Finally, the day had come. The center of the city was packed with people and numerous screens and speakers littered the area to properly show what was soon to happen. Endless chatter and hushed whispers came from the people who apathetically waited.
Despite the best efforts of various forces, the city was still overcome with an atmosphere of gloom and sorrow. The once lively streets were deserted, the lively glint in people's eyes gone without a trace, and depression oozing from every word. It was as though the city was filled with the living dead.
"Good morning. As we are all aware, just a few weeks ago our city was attacked by evil soul masters. I know we all have lost plenty, I myself lost my only child." Those words from the mayor signified the start of a king and passionate speech.
Tears were shed and shouts of hatred echoed loud enough for even the heavens to hear. It was an event that truthfully Wulin couldn't relate too. No, he felt like he should be able to but never wanted to. He had never given it much thought but those near him were not immortal.
His rapidly growing understanding of his emotions was a blessing, he truly believed that to be the case. However, he wasn't sure how he would react if he were in their shoes. Would he cry, shout at the heavens in remorse, and demand vengeance on those that caused it all?
"…" He wasn't sure. Would he simply move on with his life, forget all about the bonds he made and grow apathetic once again? No, was he truly anything more than that? He believed he could feel but if only one tragedy could take that away from him was he really human?
Was he nothing more than the robot his teacher had envisioned? Was he truly the uncaring and logical monster he had been made to be? Was he even human at all? He was a selfish and uncaring beast, a monster that moved only when it was convenient to him. Was that the makings of a human being?
The gentle squeeze of his palm broke him free of his thoughts, his gaze moving toward his partner somewhat hesitantly. He didn't want to look at her, not now. He didn't want to imagine the worry in her eyes. He wasn't deserving of such emotion.
But he looked at her anyway. He couldn't understand it himself nor did he wish to dig that deep but it all felt insignificant when he saw those violet eyes. She didn't pity him, she wasn't worried, she didn't even offer him a word of comfort. But he understood.
'This isn't like me.' Relaxing his shoulders Wulin returned his attention to the speech, his turbulent mind calmed in the blink of an eye. Gu Yuena trusted him, she knew he would be fine just as he knew she would be.
Trust. Wasn't that a very human thing? Wasn't he doubting his own character, worrying over uncertain futures the pinnacle of human nature? Wulin enjoyed being 'human' but he would happily admit this was not a positive. But, if it made Gu Yuena happy he'd endure. After all, she had spent so long turning him into a human.
"Follow me." Standing up after the end of the mayor's speech Wu Zhangkong didn't offer any explanation as he led them out of the area and into a nearby building. It looked average from the outside, a tad rundown even, but considering it had endured the previous invasion with so little damage its disguise did little to hide its peculiarities.
"Where are we going?" Curiously looking around the building Mu Xi wasn't all that surprised when the floor began to fall. Metal walls made of expensive alloys blocked their sight as Wu Zhangkong remained silent despite Mu Xi's stares.
"Are you sure you should be showing me this?" Though Gu Yuena wore a teasing grin, her question was genuine. With her spiritual power, she could see the impressive technology held far below them as well as the numerous people working on it. With their teacher's affiliation taken into consideration, it was obvious where they were going.
"It's fine. This place was built in a joint effort between Shrek and the Tang Sect." Honestly answering her Wu Zhangkong left out the fact that only trusted members of both forces were allowed inside this area. It was built in preparation for war after all.
Glancing toward his partner Wulin was relieved to see she was as calm as always. The people inside this place were not those that the current him could defend them from. The two hyper douluo were bad enough but the two limit douluo made it impossible for him to protect them.
Luckily, it wouldn't come to that. Though Wulin couldn't understand why exactly they were being brought in such an important location, he could at least make a few assumptions. The Tang Sect was already allied with them to some extent so it was more likely that Shrek was the true reason they were called. To put it another way, a group of educators wanted to meet talented youths.
"Ah, you've finally arrived! It's been a while, hasn't it?" Amicably greeting the group Zang Xin wore a kind smile as he motioned for the group to take a seat. Unlike one would expect, he did not sit at the head of the long table.
Instead, it was a different man. He, much like Zang Xin, had sharp facial features however they were far less kind and much more mature, his piercing golden eyes trailing over the group in turn. Yet, that sharp gaze of his eased in a split second, his eyes suddenly filled with amusement and interest as he nodded toward their teacher.
Though the other members of the table were equally impressive and odd in their own rights, Wulin didn't spare them much of a thought. Zang Xin was on their side but Wulin suddenly felt as though that was insufficient. From the very moment he had seen the man, Wulin could tell.
This man was the closest to godhood.
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Hey there, hope you liked the chapter.
Looks our little Wulin is growing a heart these days huh? At this point, I think it'd be a stretch to say he's emotionless. Compared to the start when he moved on pure logic, that's some pretty good development huh? In less than a year too. I wonder if I can hire Gu Yuena as a therapist?
If you want more chapters, head to patre*on.com/TrapOverlord for up to 25 extra chapters. It isn't required but it'd be much appreciated.