"Also, I warned the guards about the discrimination," Akutomi said without looking at Liyoku.
"We absolutely shouldn't ignore that." Liyoku stood, his tone returning to its usual composed demeanor.
"Last time, a Light had injured a Darken child. I know it wasn't intentional, but to avoid future repetition, I will speak with the General Government," he added.
"I doubt they'll take action. If you wish to confront them, then do so." Akutomi rose and turned toward Liyoku.
"What about the soul energy supply? Is it stable?" Liyoku asked.
"The daily Fate Ritual is ongoing. Even if too many children lose soul energy during practice, we can replenish it. We already did a few days ago." Akutomi paused. "I didn't mention it because it wasn't urgent."
"Good. Just ensure the death rate doesn't rise. We want balance." Liyoku placed a hand on Akutomi's shoulder.
"I will, my lord." He nodded firmly.
"What about Nao, Akarum, and Aeni?" Liyoku withdrew his hand and slipped it into his pocket as he began walking.
"Sister hasn't checked on them. Last time, she left the majesty to Kaatoumo," Akutomi replied, walking beside him but keeping a respectful distance.
"If needed, I can go."
"Do that. And if necessary, send some Darkens to observe them quietly. I want Akarum to know the truth soon. But if Nao refuses…" Liyoku's voice hardened slightly. "Don't force it. Speak to her first."
"I'll head to the General Center."
Liyoku shifted in the opposite direction, facing the massive walls.
"I'll ask Sis to go. If she refuses, I'll go myself," Akutomi said, though Liyoku had already vanished.
"Time to work," Akutomi muttered, clenching his fists halfway.
"Ritual done." He extended his index finger. "Soul energy supply secured." Then his middle finger followed before he lowered his hands completely.
"First ask Shishu. If not, handle it yourself. That's the plan."
He sprinted toward the walls. The Darkens stationed there stepped aside as he approached. Without hesitation, Akutomi leapt, landing atop the wall instantly.
"You're being lazy. Don't you value your lives?" His voice carried dangerous authority.
The Darkens' throats dried. The warning struck like a final blow.
Akutomi jumped down the outer side without sparing them another glance.
Near the Heavenly Kaatoumo, Flint sat beneath a tree, deeply focused.
Boom.
A nearby tree burst, shattering his concentration.
"What?!" His gaze snapped toward Kashime, who stood a few steps away.
"Kashi! Stop doing that here," he snapped irritably.
"Sorry." She stepped back awkwardly.
Akarum stood beside her, patting her back sarcastically.
"Impressive. You almost reached the sky." He shook his head in mock praise.
"Stop that." Kashime moved farther from Flint, who had resumed meditating.
Once they were far enough, they stopped.
"Kashime, why don't you teach me soul energy? I'm bored all day. Nothing interesting happens." Akarum put on an exaggerated innocent face.
"You don't need to. I'm enough to protect a child like you." She placed a hand on his head, clearly returning his earlier sarcasm.
"But…" he dragged the word out dramatically.
"I'm not a good tutor. You could overload and die in a second." She slipped her hands into her coat pockets.
"Fine. I'll die on my own." He turned away, covering his eyes as if crying. "Don't blame yourself."
"Overdramatic princess." She sighed, hand resting on her waist.
"Fine. I'll try. But don't blame me if you get sick."
"Really?" He instantly hugged her, face shining with excitement.
"Alright, alright, my little disaster." She gently pushed him back.
"You always give me random nicknames. I don't get it." He crossed his arms.
"My choice." She lightly tapped his chin.
"Kashime." he faced her.
"What?" she didn't look at him.
"I want to know about you." His curiosity was genuine this time.
She paused, slightly surprised.
"What do you want to know?" she asked softly as she walked inside Kaatoumo.
"Anything." he replied.
They entered the courtyard. Asami sat there, quietly reading.
"Is Flint still outside?" Asami asked without fully looking up.
"He is," Akarum replied.
Kashime sat on a chair a short distance away.
"Come here. Sit, if you really want to listen."
Akarum sprinted over and sat in front of her. Asami returned to her book.
"When I was at the academy, it took me six months to learn how to sense divine energy… and how to stop sensing it." Her voice was calm, guiding Akarum's imagination.
"So you weren't good at it," Akarum teased.
"I wasn't alone, you cheeky brat." She pointed at him playfully before lowering her hand.
"One day, while practicing with the others, I fully sensed it. But I couldn't turn it off." She sighed, pitying herself.
"What happened next? And how did it feel?" he pressed eagerly.
"I don't remember the feeling clearly. It became numb once I learned to switch it on and off."
"And then?" he pressed futher.
"I was about to be taken somewhere. The guards were escorting me. I wasn't unconscious exactly… it felt like I couldn't move, like my consciousness was trapped inside me."
Her gestures grew more animated.
"I regained control before they took me wherever they were planning to."
"Where were they taking you?" he asked.
"I don't know." she replied.
Before he could push further, Denu appeared at the entrance of Kaatoumo.
All of them stiffened slightly.
"My ruler, what brings you here?" Asami placed a hand over her chest and bowed.
Akarum and Kashime did not.
"Kashi, have you seen Mio?" Denu moved toward her quickly.
Kashime tilted her head.
"Who's Mio?"
Denu clenched his teeth, irritation flashing across his face, clearly tired of whatever silent game everyone seemed to be playing.