I look over at Dr. Walker. Her eyes still locked on me as a smile flashed across her lips. She nods in response to my words of gratitude, her expression unreadable, but I know her mind is on the weapon the forge of technology has created for me. The light glints off the blade of my sword, the beauty of the craftsmanship almost breath-taking, the craftsmanship behind the creation of this weapon an art form all its own. Its sleek design and graceful curves make it feel like a part of my own body, its weight balanced perfectly in my hand. I cannot help but take a moment to admire its beauty, my eyes almost mesmerized. The thought gives me a sense of pride, but at the same time, I can feel a hint of pressure as I realize that it's all up to me to use this weapon wisely. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I stare back at the beautiful machine.
"Such a rare and one of a kind Exorcist weapon. I've never seen an Exorcist weapon with this many ranking types, let alone a named weapon. 'Jormungandr?' An unimaginably large sea serpent or worm inhabits the world sea, encircling the entire planet and biting its own tail in an endless cycle. Often depicted as a mythical creature in ancient myths and legends, the ouroboros is a symbol of eternal return and the cycle of death and rebirth. Its huge scales shimmer like diamonds, its eyes like jewels, and its body a magnificent shade of emerald green. As it moves through the water, it sends waves and ripples in its wake, creating a wake of destruction and chaos, an unstoppable force of nature. How will you wield this weapon, young Adam von Yeager? I wonder?" Aleena said as she came close to me.
"Well, somehow, I didn't believe that forge could ever be put out of commission," a voice said from behind us.
I looked over to see a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence. The man's silver hair stands out, contrasting with his ashen skin. His left eye is covered by a black eyepatch, hinting at a mysterious past. His remaining eye is a mesmerizing shade of vivid magenta, giving off an intense and focused gaze. The purple-eyed man had an oval-shaped face with high cheekbones, a narrow nose, and straight eyebrows that added to his sharp yet severe expression. His lips are thin, often set in a firm line, reflecting his no-nonsense attitude.
He wears the typical black military-esque double-breasted uniform of an Exorcist, symbolizing his dedication to his job. Over the uniform, he wears a black leather trench coat, a traditional garment among State Exorcists. Completing his ensemble, The Exorcist wears knee-high leather boots in a rich honey-brown shade that perfectly matches his gold belt. This combination of attire portrays his professionalism and adherence to tradition.
Aleena Walker rolled her eyes as Ishimoto Sozen finally made an appearance. "It's about time you showed up," she said. "I've been doing all your work for you. Getting these new recruits ready to be your apprentices is hard work. You should thank me with flowers, wine, and a massage."
Ishimoto Sozen smiled apologetically. "I know, I know," he said, putting his hands up in defense. "I got caught up in some paperwork. But I'm here now, and I'm ready to help."
"Good," Aleena said. "Because these recruits are a mess. They don't know anything about being an Exorcist."
"Don't worry," Ishimoto said. "I'll teach them everything they need to know."
"And I'll make sure you don't slack off, either," Aleena said.
"I don't doubt that ever, but it sounds like a plan," Ishimoto said. "Let's get started."
Aleena and Ishimoto turned their attention to the recruits, who were us, and we immediately stood in front of them.
"Welcome to your new life as a Holy State Exorcist. I'm Ishimoto Sozen, and I see you already know this is Doctor Aleena Walker," Ishimoto said. "We're going to be your instructors. Over the next few months, we're going to teach you everything you need to know about being an Exorcist."
Evander and Elara looked at each other nervously and then at me like I knew what was next.
"Don't worry," Aleena said. "It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it."
"After your initial training, you'll be granted permission to attend the Academy at the Grand Cathedral. But that's a long road and the three of you have just begun." Ishimoto said. "In the end, you'll be an Exorcist."
I grinned at Elara and Evander, feeling confident in our abilities. After all, we had been preparing for this moment for a long time. I may not know much about Evander, but I did know he waited all his life for this. It was the same for Elara; her father must have prepared her for this day. He had to have been a retired Exorcist. We had studied everything we could about the world beyond our own and were ready to face whatever challenges came our way. We knew that there would be dangers ahead, but we were determined to overcome them. In the end, there was nowhere else for us to go. We had to keep moving forward, no matter what.
"Now that you have your Exorcist weapons, Doctor Walker will send you to the quartermaster for your uniform and gear. I'll meet you at the North church wing on the first floor," Ishimoto said. "By the way, don't make me wait…," the intimidating man added.
"Y-yes sir!" we said in unison.
We watched as the ice-cold man walked away and out of the lab. His tone with us was different than with Doctor Walker. She sighed as he disappeared down the dark corridor.
"Don't mind Sozen. He is a good instructor. Sozen is a Second Adjunct. Once he trains you enough to attend the Academy, he'll rise to the rank of First Adjunct. Of all the candidates applying for that poistoon, Sozen is the most capable of reaching that rank," Doctor Walker explained.
"Aren't there only three available positions for First ranks and one for Prime ranks?" Evander asked.
"Yes, that is correct so that means competition is fierce when a slot becomes vacant. Now, I think it's time you get to the quartermaster. Go find Sister Rachael and Sister Faye," Doctor Walker said.
Both nuns were waiting for us outside in the corridor. Sister Faye slapped Evander on the back of the head out of nowhere.
"That's for your rude behavior. Sister Rachael and Sister Diane have told me all about your antics. To think I brought you here in good faith!" Sister Faye barked sternly.
Then she slapped the back of my head as well. The sting and burn were real.
"What did I do?" I countered.
"Don't think I don't know about your lecherous eyes, young man! Keep those eyes front and center!" Sister Faye scolded.
I wanted to plead my case so Elara wouldn't think I was a pervert, but it was too late.
"Hmph, pervert!" Elara yelped. "How would your Mum feel if she knew you were lusting over Sisters of the cloth!" Elara stuttered.
"They took a vow to the order, not God! They're blessed by God, yes, but they're not that devoted to a position!" Evander blurted.
I gave Evander my "Just shut up already!" look as Elara blushed and kicked both of us in the shins. I knew that Evander was just trying to be funny, but I also knew that Elara was easily embarrassed. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, so I tried to signal to Evander to stop talking. Unfortunately, my look wasn't very effective, and Evander just kept talking. Elara finally had enough and kicked us both in the shins. The pain was enough to get Evander to stop talking but it also made me laugh. I knew Elara was just trying to protect herself, and I couldn't help but find the situation a lost cause.
We followed the two nuns with Elara a few steps before us. Evander hung back with me. His eyes were glued to the backsides of the two nuns and our new teammate. Their cheeks jiggle with each step, and they seem to be walking slightly off pace. I felt slightly uncomfortable, but at the same time, I couldn't really blame him. Those three women were extremely beautiful and had perfect bodies. I couldn't stop myself from occasionally casting a quick glance at their rear ends. The nuns' tight bottoms were quite hypnotic, especially when they walked. They jiggled slightly, and with their long skirts, one could see a lot of their legs peeking out from the side slits in their dresses. It was the same for our dainty teammate, Elara. As a man, I couldn't disagree with the appeal of those bottoms. I would have gladly stared at them more if I hadn't been trying to keep a professional demeanor. But my eyes kept fixated on the movement of those round hindquarters of these damsels.
Though the Sisters were quite alluring, I couldn't help but wonder why the nuns here weren't required to be barefoot in the sub-basement. It was a strange tradition that I didn't fully understand. 'Was it for comfort? Some kind of ritual?' They would be barefoot on the outside world, where they performed their holy duties. It was part of their beliefs that wearing shoes was unnecessary and a source of evil. Here at the church, in the sub-basement, they wore shoes. Perhaps their prayers and worship would be tainted by those shoes, and it was only a matter of practicality. I couldn't understand this barefoot thing, which seemed a bit old-fashioned.
It was an archaic tradition that I did not understand, yet they seemed entirely at ease with shoes on their feet. It was almost as if having shoes on down here was a choice they made themselves rather than a requirement.
Whatever the reason, I was glad to see the Sisters wearing shoes, especially given their bottoms' hypnotic effect on most men. I wondered if the Sisters were aware of their impact on the opposite sex. 'Did they enjoy it? Were they completely oblivious?' It was a question that still baffled me.