Civilizational Shifts

Departing from the Virodhabhasa Theocracy left Rui feeling light and relaxed. His demeanor and body language were less stiff and rigid.

It was a subtle change.

And yet, Amare hadn't missed it. 

"…You seem better," she mused with a hint of curiosity and eagerness.

"I resolved a conflict of identity spanning two decades." Rui smiled calmly. "I do feel better indeed. It has always been a passive, background thorn in my side, but now I feel as though I have gotten closure in so many ways."

His powerful gaze shifted. "I am the Antithesis. Not because some religion told me or because of some 'divine revelation,' but because who I am, who I have aimed to be, has always been the Antithesis."

She listened to him, smiling as she noticed how good he was clearly feeling. 

"I'm glad that you have made peace with a conflict of identity. With this, you have gotten even closer to the Sage Realm."