Cormorant-Seven picks up their cane and walks a short way out into the void, a glassy plane of force appearing under their feet. They grab the handle of their cane and draw from it a blade made of thin steel.
They take a stance wielding the sword with two hands, and you recognize this as the beginning of a kata, a martial arts movement. Kazuyoshi’s morning practice routine (when he follows it, anyway) often uses this stance.
They begin their oath, in a deep and sonorous voice:
As the mountains break the clouds, I shall shield the weak.
A single overhead strike, strong and fast. Their shoulders seem as firm and unwavering as a boulder.
As the river carves the earth, I shall not yield to evil.
Cormorant lifts the blade to their side, and steps forward, executing an intricate footwork, blade twisting and weaving. Their sword is glowing faintly now, tracing a river of light in the void. As they dodge, block, and parry, you begin to see the invisible foes, a horde of demons, razor-sharp claws and venomous fangs bearing down.
As the rain falls upon the ground, I shall strike true.
Cormorant cuts down the horde. A wide horizontal slash, faster than your eye can follow. There is no air in this place, but you feel the pressure of the strike on your skin.
Somehow the movement embodies a host of emotions: sorrow for those left behind, rage against the demons, fear of their overwhelming power–but their application is steady, honed to a razor’s edge.
Cormorant-Seven sheaths their blade, and finishes reciting the oath.
This I swear upon my body and soul.
They turn back to you, voice still booming across the space.
“Our enemies are beyond mortal reckoning, Aster. And mortals are as a rule weak. We must make weapons of ourselves to even stand a chance.”
The conviction in their eyes cools, and they smile at you.
“But if you decide to go down this path, I will gladly walk beside you.”