"First of all, let me get this out of the way. We may appear to have a ranking system, but that's not a determinant of one's power. Regardless of one's rank, the Glory Knights are comparable in strength," Yukio said.
"What exactly do you mean by 'comparable in strength,' Archsaint Yukio? Aren't abilities inherently tied to your strength, which is reflected in the ranking system?" Lin asked.
Yukio's gaze flickered to her, a patient smile gracing her lips. "That's the perception from a casual glance, Lin, and it's a common misconception. While raw physical prowess and arcane aptitude certainly play a part, the ranking within the Glory Knights isn't static. It fluctuates."
Kojo tilted his head. "Fluctuates? Based on what?"
(It's the power system here. They call it 'Faith.' The technique is widespread among the various cults in this world, not just exclusive to Ezkanur, but the specifications are different.)
Yukio nodded, her eyes meeting Kojo's briefly, a knowing glint within them. "The key is 'Faith.' It's essentially the lifeblood of our power."
She paused. "Think of it like this: we all understand the fundamentals of manipulating energy, whether it's drawing on ambient arcana to weave spells or focusing your inner strength for physical enhancement. Condense the energy, visualize your will as an incantation, and release it – the core principle remains the same."
Kojo's thoughts drifted. Visualize… right. That's the part I've been… streamlining.
(Probably because you perceive the world differently, being a 'Spectre' and all. Our connection to this reality isn't the same as theirs.)
Yukio continued, her voice regaining their full attention. "Faith is, in essence, an exchange. We offer our unwavering belief to the Goddess, and in return, she grants us power. That's the foundation of our Holy Magic. The stronger one's belief, the more potent the connection, and the greater the power bestowed."
Kojo's eyebrow shot up. "So… the more you believe, the stronger you get?"
(Think of it like charging your phone with a power bank. Your phone's battery is constantly draining – that's like their inherent magical potential. The power bank is their faith, charged by their devotion to the Goddess.)
"But wouldn't it be more efficient to just plug the phone directly into the wall?" Kojo questioned Sysia.
(It doesn't work that way,) Sysia answered. (The power bank can handle a different magnitude of energy. Okay, so imagine the power bank runs on kinetic energy and then converts it to another medium, while all devices run on electricity. If you tried to channel a tiny amount of kinetic energy directly into your phone, it would fry the circuits instantly. Such is the principle of Faith.)
"Ah, I see," Kojo murmured, the analogy clicking into place.
Lin's eyes widened in understanding. "So, it's basically praise in exchange for power."
"Precisely," Yukio confirmed with a smile. "While we can still manipulate Arcana and train our bodies like any other 'Aggressor' or 'Mage,' the core of our strength as Glory Knights lies in our Faith. It's the wellspring from which our holy abilities draw."
Kojo frowned slightly. "I understand the concept of exchanging belief for power, but what's the fundamental difference between that and a normal mage drawing on the ambient arcana?" He was wondering why – if the smartphone example was to be applied again – not make a phone that can be charged up by kinetic force.
"Divinity," Aldean, who had been listening intently, finally spoke, his voice calm and authoritative, unlike his normal self. He held out his hand, and motes of shimmering Arcana coalesced into a delicate snowflake, its intricate patterns shifting into different shapes as he manipulated the energy. "We aren't simply believing to tap into a pre-existing energy source around us, Kojo. We are, in essence, receiving a spark of divinity."
He gently blew on the snowflake, causing it to dissolve back into shimmering particles. "The deeper our Faith, the more of the Goddess's own divine essence flows into us, empowering us in ways that mere manipulation of ambient Arcana cannot replicate."
Leo nodded in agreement. "That's why all the Saints, and indeed anyone who truly believes in the Goddess, possesses 'Grace.' Its potency varies wildly, ranging from a Skill to the level of a Special Ability or even a Supreme Enchantment, all depending on the individual's level of faith."
"So," Kojo said slowly, the pieces finally falling into place. "It's a difference in scale, and the source of the power itself. I see."
"Are you satisfied with the explanation now, Kojo? Or do you require further elaboration?" Yukio asked.
Kojo shook his head, and she continued her explanation, her tone shifting to emphasize the distinction between the two branches of the Glory Knights. "The division into Paladins and Saints isn't arbitrary; it's dictated by the distinct roles we play. The Paladins are the unwavering shield of this realm, anchored firmly in the physical world. Their duty lies in maintaining peace, law, and order within the Holy Land of Ezkanur."
Lin's ears perked up. "So, they're like… holy law enforcement?"
Cyrus offered a more nuanced perspective. "It extends beyond just Ezkanur, Lin. The Paladins also travel to other continents and nations where the Church holds influence, dealing with various… undesirable elements. Acts of extremism, the dismantling of criminal networks – the rot that spreads in the shadows."
Myron nodded grimly. "Though we must operate with discretion. The Criminal Underworld also has powerful allies, both human and… otherwise, who wouldn't want its collapse."
Lin's understanding deepened. "So, the Paladins handle the more tangible, diplomatic, and… forceful aspects of maintaining order."
"Precisely," Yukio affirmed. "The Saints, however, operate on a different plane entirely." She gestured vaguely upwards. "The Gates of Sephirot are interdimensional gateways, nexus points that connect our world – the central point in our plane of existence – with countless others. Worlds, dimensions, timelines… think of them as the central circuitry of existence, facilitating the flow of energy throughout all of creation. Our sacred duty is to guard these Gates. They are meant to remain closed, naturally directing the flow of energy so we, as superheroes, keep it that way."
A shadow crossed Yukio's face. "There are forces that seek to open them. Spectres of the hyperspace, entities yearning to breach into our dimension."
Kojo visibly tensed at the word "Spectre," a flicker of unease in his crimson eyes. Leo noticed the subtle shift in his posture.
"Variants who somehow survived the hyperspace incursions, sentient energy storms, and other unspeakable abominations," Yukio elaborated, her voice low.
"Is there… a way to open these Gates?" Lin asked, her curiosity tinged with apprehension.
Yukio's gaze turned distant. "There is a key, a singular artifact that in its very essence bends the fundamental laws to create a breach. It is that key that could force the Gates wide open."
"The Metatron Cube," Kojo stated casually.
In a swift, fluid motion, Leo was on his feet, his gleaming sword pressed against Kojo's neck. A palpable tension filled the room as everyone watched the unfolding scene. Kojo slowly tilted his head, his crimson eyes meeting Leo's unwavering gaze. Aldean leaned forward with interest.
"Is there a problem, Saint Leo?" Kojo asked, his voice deceptively calm.
"You know more about this than a normal person should," Leo growled, his grip tightening slightly on the sword hilt.
"The attack on the Capitol… it was commissioned by the former advisor, Cabolt V'ray," Kojo said, his voice dangerously steady despite the cold steel against his skin. "He hired mercenaries to kidnap Princess Klara Listowell. Those same thugs were also tasked by another individual to steal an artifact from the Royal Treasury. An artifact known as the Metatron Cube. I believed I had already relayed this information."
Elias's brow furrowed. "You do know that those are sensitive national secrets?"
"Relationships are built on trust," Kojo replied, his gaze flicking towards Elias. "You entrusted me with your secrets; it's only fitting I offer something in return to even the score."
Leo pressed the blade further. "I was watching your reactions the entire time. You're hiding something."
"Yes," Kojo admitted, his voice flat. "I am. And quite frankly, it's none of your business."
"The attack on the Capitol had no correlation with the interdimensional threats we speak of," Leo insisted.
"Perhaps," Kojo conceded. "But I had a hunch."
"A hunch?" Leo sneered. "Or was it something your little daemon whispered in your ear?"
"Are you threatening me?" Kojo's voice dropped, a dangerous edge creeping in. He slowly raised his open palm. Black, metallic material began to coalesce around his fingers, elongating into ten-inch claws that extended with a soft shink.
Just then, the heavy wooden doors creaked open. A gentle, warm voice filled the room. "My, my, things seem rather heated in here."
All eyes turned towards the entrance. Pope Innocent stood there, his serene smile radiating a calming aura. To his right stood Lady Cassandra, her expression unreadable. And to his left stood a knight cloaked in white. The Saints immediately rose, pressing their palms together in a respectful bow.
A soft chuckle escaped the Pope. "At ease, my children. And Leo," he added gently, a hint of reproof in his tone, "must you always be so… rigid?"
The Pope moved towards the unseen throne. He paused before it, looking down at the entity. She glanced up, then gracefully rose, stepping aside. The Pope smiled and seated himself. She settled onto the left armrest, completely at ease. Cassandra moved to stand at his right hand.
The cloaked knight stepped forward, moving to stand behind Kojo, his gaze fixed downwards with an unreadable intensity. Before Kojo could speak, the knight moved again, this time positioning himself some distance behind Yukio, removing his hood and placing his arms behind his back. Kojo could have sworn he saw a flicker of something – happiness? – in Yukio's eyes as the knight passed her.
"What took you so long, Levi?" Astropunk said.
Kojo stared at the knight.
"This is Levi Svalo?"