The Radiant Covenant consisted of several teams, each specializing in their own fields. For example, Lunaria's team was dedicated to exploration and to eliminating threats from both outside and within.
There were times when ordinary citizens were on the verge of turning into monsters due to accumulating corruption. To deal with that, the nearest team—regardless of their specialization—would be required to take action and secure the situation.
Aside from that, it seemed ranks within the organization were determined by merit as well as the level of strength. Lunaria was currently at the peak of the third stage out of the four mutation stages.
Lunaria was clearly stronger than most people. Kaelan still remembered the horror he witnessed from the woman who always wore a gentle smile. Yet behind that gentleness, she possessed a terrifying side.
Now Kaelan was training directly under Lunaria's supervision. They went to a spacious hall outside the dining area.
Kaelan felt awkward. For some reason, every gaze in the hall was directed at him. Not suspicious stares, but more like envy.
Reynold leaned in and whispered, "They like the captain. And because the captain is giving you special attention, of course they're jealous!"
Reynold laughed loudly, but Kaelan couldn't bring himself to laugh along. He felt like he might end up with the most ridiculous cause of death if he dared to.
Kaelan stood directly in front of Lunaria as she began explaining how to use his power.
"Sangu Carna is a little different from the rest. We use flesh and blood as our form of power."
To begin, they had to inflict a wound on their body so the blood and flesh could come out. There were ways to use it without creating a wound, but that wasn't recommended.
"If you don't make a wound, it will hurt terribly. Imagine your hand exploding from the inside," Lunaria said. "But if you make a small cut, the blood and flesh will flow out from there. The pain will be minimal."
Kaelan could imagine it clearly. Without a wound, there would be no outlet for the blood and flesh to escape. If that happened, they would build up and burst outward. The pain would be unbearable.
Even though Sangu Carna could heal quickly, there was no way to erase the pain.
Whereas by making a wound beforehand, it was like poking a hole in a water pouch—his power would flow out steadily, minimizing the discomfort.
Kaelan slit his left hand. He felt the sting and the blood seeping out.
Lunaria watched him and nodded as she made a cut on her own hand.
"You need to learn to feel your flesh and blood. Not just the pain, but the flow of your blood and the reach of your flesh."
Kaelan closed his eyes, focusing on his left hand. He tried to feel the flesh and the blood.
"Think of it like moving your hands, your legs, even your head. If you desire it, then you command it!"
From Lunaria's wound, a large mouth formed, and blood swirled around it. She smiled and watched Kaelan as he tried to understand.
"This mutation is a part of your body. It may feel strange, but you'll get used to it. As Sangu Carna, we must use this power as if it's just another limb. But we must also control it so it doesn't harm us."
In the early stage of the mutation, Sangu Carna only increased regeneration. It also boosted stamina and naturally raised body temperature.
But in the second stage, they could grow new flesh and manipulate blood within a certain range.
Kaelan was believed to be at least in the second stage, yet his knowledge and skill were no different from a beginner Devourer.
"I'll give it a try."
Kaelan began to feel his blood flowing outward. He could sense how wide the wound was and how deep it went.
Devourers relied on curses and the mutations born from them. From his understanding, Sangu Carna required its user to control the mutation as if controlling their own body.
Kaelan interpreted it as something beyond mere manipulation. It was about imagination.
I need to imagine it. Something that can become part of my body, Kaelan thought.
He imagined a protective plate on his left arm. He could feel his flesh and blood reacting to his imagination.
When he opened his eyes, just as he imagined, a blood plate covered his arm. But its form was crude—almost like a clump of flesh stuck to his skin.
Blood kept dripping from it, and the flesh itself was extremely soft. At a glance, it was an utterly grotesque sight.
Lunaria approached him and examined his arm. She seemed to form an opinion before looking at him.
"You're clearly in the second stage. The second stage of Sangu Carna allows you to manipulate flesh and blood. With this, I can determine your limit."
Apparently, this training was also a way for Lunaria to evaluate him. As a captain, she naturally wouldn't be negligent and would closely supervise Kaelan.
"But just to be safe, I think you need to start everything from the beginning. You'll go through the Devourer process from scratch. This is important since you have no memories."
Kaelan needed to know what it felt like to become a Devourer from the start and gradually increase his mutation. The experience seemed crucial for advancement and understanding.
Since he had no memories, Kaelan had to retrace the steps he likely once took.
Kaelan agreed. He needed to learn it firsthand. Even if he was technically at the second stage, it meant nothing if he couldn't utilize his potential.
"We'll end here for today." Lunaria healed her wound and turned to leave, but Reynold stopped her.
"Captain," Reynold called. "Since he's already in the second stage, does that mean Kaelan will form his own small group?"
Kaelan remembered the explorer-team system. Those who reached the second stage were allowed to form a small group of five members. They could take easy missions and perform periodic city patrols.
Lunaria touched her chin and thought for a moment.
"That should be the case, but considering his condition, we can't allow that," Lunaria said, brushing her fingers through her hair. "Kaelan lacks experience despite meeting the requirement."
"I want to propose something," Reynold said, smiling. "Let him join my group. There aren't many Sangu Carna. With Kaelan, my group will be more balanced."
Reynold didn't stop there. He had clearly prepared a solid argument. But this time, he spoke more seriously than usual. His cheerful demeanor completely vanished.
"My group is the spearhead of our team. As I've reported before, I believe the situation is concerning. I need Kaelan if I want to investigate it further."
Lunaria frowned. "Kaelan has no experience."
Reynold nodded. "I'll take on many missions to give him experience. In the process, I'll also track their trail."
Killing two birds with one stone. Kaelan had no idea what they were talking about, but it sounded important.
Reynold had a complete plan and convincing reasons. His proposal was practically guaranteed.
"Fine. Kaelan will go with you. Remember to keep what needs to be kept, and tell him only what he needs to know."
With that, Kaelan officially joined the Radiant Covenant and became a member of Reynold's group.