Explanation

"So hurry up and tell me what it is already!"

Picking up right where we left off, after convincing... well, more like threatening Echidna into explaining once and for all what spiritual energy actually is, using her insatiable weakness for desserts as my ultimate bargaining chip...

<"In short, it is the vital force that exists beyond the physical plane and impacts the environment, naturally generated by all living beings.">

...I was now receiving the explanation.

"So everyone has it?"

According to Echidna's explanation, spiritual energy is a fundamental substance that every living creature in the world possesses.

<"That is technically true and at the same time incorrect, in a way.">

However, the key difference seems to lie in whether or not people are capable of perceiving, channeling, and utilizing it at will.

"You know, I hate it when you answer like that..."

Didn't quite catch that?

"Can you give me a much simpler example instead?"

Well, don't worry, because I didn't understand a single thing either!

<"Ha... Think of it like this: normal humans are completely incapable of feeling or manipulating the spiritual energy released by their own bodies. That leaked energy serves as nourishment for divine beings or, on the flip side, for curses.">

Apparently, according to Echidna's crash course, spiritual energy is divided into three major types.

"Why on earth does it work like that?!"

First, normal spiritual energy: this is the most common variant in the world, and it happens to be the one used by traditional exorcists to perform their spells, talismans, and combat techniques.

<"Because that is how the energies weaving the tapestry of existence operate, even if one denies them.">

Second, cursed energy: this occurs when basic spiritual energy becomes contaminated and charged with intense negative emotions, making it considerably more destructive than the normal version, but also far more unstable and uncontrollable.

"Honestly, if this whole thing were a role-playing game, I'd say each type of energy has its own advantages and disadvantages."

And third, divine energy: this one, on the other hand, is imbued with positive emotions, faith, hopes, and the pure desires of people, which makes it the rarest, cleanest, and most powerful variant of them all.

<"Always looking for strange comparisons...">

So yeah... In short, curses are born from accumulated cursed energy, while divine entities arise from divine energy, with both relying on humanity as their constant source of power and sustenance.

"So..."

BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS TO ME AT ALL RIGHT NOW!

"Can you teach me how to use spiritual energy?!"

Because my long-awaited moment has finally arrived!!

...That's right... After so long... It has come...

MY VERY OWN PROTAGONIST POWER-UP!!

<"That is completely impossible.">

But as always seems to be the case in my life, cold reality turns out to be deeply disappointing...

"...Eh... Why...?"

It turns out that, after asking Echidna filled with disappointment, I discovered that both curses and divine beings seem to possess the instinctive ability to manipulate their power from the very moment they are born, just like a fish in water.

"So... I'll never be able to use it...?"

However, simple humans instead have to learn how to channel theirs through years of grueling training...

<"What are you even talking about? You're already using it right now.">

...But just when I thought my dreams and hopes of having supernatural powers were lost due to the lack of a competent master...

"What...?"

...Echidna dropped a total bombshell.