[Erk appears at his god's side, a little breathless despite the lack of physical exertion on his part, and he takes a moment to steady himself, closing his eyes and letting the adrenaline rush fade. He did it. He can be a worthy shinki. He can fight ayakashi, and kill them, and that knowledge is both frightening and exhilarating.

Mostly the latter.

He almost misses Dokugakuji's question, his eyes snapping open as he realizes he's being spoken to. A little absently, he nods.]

Ah, yes, that's probably a good idea.

[Still... they're forgetting something, aren't they?]

I suppose... the children it had already picked off before you received the prayer...

[They're probably dead, his mind fills in.]