As the Shogun finished speaking, Levi quietly pieced together everything he had learned.
Super Intuition...
Unlike Stardust, Super Intuition wasn't something every living being possessed. Even Non-Gifters carried Stardust within them, albeit in such small quantities that they could neither manifest an ability nor consciously wield its power. Super Intuition, however, was different. It was an innate gift—a person was either born with it or never possessed it at all. Across the entire galaxy, only a handful of individuals were fortunate enough to inherit it. Those who did seemed capable of recognizing one another through an invisible connection that defied explanation.
So... does that mean people without Super Intuition can't recognize those who have it?
Another thought quickly followed.
The Shogun had spoken of Super Intuition as though it predated Stardust itself. If that were true, then the ability couldn't belong exclusively to Gifters. Non-Gifters should be capable of possessing it as well. That realization gave rise to an even greater question.
Then... the God he mentioned...
Gifters received their abilities from the SkyGod—or at least, that was what history claimed. But if Super Intuition existed long before Stardust, then perhaps the "God" the Shogun spoke of wasn't referring to the SkyGod at all.
The questions refused to leave him.
"I've got two more questions," Levi said. "First... can people without Super Intuition recognize those who have it?"
He paused briefly before asking the one that had been bothering him most.
"And second... this God you mentioned."
His eyes met the Shogun's.
"Is He the same God who gave us Stardust?"
The old man answered without hesitation.
"To a certain extent, yes. Even those without Super Intuition can sometimes recognize its users by observing certain characteristics. An experienced individual may notice unusually precise judgment, exceptional awareness, or an uncanny ability to make the correct decision under pressure."
He glanced toward Levi.
"For example, the Sixth Blade you worked alongside during your Extraction mission identified those qualities in you. He remarked that your decision-making was remarkably precise, allowing your team to recover the artifact and escape successfully. As you can see, Super Intuition is not limited to combat. It influences every decision a person makes."
Nero's calm smile flashed through Levi's mind, sending an uncomfortable shiver down his spine.
...So Nero doesn't have it.
Interesting.
The Shogun continued.
"As for your second question..." His gaze drifted toward the distant horizon. "There are many theories, but no definitive answer. Some believe the God spoken of in the ancient texts and the SkyGod are one and the same. Others disagree."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
"The oldest records mention the existence of God thousands of years before the SkyGod ever appeared. Some texts even claim He existed before the universe itself, a notion many scholars dismiss as mythology. Others believe the SkyGod is merely what remained after God sacrificed His own sons to preserve humanity."
..Sons?
That wasn't something Levi expected to learn. Silence settled between them before the old man let out a quiet sigh.
"But that is all they are... theories."
His expression remained calm.
"No one alive can prove any of them. History has a habit of blurring truth and legend until they become impossible to separate."
With his questions finally answered, silence settled over the summit.
Levi had learned more in the past few minutes than he ever expected. Yet despite everything the Shogun had explained, one question remained unanswered.
What am I supposed to do now?
Knowing he possessed the ability meant little if he had no idea how to use it.
The Shogun seemed to sense the uncertainty lingering in his thoughts. Without another word, he turned and slowly walked toward the edge of the summit. The mountain wind stirred the sleeves of his navy kimono as he rested both hands upon his staff.
"You're wondering what comes next."
Levi scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah." He shrugged. "I figured I'd ask Nury to teach me a thing or two."
"Hm."
A faint smile appeared beneath the old man's beard.
"A reasonable thought."
Levi waited.
"But the Fifth Blade cannot teach you."
His eyebrows immediately knitted together.
"What? Why not?" he asked. "You just told me she has Super Intuition."
"I did."
The Shogun's eyes never left the endless mountain range before them.
"But Super Intuition is not something another person can teach. No one can show you how to perceive the world through your own senses. They may guide your path, but the ability itself can only be understood through your own experience."
Levi let out an irritated sigh.
"So what am I supposed to do?"
Instead of answering, the Shogun slowly lifted his staff and pointed toward a distant mountain hidden among the countless peaks stretching across the horizon.
"Come."
Levi walked over until he stood beside him and followed the direction of the staff. At first, every mountain looked identical, blending together beneath the afternoon sky.
Then one caught his attention.
Not because it looked different...
Because it felt different.
A familiar chill crept along his spine.
Ever since he and Kayo had begun training atop this mountain, he had occasionally sensed that same unsettling presence lurking somewhere in the distance. It wasn't Stardust.
Nor was it bloodlust.
It was something quieter.
Older.
Yet unmistakably hostile.
"...That one?"
The Shogun gave a slow nod.
"That is Mount Jukai."
His voice carried a quiet gravity.
"It is home to one of the most dangerous forests on Earth. The trees grow so densely that sunlight barely reaches the forest floor, while the thick canopy swallows sound until even your own footsteps begin to disappear. Those who wander inside often lose all sense of direction within minutes, only realizing they're lost after every path begins to look exactly the same."
His staff lowered toward the forest below.
"The ground is no kinder. Beneath the moss lies sharp volcanic rock capable of tearing through boots and flesh alike. Every careless step carries the risk of a broken ankle or a fatal fall. Wild boars, bears, venomous creatures, and countless other predators roam freely throughout its depths, while food and clean water become increasingly scarce the farther one ventures."
A brief silence followed.
"Over the centuries, countless hunters, soldiers, and explorers have entered Mount Jukai."
His gaze remained fixed upon the distant forest.
"Most never found their way back."
Levi quietly stared at the mountain.
It no longer looked like part of the landscape.
It looked less like a forest...
...and more like a predator waiting for something to enter its jaws.
The Shogun finally lowered his staff.
"If you wish to master Super Intuition..."
His calm eyes settled on Levi.
"...that is where you will begin."