"I'm grinning with pride, grinning with pride, smiling at the sky that never grows old." Azar was thrilled. His two attendants had already felt the source of power. It seemed that the harder you worked, the luckier you got. Today's lesson had gone very well. He'd explain one more point!
"Have you ever wondered what comes after anger?" Seeing the two of them lost in thought, Azar explained, "We've all felt the benefits anger brings us, but it can also hurt us. First, there's the physical damage. Have you noticed that the stronger a warrior is, the more powerful his body becomes? Warriors also age faster naturally than ordinary members of the tribe. That's the backlash of anger! It affects our internal organs and damages our muscles. It takes a toll on our bodies."
"Ah, Uncle, if that's the case, shouldn't we give it up? Why hasn't anyone else noticed this kind of damage?"
"No, someone must have noticed already. That's why the shamans and warriors have been growing closer. The great shamans have always been interested in studying the body, while warriors need their help to slow their pain and aging and preserve their formidable combat abilities." The two nodded silently, accepting my explanation.
"My lord, that can't be the only danger. There must be something even worse, or you wouldn't be so worried."
"Exactly, Falco. Haven't you noticed that tribes with elite fighting forces tend to behave more savagely than other tribes? That's the mental toll anger takes. After battle, warriors become irritable and may even hurt those around them. They may feel regret and sorrow afterward, but it's very difficult to eradicate this behavior completely. Even those with strong self-control may manage at first, but the more brutal the battles they experience, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Why does Maiev abuse slaves? This has a lot to do with it. Do you understand?"
"You mean battle makes people lose their reason and become berserk. The more they fight, the harder they are to control, and they keep getting trapped in a vicious cycle?"
"Exactly. And that's not all. It's also quietly changing a tribe's culture. Why do we Trolls like to eat our enemies' hearts? It's not because they give us strength. That's just an excuse. It's a way to vent our anger after battle, but now it's become part of Troll culture. If this goes on, it will be very harmful to our future. Remember, we aren't the only intelligent beings on this continent. There are many Wild Gods with highly advanced civilizations, and they're stronger than us. If they don't approve of our behavior, what do you think will happen to us?"
"Either they'll reform us or wipe us out." The little girl caught on quickly this time. I gave her an approving smile, and she blushed a little.
"Even the first option is unacceptable. We'd lose control of our own fate, become slaves to another race, and lose our faith. So we can only grow strong through our own efforts. I've found a way. It's her." Azar spoke excitedly, sweeping his hand out to point dramatically at the Well of Eternity behind him.
"My lord, forgive my ignorance, but what can she do? Since we came here, all we've noticed is the pleasant climate and abundant resources. We haven't felt anything else. She doesn't even have any fish."
"Exactly! We have to go deep into the forest to hunt, and we have to drink from mountain springs. Have you forgotten the scouts who arrived here first? Some of them drank the water here—just a single sip—and their bodies inexplicably burst apart. The Chieftain even ordered us to stay away from her, and only you live so close. If this place weren't so pleasant, the Chieftain would've led everyone onward long ago." The little girl looked disgusted and spoke urgently.
Azar smiled and pressed his hands down, signaling for them to calm down, then continued, "When I fell asleep at the docks, I was actually experiencing and comprehending her power. I call it the Power of Order. Although I don't know where she came from"—actually, I do: the blood of a World Soul. Of course it's nourishing—"I can clearly feel how she's changed me. She entered my body and cleansed my meridians. Look at my body." As he spoke, Azar took off his linen outer robe, revealing his well-built physique.
"Good heavens, your scars are gone! Your muscles look more powerful, too." Falco stared in shock.
"Mhm, it's so smooth." The little girl stroked my arm, looking envious.
"Yes. When you can feel her, trust that she'll bring you tremendous changes—good changes. More importantly, she's made me more rational. I can better control the Power of Fury in my body. I'd rather call it anger. She helps me wield my strength at will. And most importantly, I'm still myself. I believe in her, in Order, but she doesn't enslave me. She's different from the Loa. She doesn't want offerings. What she needs is heartfelt trust. We must cherish her, believe in her, and become her friend."
The two fell into thought. Azar didn't want to disturb them, so he went off to spend some time with the Power of Order. Here she came. They were like spirits in the sky, both formless and tangible. At times they wrapped around him; at others they drifted away. Sometimes they lifted him toward the blue sky; sometimes they tossed him into the distance. He played with them—he was the mouse, and they were the cats. When they grew tired, she sat beside Azar and gently caressed him, warm and soothing. Azar felt so comfortable that he was about to fall asleep. This was their second date, and Azar believed they'd meet often from then on. He looked forward to her bringing more little companions next time. That would mean he'd grown stronger.
"What did you want to say?" Azar slowly opened his eyes and looked at the two standing nearby.
"Were you just feeling the Power of Order? We saw a faint pink glow around your body."
"Yes. If you're lucky enough, you'll have a day like this, too."
"My lord, I've been thinking for a long time. While you were cultivating, I discussed it with Maiev. Could we understand it this way? Anger is one manifestation of power, and Order is another. One kills and destroys; the other organizes and repairs. Either one alone can harm both others and oneself, but together they can complement and support each other."
Azar stared at him in surprise. The young man was impressive—he'd summed it up perfectly. Without the knowledge from his previous life—the Yin-Yang Fish of Daoism and the idea that all things followed the natural way—he could never have expressed such a profound understanding. The harder you worked, the luckier you got. With a guard like this, Azar wouldn't even have to fight for himself anymore. Hahaha!
"You've understood it very well. I think you get it too, little girl." Azar smiled at the two of them.
"Would you like to meet her?"
"Please enlighten us, my lord."
"Uncle, teach me quickly."
Before you continue