The Seven Demon's Tamer

"I thought you could only activate an affinity by placing her hands on the subject."

"Yes, that's right," Master Sung replied. "The runes on this platform also amplify affinities in order to increase efficient manipulation.

Master Sung paused for a while, and during that time, he waited for Yuki to place her hands on the altar.

He then continued. "By placing her hand on this altar, she automatically activates the affinity on it and connect the altar to the platform."

Yuki placed her hands on the altar.

A few seconds after she did, a glow radiated from it. The glow started from her palms and then extended to the altar. At that moment, several intricate designs of the runes on the platform—previously invisible to their eyes—began to glow.

"This room is an ancient platform, and the runes are a key part of the affinity amplification process."

Yuki continued to channel her affinity through the altar effortlessly. The glow from the runes grew brighter, and Ryder could feel the strange energy emanating from the platform.

The platform began to slowly lose its gravity, and Ryder could feel himself rising. White light glowed from his eyes, nose, and mouth as he remained in a state of loss.

"It's working," Master Sung announced. "The knowledge transfer is about to begin."

As the glow from the runes reached its peak, it remained constant for a moment before it slowly began to die down.

As the energy faded, Ryder slowly descended from the air back onto the platform he had been levitating above, still in a subconscious state.

After descending, he held his head, slowly regaining his awareness.

Standing upright, he stared at all of them blankly, then muttered...

"Konnichiwa!"

"What?!" Leo took a step back, his eyes wide. "Why is he acting like that? What did you guys do to him?!"

Tightening his fists, Leo's muscles tensed as he spread life energy through them.

Mara made a symbol with her fingers, causing her mark to pulse—ready to summon her familiar.

Brok assumed a self-invented stance as well, when suddenly...

"Relax!" Ryder finally spoke just as hell was about to break loose. "It was a success."

Hearing Ryder speak properly, they all subconsciously relaxed.

"Then it was Ryder?" Leo still questioned. "And how are you so sure about that?"

Ryder tapped his temple before responding, "Luxy told me."

That alone was enough assurance for Leo to stop pushing further.

He trusted Luxy's capability, and that fact was undeniable.

With a resigned sigh, Leo lowered his guard and walked toward the platform.

"You're truly going. Aren't you even a bit hesitant?" Brok inquired from behind.

"Nah, we already have our confirmation." After climbing the stairs leading to the platform, Leo turned back to reply to Brok. "If you don't want to, you can simply leave."

The statement sounded more like a threat, and Brok was smart enough not to make the foolish decision of abandoning Ryder.

"Fine!" he gave up, causing Leo to smile—a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Turning toward Yuki, Leo snapped, "What are you still waiting for? Let's get this over with."

Gently nodding her head, Yuki responded in a monotone voice that betrayed the nervousness she tried to hide. "Right, right!"

If she could remove knowledge from others, then logically, the knowledge would be downloaded into her brain. Just like she filled Ryder with the knowledge of how to speak Japanese. Leo was aware of this but still oiyt on a brave face.

Gently placing her hands on the altar in front of her, she began the mind alteration. Just like with Ryder, her hands began to glow, connecting with the platform and revealing the previously invisible runes.

Leo's body levitated gently above the platform as light radiated from his eyes, nose, and mouth. The process lasted several seconds before Leo's body dropped back to the ground.

He remained still for a while, seemingly overwhelmed, but then stood up, adjusting to the changes.

"Genki dashite! Umaku itta yo!" Leo smiled.

"Huh?!" Both Brok and Mara exclaimed simultaneously, instinctively taking half a step back.

"Cheer up, it went fine," Leo quickly translated. "I just decided to test out my newly implanted knowledge."

"Are you sure?" Mara questioned nervously, causing Leo to chuckle as he walked down the stairs from the platform.

"Does it look like I'm kidding?"

Taking a heavy gulp, Brok knew it was his turn—without anyone needing to say so.

He didn't want to look like a coward in front of Mara... only that he already had.

"Are you too scared to go?" Mara asked. "I understand the principle of 'ladies first,' you know. I can give a—"

"I am not scared!" Brok interrupted sharply. "I will go now!"

Saying that, he marched up to the platform.

"I'm ready!" he declared, staring directly into Yuki's eyes.

With a nod of affirmation, Yuki placed her palms on the altar. The usual white light extended to the platform, activating the hidden runes and taking effect on Brok.

The process flashed by, and Brok stood from the ground, holding his head tightly.

"No one told me about the headache that comes with the knowledge deposit!" he grumbled before climbing down the stairs to join Mara.

Mara walked onto the platform and went through the same process. Like Brok, she almost complained about the headache but restrained herself.

She was the weakest among them all and, like an extra, she didn't want to seem like a burden.

They all gathered together—Leo, Ryder, Brok, and Mara—when Master Sung approached them.

"Thanks for your compliance. You have received all you need to blend in and adapt to the way of life in my guild HQ."

Now... He turned to glance at Koji—a glance that spoke volumes. Koji responded by stepping forward.

"We shall teleport you to the guild headquarters."

Joining his hands and fingers to form a sign, energy dazzled around Koji's arms. Then, with a buzzing noise like sparking electric cables, a portal was formed.

"Are you all ready?"

Their response came as synchronized nods.

With no more words spoken, they all marched into the portal.