Edition Date: 08/11/2026
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"Wake up."
For a moment, I am unsure about what is going on, as all I see is darkness. Then, I realize that I am, or rather, was asleep. I slowly open my eyes and all I see is a sleeping Ayumi in my arms. So adorable.
"It's me, Juno." The voice I was just beginning to think I'd imagined spoke again. At that, I regain my clarity and notice that it is in the form of an echo in my head.
"What's going on?" I whisper as quietly as possible, hoping to not disturb Ayumi.
"There is more for you to know of. Find somewhere both open and secluded."
Oh? There is more? Might this be about my other concepts?
Whatever sleep there was in my system vanishes as I feel my anticipation spike up at the prospect. So, I gently get out of the futon, paying extra attention to move Ayumi as little as possible. Once removed from the comfort of the futon and Ayumi, I quietly make my way out of the apartment, making sure to lock the door behind me once outside.
I take a look around and notice that it's dark. Don't need to check a clock to know it's pretty damn late.
Still, remembering the fact that I didn't have an ordinary body, I focus on my eyes, and the next thing I know, everything seems to brighten up to the point that it almost seems like it's daytime. Looking around a bit further, I spot the guard patrolling the perimeter.
They sure don't mess around when it comes to security. Makes sense, I suppose.
In order to avoid any attention, I take a quick glance at all the security guards to note their positions, and once I'm sure that they won't see me, I move as fast as I can and jump over from my current floor to the next one, repeating it two more times until I reach the rooftop.
I do a quick scan for security and cameras, only to end up actually spotting a camera pointing at one side of the building, though downwards. If my guess is right, that's where the emergency stairs are. Makes sense for it to be monitored.
In any case, as long as I don't go there, I would be fine. So, I concentrate on the reason I am here.
"Is this place good?" I ask.
"Yes, it suffices. No point in wasting time, so do as I say: Circulate the Holy Essence within you once again. This time, direct it to your legs."
Upon going along with it, I feel both my legs become numb. I walk a few steps and notice glowing veins under my clothes extending from the soles of my feet to my thighs. This time, the color is cyan.
"Jump down from the building, and then try to jump midair."
Oh? Double jump? Sweet.
Excited, I move to one side of the building. I look down and spot a camera, but it's facing what I think is a generator. This place has its own electric generator?
As odd as it strikes me, I also realize that I shouldn't be surprised by every little thing.
So, I take a moment to inhale then jump. I fall for a second before I very awkwardly perform another jumping motion midair. It works. So, I do it again… And again. I notice that each time I do it, a part of my energy is consumed, though it's pretty much negligible.
"Now, apparition. Focus on somewhere you want to be then kick lightly behind you using your right foot." Juno informs me while I'm still midair.
I take a quick look around and notice a tree down below. I mentally position myself next to the tree, and then kick behind me. The next moment, I am standing at where I imagined myself to be. I didn't feel a thing; just found myself here.
"Now that we have gone over the practical applications of your Holy Essence, it's time for you to know about their details."
Shouldn't it normally be the other way around?
"Holy Effects are powers that derive directly from divinities. The ones you should be familiar with now that you have used them are Holy Slash, Paragon's Eyes, Godspeed, Blink, Light Manipulation, and Divine Retribution.
"As you would expect, the amount of Holy Essence consumed depends on the intensity intended deploying Holy Effects."
She then pauses for a while, probably to let me digest the information, then continues.
"Your Code is called Exousía. It is closely tied to your origin. Fundamentally, the Code is your quiddity in a quasi-physical form."
Huh. So that's what a Code is. My Code, anyway.
"One last thing," Juno adds, "As you have surely come to notice, Holy Essence is a finite resource. Once you drain it all, you can't use any Holy Effects, and it will have minor impact on your physical body and mental state.
"There are several methods you can use to recharge each of your Essences. Direct absorption is the most effective method which requires intimate contact with a source of the Essence you require.
"For example, in order to replenish your Holy Essence, you could touch an object considered holy by a large populace in the Platform.
"Another method is copulating. This method is only feasible when it is performed with a partner that has the same type and amount of, if not more, Essence relative to you."
Interesting… So, the energy balances out in such cases?
"The final method, which just so happens to be the easiest one, is to simply rest. Both rest and meditation will refill your Essences."
"Got it. Thank you for the explanation," I state gratefully.
"It's my duty, and you are most welcome."
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Eventually, I return to my room and sigh in relief once I see that Ayumi is still asleep. Curious, I utilize Paragon's Eyes and study her.
The result proves to be a different color than any of the ones I saw on anyone: Pure white.
It brings a smile to my face.
Now then, time to rest…