yellow eyelashes. She felt a sense of elegance as the eye fully opened, and once Reuin's eye had fully dilated, Kuraihime's focus returned to her.

She quickly opened her own eyes and glanced around to observe her surroundings. She noticed that her environment was now a pure white space. To her surprise, she also saw Reuin standing before her, seemingly transported to this place out of nowhere.

Reuin kept her gaze locked onto Kuraihime. While staring, she tilted her head and asked Kuraihime, "Are you ready...?" When Kuraihime answered with a slow nod, Reuin suddenly placed her entire hand on Kuraihime's face and pushed her downwards. As she was pushed, the surface beneath Kuraihime transformed into something resembling water. While she was still falling, Reuin's hand remained on her face, and she suddenly smiled. She continued to push Kuraihime downwards, as if submerging her in water.

As Kuraihime descended, she found herself immersed in an oceanic abyss, and with each passing moment, her exhalations produced minuscule bubbles. Her thoughts meandered, contemplating the frigid sensation that strangely invoked a sense of familiarity. "Chill envelops me; it feels oddly reminiscent. A lullaby to my senses. Close my eyes... fatigue... reprieve...?" she mused silently while her descent continued.

Gradually, Kuraihime's eyelids succumbed to gravity, drifting shut. In that fleeting moment before her eyes sealed, she ought to have glimpsed the enigmatic entity she had first encountered upon her arrival in Aetheira. This entity, bereft of eyes, boasted a wide-open maw, revealing its formidable fangs. Towering arms extended from its form, while its alabaster physique seemed to bear an eerie grin, all while its gaze remained fixated upon Kuraihime.

While surrounded by the silence akin to the depths of the ocean into which Kuraihime was descending, the tranquility of the place was shattered by the eerie, hushed giggling of the creature. After a moment, it abruptly widened its maw and swiftly lunged towards Kuraihime. Sensing this, Kuraihime reacted swiftly, but her two hands struggled to fend off the creature's razor-sharp teeth.

In her struggle to resist, Kuraihime resorted to a sudden kick, forcing one of the creature's teeth away from her. "What do you want?!" she demanded of the creature, but it remained unresponsive. Instead, it unleashed its long, clawed hands in an assault upon Kuraihime. She managed to ward off the initial attack, but she was forcefully thrown and her two arms were wounded, now bleeding profusely, as Kuraihime gasped for breath.

Here, it suddenly thrust its gaping maw directly at Kuraihime, who remained agape. As its mouth hung open, a violet Nebular Sphere began to form within the creature's jaws, gradually coalescing into a large, fully realized Nebular Sphere. This energy ball, with its violet hue and a white core, crackled with electrical energy.

Within this surreal moment, the creature posed a question to Kuraihime, communicating through their shared mental connection. "Is this the end?" it asked her. Upon encountering this inquiry, Kuraihime closed her eyes momentarily and let out a sigh, while once again, tiny bubbles escaped from her lips.