Chapter 47: Flashbacks and regrets

Light laughed softly, finding a certain pleasure in her bewilderment. "You're fun, you know that?" Without giving her a moment to react, he advanced, indifferent to her sword strokes.

Deep down, Light was assessing the extent of his defense. If there were any weak points, this was the perfect opportunity to find them. But to really threaten him would require more than just Durandal in Xenovia's hands.

She didn't give up, however. With determination, she continued to attack Light, but each blow, no matter how fast and precise, sealed itself instantly, as if her skin possessed unbelievable regenerative abilities.

"Damn!" Xenovia growled, frustrated at not being able to do any damage.

In the midst of the conflict, Irina joined Xenovia, but both were powerless against Light's superiority. With each of his moves, their confidence wavered. After all, they were supposed to be of a similar age. How could he be so much stronger than them?

"Irina, Xenovia," Light began, his voice soft but charged with an imposing assurance, "you must understand that I am a direct descendant of the light. Do you really believe that a weapon forged from a luminous essence would harm me?"

With innate grace, Light bent down and picked up a dry branch. In an almost magical gesture, he summoned the "Blade of Astral Light" onto the branch, which, on contact, transmuted into a blade of radiant light, rivaling the most legendary of swords. The sky, previously shrouded in the pall of night, was flooded with the blade's brilliance, making it the center of attention.

Those present watched in awe at the spectacle before them: Light Yagami had not only forged a mythical weapon from a mere twig, but had also wrapped himself in luminous armor, making him appear heavenly.

Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that they were standing in front of the descendant of a deity. The magnitude of this divine power was so palpable and overwhelming that the spectators' certainties and beliefs were shaken, leading them to question reality itself.

However, the glow emitted did not convey warmth or comfort. It was a cold, impersonal light, sending a shiver of dread down the spines of those present, as if they were facing a harbinger of the end.

Sensing the apprehension of the two women, Light gently closed his hand and the intense light disappeared as if it had never existed. In a calm but firm voice, he asked: "Do you understand now? Turning into a demon would only bring me advantages. More power, a majestic wing and an improvement in my abilities. So why not choose that?"

Irina, with a mixture of revolt and disbelief, asked: "Would you choose the path of evil just for the power?"

Light let out a sarcastic laugh. "Evil? Are demons evil because the church says so? What about the church? The secret projects, the exploits... So many atrocities hidden under the cloak of faith!"

Light's accusations hit Xenovia deeply and, consumed by remorse, she bowed her head. The impact of her words was so strong that Xenovia's faith wavered and, consequently, her host's fortunes increased.

Xenovia's eyes blinked rapidly, a shadow of doubt passing through them as she bit her lower lip.

 The Female Protagonist, Xenovia Quarta, had her faith shaken; the host's fortune increased by 20, while the fate points increased by 100.

 Irina struggled to keep her belief intact.

In the heavy, charged atmosphere of the arena, Irina, with an intense gaze, tried to console Xenovia: "Don't listen to him, Xenovia." Her voice trembled, but the genuine tone of faith was evident. "He may be right about certain things, but he's using it to upset you. Not everything is black and white."

Light, with a twisted smile and a mocking look, glared at them provocatively. "What about the demons? Aren't we in the same boat? Sounds like a double standard to me!"

Irina, clearly shaken and out of patience, replied: "Why don't you just shut up?" However, her words seemed more a reflection of her own insecurities. She tried not to ponder the complexities and nuances of the reality that Light portrayed, but deep down, she felt that he might be right.

{If it's not a double standard, then what do you call what's going on? If Asia Argento returned to the church, how would she be received? Would she be embraced with open arms? Or would they stone her until there was no life left in her body? Heh... Are there evil demons? Yes, without a doubt. But are they all? Just as there are evil humans, there are also demons with pure hearts}.

{Thinking of Kuroka. She too is a victim of circumstance. Even if her story were told everywhere, would people stop judging her? I very much doubt it. Every race has its wonders and its flaws. But they want to convince me that demons are the embodiment of evil, while humans are the pinnacle of goodness? Oh, please don't make me laugh !!!}

Light's inner voice, filled with genuine fluctuations of humor, seemed to have the power to trigger long-forgotten memories. It was a familiar yet distant voice that echoed not only in their ears, but deep within their souls. As he spoke, images began to flood Irina and Xenovia's minds, taking them back to moments they had tried to pretend didn't exist.

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[Flashbacks]

Scene 1: In the Library

[Not long ago, the library was silent with several people reading or studying. Irina and Xenovia are sitting at a table, looking at a book about legends and myths]

Irina: Those demons, always causing trouble. Typical of them, right?

Xenovia: It's true, and the way they deceive people... It's horrible.

At a nearby table, a believer gets up and starts bothering someone else, trying to convert their faith.

Irina: (Ignoring the believer) Well, demons will never learn.

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Scene 2: Walking through the City

The streets are full of people, vendors and music. Irina and Xenovia walk between the stalls, looking at the items.

Xenovia: I find it funny how Demons always want something in return. They never do anything for free.

Irina: Exactly! Always with ulterior motives.

Across the street, a believer is trying to sell holy amulets that promise protection, but at a high price.

Xenovia: (Ignoring the believer) We always have to be careful of demons.

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Scene 3: At the Café

In a cozy atmosphere with the scent of fresh coffee in the air, Irina and Xenovia sit at a table, discussing their studies.

Irina: Demons are always after power, never satisfied.

Xenovia: They're insatiable. Unlike us, who seek balance.

Two tables over, a group of believers are heatedly debating who has the most power and influence in their community.

Irina: (ignoring the group) Yes, we have principles.

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Scene 4: In the Temple

The atmosphere is serene. Many believers are praying and meditating. Irina and Xenovia are in a corner, talking quietly.

Xenovia: I hear the Demons are planning something big. Always plotting.

Irina: And always after innocent souls.

At the altar, a believer brags about how many souls he has "saved", making it sound more like a competition than an act of faith.

Xenovia: (ignoring the believer) [Yes, we need to protect people from Demons].

 "I..."

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