Anima Requiem: I Bought a Katana Online and Triggered the Apocalypse-Chapter 69: Kicked Out

"Say what now?" Axel swallowed hard, looking down at Indus who continued inscribing as if he didn’t just threaten to kill him.

But was there a way to reverse it?

"No," Indus answered.

Axel frowned, stop doing that man, he mumbled internally.

Indus slowly turned. Axel quickly looked away, unwilling to see that judgemental scowl.

Dang it, I did it again. His face scrunched up, stop thinking, he slapped his face.

"Here," Indus held out the Gishiki with its hilt facing towards Axel.

Axel exhaled as if steeling himself for a change. And it was indeed a change, he could feel it, a certain pull from the katana.

As his finger touched the hilt, a jolt travelled up his hand making him pause for a second, taking in the sensation.

Then slowly, his fingers wrapped around the hilt, covering the upper half. He exhaled as he pulled the katana and held it in front of his face.

A smile formed on Axel’s face as he studied the katana like some priced artifact, his eyes gleaming at the sight.

It felt different somehow, in a way he couldn’t explain, all he could say was at this moment this was right. The katana was right where it should be.

"Use its abi—" Indus froze, mouth half opened, the remaining words cut short.

"Like I’d wait," Axel grinned, his eyes moving to the green glow of the katana’s hilt. But unlike before, his eyes were also glowing green.

His grin widened as he spun the katana, feeling on top of the world at the moment. Axel’s eyes stopped on the frozen Indus, his smile widening unnaturally, thoughts of nothing good forming in his mind.

Axel moved in close, so arrogant yet look at you now. He looked up, finger on his chin. I wonder what I could do, his eyes moved to Indus’s white hair.

I think you’re due for a haircut, old man, one corner of his mouth lifted as he slowly approached Indus.

I could get used to...

His breath hitched as Indus’s fist appeared out of nowhere, heading straight for his face.

The fist dug into his cheek. Axel’s eyes rolled back, his head flinging back, body following the next second. His body slammed into the bed, its frame creaking beneath his weight.

Shaking his head, he looked up to see Indus shaking his head, clearly not impressed.

"Who do you think I am," He stood up. "Did you forget I said I could kill you?"

Axel scratched his head and looked away, wondering what went wrong. He didn’t feel dizzy or anything like mana exhaustion, so what exactly went wrong.

"You’re weak," Indus’s voice cut through his thoughts as usual.

"You really expect to overcome someone at least twice your level that easily?" He tilted his head, a frown on his face, "Do you see what’s wrong."

Axel awkwardly chuckled, "Right." Silence stretched for a second, then he looked up realizing something.

"You’re at Bearer level?"

That’s weaker than Serif right?

Indus let out a short snort and handed the scabbard to Axel.

"This can withstand its power, and serve as a damper." Indus explained, "We wouldn’t want you replacing a scabbard after each draw."

Axel nodded and sat up. His eyes trailed the scabbard, its unique inscriptions which he couldn’t understand, but guessed to be runes or something. Not to mention it was light, the craftsmanship was indeed something else.

He slowly sheathed the sword, the blue wraps lined up perfectly with the color of the scabbard.

"Can you teach me normal blacksmithing then?"

"Sure." Indus’s reply came sharp and direct without any hesitation.

"But..."

Axel nodded, of course there’s a but.

"You’d have to proceed to Vessel level first."

Vessel, 21% compatibility, after echo level.

To increase compatibility you have to become the anima, understand it.

Indus said nothing, studying Axel.

"How do I do it?"

"Hmm," Indus took a deep breath, "normally I wouldn’t help, but..."

He moved towards a wall, "Exploration," he pressed a rock, a deep rumble echoing through the room as a door revealed itself.

Just how many secret doors does he have, Axel stared as a dark hallway revealed itself.

Great, another hallway, Axel gulped hard, the memory of the last hallway fresh in his mind.

"Exploration," Indus repeated.

Axel blinked in confusion, why open the door.

Indus rubbed his face and sighed, "leave, go out there, push yourself. Don’t come back till you’re a Vessel."

Axel stood unblinkingly, face blank, as if his mind couldn’t comprehend what the old man was saying.

"I’ll not repeat myself," Indus said, breaking him out of his reverie.

"You’re serious."

Indus stared unblinkingly, his usual trademark scowl dipping even lower. Definitely not the face of a joker, of course he couldn’t imagine Indus smiling. That’ll be a nightmare in itself.

Axel exhaled and reluctantly got off the bed, which oddly seemed really soft at this point. Taking a deep breath, he pushed off.

As he strapped the katana to his back, his eyes moved to the pot of soup.

"Don’t think about it." Indus’s voice silenced whatever thoughts were brewing up.

Axel clicked his tongue and slowly dragged his feet as he approached the entrance.

As he reached the entrance, he tripped, arms flailing trying to stop himself, gaze flickering to Indus asking for help.

But Indus simply stepped back and kicked, sending Axel sprawling to the floor.

"Don’t forget, explore. Don’t hide like a cockroach."

And slam, the rock fell, blocking the way back.

Axel scoffed as he dusted himself, devilish old man. He formed a fist at the door.

Turning back, he noticed the dim blue light of the Netherveil spilling into the hallway or rather this was more of a cave.

Alright, exploration huh. He took a deep breath as he was about to take a step.

"Hey..." A voice came from his side, making him leap back with fear, hand reaching for the Gishiki.

He swallowed hard and took a step back as he saw that cheeky smile.

"Where’s my dragon sushi?"

Imu.