Nonetheless, she had made her decision. Igor would grow up here in this home. She would raise him herself into an upright young man, not a weapon for war or subterfuge. She never, ever, wanted to see him show such eyes again.
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|DxD|- Chapter 10.5- Questions 2
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The supernatural world was as vast as the grains of sand on the shores. Thousands of different races and species existed in every shape and form. Some had physical bodies. Others were spirits. Some were hybrids and could shift between either.
Earth was the main world with many realms, both major and small attached to it. Secret enclaves and societies existed behind hidden dimensions. Races and monsters considered as the stuff of legend were very real.
Besides the Abrahamic Pantheon, other factions and pantheons existed across the six continents with one as an exception. The icy landmass of Antarctica was neutral ground for divine and powerful beings who wished to be forgotten. It was forbidden land where any trespasser, both mortal and divine, would be killed should they fail to have the necessary strength. It was rumoured that forgotten gods could be found on that continent.
There were many more races the world often ignored or forgot. Vampires, fae, elves, spirits, werebeasts, lesser dragons, cryptids, wendigos, and dwarves along with numerous other races existed. Most were secretive and dwelled in smaller realms and dimensions. Some existed in secret societies on Earth hidden deep in forests and mountains. Some lived in lakes and oceans, and others prowled amongst humans.
There were so many races and secret existences that Shuri couldn't even begin to figure out why, how, or what made Igor so unique. Perhaps his ancestry could be traced to a high elf, but that singular conjecture was too far-fetched to acknowledge.
An anomaly like him would become a research subject of not just the devils, but the church and even her own pantheon as well. Her husband Baraquiel might perhaps have some insight. A long-lived Fallen Angel like him would have more information than her. But all of that would have to wait, for Igor had to be formally introduced to the supernatural world.
He sat next to her in silence. He was visibly more relaxed compared to his first day. The curiousness in his eyes could not be hidden. It was the same glint as when she gave him that history book. Many great figures throughout time possessed sacred gears and perhaps he'd feel more familiarity if those figures looked like him.
"Igor. When we went out today, what did you think of the other people? Did you feel anything different from them? A different energy maybe?"
Igor thought quietly for a moment. There was a sense of nervousness sitting next to Shuri like this. He searched his memories and felt some frustration at not recalling anyone standing out. If he knew she'd asked, he would've paid more attention.
"Sorry. I…didn't feel anything."
"Don't feel bad. You wouldn't have felt much from them regardless. But tell me. When you look at me, what do you see?"
"..."
Igor looked at her carefully. There were ever-present flickers of red around her. They were little streaks that occasionally danced around her body. But as he focused, those little streaks became a red film like a second skin on her. It was very translucent and slowly danced like a misty cloak.
"You have a red fire around you. It feels…nice."
Shuri smiled at the compliment. She'd had her suspicions for some time. There were moments where it seemed he was looking around her instead of her.
"That's good, Igor. It looks like you can see the energy in peop—"
"Not just see. I…"
Igor was about to continue when he realised what he'd done. He cut her off mid-sentence and that shock showed on his face.
"I'm sorry, auntie. I didn't mean to."
"It's alright, Igor. Continue with what you were saying."
"..."
Igor quickly reoriented himself. Shuri was his savior and she was kind, but that didn't mean he could take advantage. He had to make sure something like that never ever happened again.
"I can still see that aura around you even with my eyes closed. I can also smell it. I didn't know what to call it before, but it's a bit similar to those pigeons we saw at the shop."
"..."
Shuri fell silent.
"Pfft~."
This incredulous revelation…
"Pffufufufu~."
…that her clan's signature energy from the Vermillion Bird was compared to a pigeon…
"Hahahahahahaha!"
…was so absurd it made her laugh out loud. She could imagine her elders blowing a fuse at such a blasphemous comparison. How could the energy signature of the divine bird hold similarities to a common pigeon?
She fell back on the couch with tears of laughter streaming down her face. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed so much. The sheer hilariousness made her forget all decorum.
"Oh Igor…"
She stretched out her hand and ruffled his hair.
"Don't say that to anyone else, alright? Let it be our own little secret."
"..."
Igor froze shell-shocked. The weight of Shuri's palm and her scratches sent tingles down his neck all the way to his back. Her amused smile was like the radiance of the morning sun shining down upon him with its warmth. The 'yes' he wanted to reply with was lodged in his throat, for a question he had formed in his head.
This warmth, this peace, this happiness: was this what it was like to have a family? He'd long since forgotten how it felt to be cared for like this. Then maybe…? No. He quickly dispelled such thoughts. This was enough for him. To ask for more would be selfish.
"Yes, auntie. I won't tell another soul about this."
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|DxD|
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The discovery of the supernatural world would be a reality-shock too many, especially humans. Humans are intentionally led to believe they are the dominant race in the world. To suddenly understand they were at the complete bottom of the food chain would rouse a feeling of fear and suffocation.
Any race they meet is highly likely to be a predator. Humans barely feel comfortable around other fellow humans with guns. To learn the majority of races viewed them as prey or lesser-beings would bring distress and shatter any pre-conceived notion of superiority.
Igor almost experienced the same feeling, but perhaps it was his unique circumstances that softened the blow. He knew Shuri was strong. He'd felt it first-hand. When she moved, it was faster than he could see.
She mentioned she had a husband named Baraquiel. He was a person who had lived for thousands of years. When he asked her age, she laughed and said she was only twenty-five.
Shuri was patient when explaining more about the supernatural world. She told him of humans who had Sacred Gears with varied abilities. Figures of legend and myths, renowned historical figures, and sometimes, even the average human had a sacred gear.
She told him about herself and how she belonged to a clan called the Himejima. They along with four other clans were responsible for safeguarding the people of Japan from malicious supernatural entities.
She told him of devils, fallen angels, and angels. The creatures he saw mention of in the history book existed as well. She told him how the beast he met was something called a stray devil, a criminal of the Underworld. The person who helped and brought him here to her was another devil he'd meet tomorrow.
All of that was news he found it hard to digest even now. The winds of the night doused him from his daze. Just days ago, his entire view was filled with gray. Now, it was filled with green. But this pleasant view came with great uncertainty.
His eyes could still see even in the darkness, another ability he was grateful for. Igor didn't know what time it was. It could be midnight or early morning for all he knew. Ever since he spoke with Shuri, he'd found it hard to sleep. He believed she was the highest level of strength in this world. But from what she insinuated, there were beings far, far stronger than her, monsters that would make his fight with that monster seem like a play.
If that was the case, then…what were the odds of his parents still being alive?
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AN: Alright. This is the end of chapter 10. I originally would be demanding payment in terms of comments, but I'll be merciful and give you two more chapters to think. Once you're done with them, tell me what you think so far about this book in the comments.
Chapter 10.5
END