Fula

Biodata

Background

Fula was born into nobility but was not his family’s eldest legitimate son. Upon reaching adulthood, he was given money and sent away; he used it to enter a divine academy. After graduating, he chose to serve in Roa rather than return to his family’s territory. He rejected overtures from Roa’s nobles, leaving himself with little wealth or local influence. 5

He strongly opposes the increasing cost of divine-academy admission, which has shut most commoners out of priestly education. This conviction, combined with his sense of justice, leads him to take an interest in Adam Boku’s apparent theological and artistic talent. 5

Fula later leaves Roa after his teacher at the Divine Academy summons him on business. Raven identifies that teacher as an ascetic monk. 48

Personality

Fula is principled and compassionate, particularly toward commoners unable to access the opportunities afforded to nobles. He refuses improper gifts and noble patronage despite the financial and social disadvantages this brings. 5

Outside combat, he is shy and easily embarrassed; Adam notes the contrast between this demeanor and Fula’s decisiveness when facing aberrants. He sincerely wants Adam to study, improve, and seek help when needed. 3 6

Abilities & Skills

Divine Arts and Holy Sound

Fula can enter the Church’s combat state, surrounding himself with light and employing holy power through sound.

• His voice can carry holy power capable of invading an opponent’s body during a clash of perception. 28
• He can use his perception to pursue and attempt to reveal hidden targets. 28
• During his pursuit of Adam’s white-wolf form, Adam disrupted Fula’s perception with mist and escaped; Fula only discerned that the target was a white werewolf. 28

Ceremonial Swordsmanship

Fula fights with a ceremonial sword enhanced by divine power.

• He killed a charging werewolf with a single precise thrust through the throat. 3
• While pursuing Adam, he wielded his sword while wrapped in rings of light. 28

Healing Divine Arts

• After Raven was badly wounded, Fula abandoned the pursuit and immediately began treating him with a divine art. 28

Relationships

• Adam Boku — Fula lends Adam Divine Word, considers him suited to priestly study, and secures him an apprenticeship under Alva after recognizing his drawing talent. He later pursues Adam’s white-wolf form without knowing its identity. 2 5 6 28
• Alva Ratu — Fula asks Alva to accept Adam as an apprentice in mural restoration and painting. 6 14
• Raven Reed — Fellow priest and patrol partner; Fula treats Raven after Adam severely wounds him. 28
• Xia Ya — The Southern District’s chief priest thinks highly of Fula and describes his soul as unstained by dust. 7
• Unnamed ascetic monk — Fula’s Divine Academy teacher, who summons him away from Roa. 48

Story Role / Major Arcs

Connection to Adam

Fula first aids Adam by lending him Divine Word after learning that Adam cannot afford divine-academy tuition. When Adam returns the book with a charcoal copy of one of its illustrations, Fula recognizes his talent and chooses to seek an alternative opportunity for him. 2 5

Fula introduces Adam to Alva at the Southern District church, enabling Adam to enter the Church as a mural-restoration apprentice. This access gives Adam a route to gather intelligence inside the institution Fula faithfully serves. 6

Church Patrol Pursuit

During increased nighttime patrols, Fula is among three priests who corner Adam while he travels toward No. 17 South River Road. Fula confronts Adam in a combat state, calls him a sinner, and attempts to expose his true form with holy sound and perception. Adam evades the patrol after injuring Raven. 28

Departure from Roa

Xia Ya later reveals that Fula has taken a month-long leave to answer his teacher’s summons. Because Fula has seen Adam’s rare white-wolf form, his absence alarms Adam and contributes to Adam’s decision to accelerate his plans. 48

Notable Quotes

“God watches over believers.” — Fula 5