He didn't care about his academic matters at the moment, someone's life was at stake here. He rushed home as soon as he learned of his sister's decision to randomly take someone's life indiscriminately. His heart felt a mixture of anger and sadness. Zeyn couldn't comprehend why his sister could commit such a cruel act and felt immensely frustrated.
An unwritten pact had been declared by marking his body as the seeker of sacrifices. However, the cold air he felt started to creep in after a Keris scabbard was pierced into his chest. He thought the pact was too one-sided and unfair. He couldn't possibly let others die just like that. Now he felt responsible for Azalea's life.
"Oh, there you are."
Mr. Hendri suddenly appeared as he was making his way to building A's hallway and obstructed his path.
"Mr. Hendri... how come you're here?!"
He hadn't seen him for several days, neither at the office nor in the village where he lived. So why was he suddenly at his campus? More importantly, where had he been all this time?
"Why are you so surprised to see me?" asked Mr. Hendri gently.
"Uhh, but..."
"Anyway, You seem really angry today."
"I'm just... no!... nothing's wrong, really."
The unconvincing response was like entertainment for the man. A small smile indicated that he understood the situation that this guy was facing.
"Do you want to go home? Let's chat while walking," said Mr. Hendri.
"But, I can't. There's something I need to do now, sir."
"Is it about your issue with your sister?"
A mixture of shock and confusion painted Zeyn's expression. He was even more confused about why these middle-aged men could be on his campus now. He shouldn't have been surprised that he knew all of his problems. Moreover, he also understood that Mr. Hendri was not an ordinary person.
"Why are you here!? What do you need?! I have to go..."
Zeyn felt confused and didn't know what to do because he was still in a highly emotional state.
"Calm down... you're acting as if doomsday is coming tomorrow," Mr. Hendri said softly. "Tell me what happened."
Honestly, he was still unsure, but Mr. Hendri's smile seemed to imply that everything would be okay. In the end, he just agreed to walk alongside and take a break. Zeyn didn't know if it was the right time to talk. But it was also his fault for hiding this matter from the two people who should have been his mentors.
"It's my fault. Now I have to bear the consequences."
"Your mistake is bearing everything on your own. Hasn't this happened before?"
"..."
Is it too late for him to resolve this matter peacefully? It was never a problem before. Why does he now feel that his sisters are so cruel?
"This isn't the first time you've hoped for your sister to release someone from the shackle of the Vasukih forest, right?"
"Yes..."
"You're confused now, why is the forest ruler making an issue out of something that you actually do quite often?"
"..."
Zeyn remained silent at this point. Mr. Hendri was truly able to read his thoughts and feelings.
"Any unpaid blood must be paid for with other blood.... that's the unwritten law of the supernatural world," said Mr. Hendri. "Do you think your debt can just be forgotten like that?"
"I... I just..."
While patting his shoulder, Mr. Hendri looked at him gently.
"You're not young anymore. I believe your sisters understand that. Didn't she say something to you?"
After hearing that, Zeyn's steps came to a halt. He remembered Ayu's words back then. A rebuke!
'Learn to be responsible, based on the noble values that the ruler has taught you!',
With that memory in mind, it was as if he was recalling the terrifying astral event once again.
"So, that's what it means," Zeyn murmured softly. "But is it justified to take the life of an innocent person as a substitute for another innocent life? After all, she only needs to release two people."
Mr. Hendri sighed and shook his head in response.
"How long have you been the owner of the sixth sense? Surely you're not pretending to be ignorant, right?" he said with a serious gaze. "You should already understand how the supernatural realm works."
He understood, even very well, about that matter. However, Zeyn's heart was filled with a dilemma. Which was the right path between human rights and the social culture that existed in the other realm? Julius taught him about humanity, but Bella taught him about life in the astral world. For years, he grew up with these two figures and became who he is now. Both of them had different perspectives... but then again, they were different beings as well.
"I don't understand. I don't get it!"
"Your actions are not wrong on either side. However, you have to bear the consequences of both paths you will take. Remember! All of this is already your fate... as a person who can cross two worlds," replied Mr. Hendri.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the laws of both realms, especially because the young man understood how these two worlds interacted with each other. It was a reminder that what Zeyn did was right, but two right things would always come with consequences.
"If you feel that you have done your best within your limits, give the universe a chance to do its job as well. If not, then think of the best path for both," said Mr. Hendri.
"What do you mean?" Zeyn expressed his confusion.
From the pocket of his jacket, Mr. Hendri took out a simple letter enveloped in an envelope. He handed the letter to the young man.
"Give this to Julius, he will help explain it to you."
A letter? What could be the purpose of this message? Wouldn't it be easier to communicate through social media as usual? Zeyn tried to think multiple times about why he was given this entrusted envelope. It was an unusual gesture from Mr. Hendri.
"Is it money?"
"Hahahaha, no."
With a gentle laugh, Mr. Hendri patted his shoulder. He walked back along the campus corridor, leaving Zeyn still standing there, silent and motionless.
"Sir? Tell me... what should I do to protect that girl?"
"Think about what you can do and what you cannot do, Zeyn. You are no longer a child. Your responsibilities will grow even greater from this point onward."
Mr. Hendri kept walking until he finally reached a junction. Before leaving, he waved his hand and smiled gently at Zeyn.
"Wait, what do you mean?"
"I don't know, but it's something you have to find the answer to yourself. Just focus on fulfilling your duties for today," Mr. Hendri replied, his voice filled with a sense of mystery.
He ran to catch up with him until the corridor's bend. But when he arrived there, Mr. Hendri had already disappeared and vanished from sight. After blinking for a split second, Zeyn realized that the corridor was actually bustling with students passing by. However, when they were walking together earlier, it felt very empty.
He felt confused with Mr. Hendri's answer. His heart was still tumultuous, questioning what was right and what was wrong. Was siding with astral beings like his sister also a good thing? Or should he remain on his current path? What is the true essence of humanity when one becomes aware of the existence of beings other than humans who also have their own laws and culture?
"Ah... I'm so confused."
He tried to take some time to reflect on this issue and find a solution. What did he mean by giving a letter to Julius?
A few moments later, Zeyn felt calmer and able to think more clearly. He felt more at peace and accepted that not everything could be changed by him. However, he still wondered if the girl named Azalea would be alright after this.
In the end, he decided to just return to the classroom. But how could he catch up with Kriss just by running? Ultimately, he chose to use his powers. The world gradually slowed down, entering a slow-motion state that affected the environment and all living creatures. Only Zeyn remained unaffected, as if he was walking forward, and in the blink of an eye, he was already behind Kriss.
Teleportation, shifting his body through realms with multiple time zones.
"Good morning,"
"Hm? Huh? WHAT?!"
Kriss was startled by the sudden appearance of the person who tapped on his shoulder. But he was even more surprised because the young man with red eyes was already behind him.
"Where did you come from?... You said you had something to do earlier? Wait! You were supposed to-"
"It's alright, I'm fine now. Let's go to class."
"... Huh?"
"Why? What's wrong?"
If we consider the logic, only a minute has passed since Zeyn left and left him behind. The young man should have already left the D building if he claimed to be going home. But what made him change his mind so quickly? The feelings of distress and sadness that were evident in his expression have also disappeared.
"We might be late if we don't hurry,"
The message from Mr. Hendri to him was to focus on his obligations for today, especially when it comes to attending classes. He seemed unconcerned even though someone's life could be at stake today. Zeyn chose to trust him. He would deal with his sister later, he would definitely take it into consideration.
* * * *