What We Believe In

Rodney raised his sword, nodding to the opera to start. A woman walked in front of the musicians who sat on movable bleachers behind Rodney. He waved his sword and a slow rhythm started along with the female who was singing a classical song.

As the music played, the holographic projections of Squad Lewis started to move.

Their music was classical and the holograms were his teammates' memories of fighting. He spent the night scanning, merging, and creating the choreography.

Everyone fought to the rhythm of the sound in beautiful harmony. It was as if they were dancing to the slow yet uplifting groove of the music.

"I couldn't believe he could create something like this," Kagura whispered in awe. Her mouth agape, her eyes glimmered, and her heart raced.

'Why is your heart beating like this?!" She scolded at herself.

Rodney's performance ended with a pause before the crowd and the Bearers that were on the large balcony stood up and gave his performance a standing ovation.

Everyone was impressed.

"That was glorious!" Devin said when Rodney got to their seat. "It was beautiful!"

"Everything I do is beautiful," Rodney remarked that earned him a smack from Kagura.

"So full of yourself," she said. "But it was good."

Her teammate did not miss the light tint of pink on her cheeks. She looked away in embarrassment, but they were already looking at each other knowingly.

The succeeding performances were not as good as the first two. Even the Oceanian participant didn't receive as much applause.

"The first round of The Summit had just ended," Michelle announced. "Their score will be revealed at the end of the competition where we will declare a winner."

"And now, let us see what the second round has to offer," Daniel chimed. "I'm so excited."

[ 642nd Brightburn Six Schools of Exorcism Summit ]

< Round 2 >

Points: 20

Game: Battle of Twos

Participants: 2

"In this round, two participants from each team will engage in a two-on-two battle," Michelle informed.

"Right," Daniel added. "The Last Pair to win will gain 7 points, 3 points will be added to three teams from the judges themselves. Taking in your synchronization, capacity to handle stress, team management, and finally, overall strength."

"Here are the participants."

« Team Asia: Morris von Schweitzer & Sofia »

"The Creator is paying attention," Yuri snorted which made everyone laugh.

Everyone, except for the participants.

–

"Desolate Strike!"

"Fast Slicer!"

Morris was mastering his Ark while Sofia was still in the middle of Development. A signatures attack takes a lot of stamina even at the early stages.

Sofia only used her twice and she had already fallen to her knees in exhaustion. Morris glanced at her and offered his hand.

The girl was hesitant at first. She gazed at her friend's missing arm and smiled in apology.

"It's okay," Morris said. "Sh*t happens."

Sofia snorted and she instantly covered her mouth, "Sorry."

Morris just chuckled and was about to retract his hand when Sofia had already taken it. "I can hold you, right?"

Sofia nodded. "Islam had changed a lot since the world had changed. We have tried embracing the change, adapting to the new norms as well as preserving the old ones."

"But…" Morris trailed off and took a deep breath. "Are you still allowed to marry outside your religion?"

The shock on Sofia's face was obvious. She looked down in embarrassment, her cheeks tinted pink.

"N-Not really," she said sadly. "And I don't think I'll marry for love anyway. I love my parents and I cannot deny them if they say that I should marry for the strengthening of our blood."

"Same," Morris sighed. They walked over to the bench to rest. "Their lust for power sucks."

"I could never agree more," Sofia chuckled.

"You know, I actually want to learn more about Islam but I'm too shy to ask," Morris confessed. "Among all the religions, only Christianity and Islam had remained. Most people, according to statistics 72%, had already stopped believing in religions. No offense, but Christianity blends in with the non-practitioners."

"There are only 6% of Muslims in the world, even the Buddhists and the Hindus had mostly left their affiliations. How come Islam remained?"

"It's not about what we believe in," Sofia said softly. "It's about why we believe. We believe in our Creator's words. God's words are absolute after all. Even with the appearance of Stained Souls, we still believe that God has a reason for it."

"Do you ever feel shy or embarrassed when you're wearing a hijab?" Morris thought.

Sofia chuckled, "Why would I be?"

"Yeah, you're right," Morris shook his head. "That was stupid. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm not offended," Sofia chuckled again. "It's actually good that you ask questions. I prefer that over people who judge just because they have heard some vile rumors or because we have a different set of beliefs. Thank you."

"You know I prefer a woman in hijab that's sensible than a woman with only a shallow shell."

Sofia looked at Morris who was looking away with a red face. She was about to speak when Yuri yelled from the hall's doorway.

"Good evening Team Asia!"

Their friends have arrived to check on them. Devin brought water for them to rehydrate and Margaux made a bunch of special sandwiches mostly for Sofia.

"Thank you."

"You are welcome," Devin said and nodded at the two. "Do your best tomorrow, okay?"

The two nodded, "Yes sir!"

–

The coliseum was once again filled with people. Everyone was anticipating fight-type matches since it was how Exorcists show their full potential.

"Since there are three blocks, A, B, and C, in the semi-finals, we will have a special set of rules," Michelle said.

"Hypothetically, if the winners of Block A and B fight and Block B won, Block A would fight against Block C. In the instance that Block C wins, Block A will automatically become third and Block B and C will fight for the finals," Daniel said.

"However," Michelle added. "If Block A wins against Block C, Block B will automatically become the winner since they had already won against the team."

"And now, let us see the pairing of the battles!" Daniel informed and the names displayed on the screens.

[ Block A ]

< Team South America versus Team Oceania >

[ Block B ]

< Team Africa versus Team Europe >

[ Block C ]

< Team Asia versus Team North America >

Team Oceania and Team Europe displayed pure strength against their enemies. Each battle was finished in 3 minutes and 2 minutes respectively.

Looking at their enemies, Sofia shook in fear.

"Don't worry," Morris said.

"They're both Exorcist-level like us," Sofia said. "Even had the title longer than me."

Morris shook his head, "Don't worry. We will win this."

Sofia looked at him. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."