"The Gem That Should Never Be Touched"
Mind Influence: Subtle, Gentle, Invisible.
Unlike brute mind control, Lvl 2 allowed Akuma to nudge thoughts, redirect desires, and reshape conclusions—without the victim ever realizing the shift was unnatural.
A delicate whisper seeded itself in Yakumo's mind:"Trust him. Offer him guidance. Show him what sustains the kingdom."
Her eyes softened.
She exhaled, almost dreamlike.
Then—
Yakumo:
"Since you claim to have no identity… perhaps learning about our kingdom will give you one. Let me show you the most sacred artifact of Azure.The heart of our home… the Gem of Azure."
Akuma's gaze lowered, his expression still a perfect sheet of calm emptiness. Inside, however, a single thought drifted across his mind like a shadow:
Perfect.
Yakumo walked ahead, unaware of the invisible strings guiding her steps.
Akuma followed, footsteps silent as death.
When they reached the vault of the kingdom—its floor glowing with ancient runes, its walls guarded by statues of old heroes—Yakumo turned to him, her face illuminated by the blue crystal sealed inside.
Yakumo (softly):
"This is the Gem of Azure… the source of all warmth, harvest, and balance in our kingdom.Not even the royal elders touch it."
Akuma stepped forward with an unnatural smoothness, the soft glow reflecting in his emotionless eyes.
Yakumo:
"hey...? Why do you look at it like—"
His voice was low, almost gentle, yet sharpened with intelligent coldness:
Akuma:
"Because even a world built on light… requires a shadow to hold it."
Yakumo inhaled softly, her heart fluttering with a strange feeling she didn't understand.
She didn't resist.
She didn't question.
Because Level 2 was still active.
Her voice dropped into a whisper.
Yakumo:
"If you wish to touch it… I can release the seal."
Akuma's fingers hovered inches from the glowing core of the world.
His first true step into power.