"Mr. Vermont, can you not check if others are an awakened?" Zalan asked, surprising even himself with the audacity.
But it was best to delay answering the question until he was sure the [Fourth wall] could do something to prevent him from being exposed.
"There's a thin line between stupidity and bravery kid. Even though you are about three and a half years old, you should know I treat every thing beneath me the…same" Castor said slowly.
Emphasizing the last word, a small branch molded into a knife shot out Castors back and aim right beneath Zalan's chin, slightly poking into his neck. A drop of blood dripped down and stained the marble floor beneath.
Lifting Zalan's chin and staring at him with insect like indifference, Castor studied the baby face with cold eyes and furrowed eyebrows.
If looks could kill, Zalan would've died moments ago.
"Now Zalan, I've been keeping my eye on you. You are undoubtedly the smartest child I have ever seen, yet fail to realize the situation you are in. So let me ask you one last time before my little friend here pieces your neck and I feed your corpse to the beasts outside".
Stroking the snake like branch, Castor bent down and waited for Zalan's response.
'He can't find out for himself!' Zalan figured.
If he could, why would such a strong figure waste time entertaining a mere insect. From the clan wars to fighting against chasm-borns, this could be the only relaxing time Castor has and it's being wasted on a stubborn child.
'Fourth wall tell him I'm an unawakened' Zalan thought frantically. Although the didn't know what the [Fourth wall] could possibly do, it felt like the only option Zalan had.
Alas, when nothing change, Zalan could only man-up and lie bravely to Castor's face.
"No I'm not".
Fighting his quivering body, Zalan said back as confidently as he could muster in hopes that his bluff will convince the clan leader.
"Is that so?" Caster responded.
He slowly receded the branch that reabsorbed into his suit. Part of Castor hoped that the child in front of him is indeed an awakened. If so, it be a huge gain to humanity and the Vermont Clan to help fight in the war. Just as Zalan exhaled a relaxing breath Castor started to speak again.
"You seemed very confident. I would've believed you except you are indeed an awakened. Don't underestimate the network of one of the 8-great clans. I even know what you had for breakfast this morning and what time your parents woke up the take a piss in the middle of the night. Not to mention your Vis concealment technique".
Castor said with a sly chuckle, like a hunter successfully cornering his prey.
Zalan turned several-shades paler and stood there stiff and frozen. Being caught red-handed was not something anyone wanted to experience. Especially if it is caught lying to such a powerful entity.
'I'm so screwed! How did he find out?'
Before Zalan got whisked off to some secret lab, he may as well learn the truth behind it.
The only thing he could think of was that either the Vermont clan placed cameras inside their house, he had gotten reported by Xavier and his gang, or Alex or Amanda had shared the information. The goons probably weren't there when it happened. Not believing his parents would do such a thing and that his house was free of surveillance, Zalan couldn't fathom how Castor found out.
Hospital? The nurse?
Zalan only reflected on all the possible interactions he had previously. There weren't any other guest in the same room and Zalan was pretty sure there were no cameras present. The only likely scenario was that the Vermont clan thought the nurse was telling the truth. Still, who would believe her if she said a three-year old child awakened when three-year olds didn't even know her Vis was. Granted, it was much easier to just ask.
"H—how do you know?" Zalan stammered in disbelief.
Expecting to hear an elaborate theory, Zalan stood there stupefied upon hearing Castor's response.
"I didn't." Castor said with a smile at the child about to faint.
"But thank you for confirming it".
"What!!?"
"I looked at the records. You were admitted to the hospital ward but I don't know what happened. Just that the nurse started going crazy talking about an awakened child.
Zalan was simply speechless.
"If you awakened, the first technique your father would teach you is probably the Vis concealment technique. After all, you guys probably want to keep it a secret. Am I right?"
Feeling light-headed, Zalan could only nod and admit to being bluffed. This guy was not only attractive, but powerful and smart too. Maybe why he is the clan-head of the Vermont Clan.
But still, Zalan was surprised at the abilities of [Soul-sight] and how it affects Tier-9 beings. Even though it didn't display Castor's status, simply looking at him was enough to cause harm. Which other person, let alone creature on earth, has this ability to do the same? [Fourth-wall] as well. It was the reason they were even having this conversation in the first place.
Castor only scoffed at the kid before turning his threatening tone into a mocking one.
"Naughty lying children should be punished." Castor said with a slight tap on the tip of Zalan's nose and whispered in a mocking tone.
"But special naughty children can be useful against fighting bad guys. So I'm sending you to the frontlines. Border of district A. Don't come back until your 6 years are done. After all you need to be taught a lesson before I turn you into a proper Vermont warrior".
"F—frontlines…. as in the war against Chasm-Borns?" Zalan gulped.
"For a child genius, you sure are slow. But don't worry, my best soldier will personally train you. I'm an angel compared to him".
Castor's dark laugher rang through out the empty room. But Zalan had a realization and only thought about something else.
"You aren't going to dissect me and study my body?"
"Tempting, but I don't want to share my little toy and his insides with the other clans".
Zalan paled, but never did he expect to be spared by such a selfish man. Though it was still a much better option that being a lab rat since Zalan could develop [Icarus's swordsmanship] and gain valuable battle experience. It may not even be so bad after all. Just that his life would be hell compared to the comfortable one he has been living up until now.
Castor ignored Zalan and called Xavier.
[Hello? Uncle? What's the matter?]
"Tell the Caddel family I'm giving him personal training"
[W—what? Personal training?]
"Yes. Hurry up and tell them to comeback during the testing ceremony"
[Alright so 7 years later right?]
"Yes. Now go"
Castor hung up the call and turned back to look out the window. Not even turning to look at Zalan, he stood there and raised a fist.
"Boy I will turn you into the finest Chasm-Born killing machine. I swear my name on it!"