When looking into the child's eyes, the man saw no doubts or uncertainties. It was just cold determination. This scared David. These eyes were not found in children, only in adults who fought hard for something and achieved that they would win, regardless of the consequences.
Knowing the boy's power level also surprised David. This level was rare, almost no one was naturally born like this. Normally, these people didn't live past 18, as they ended up taking their own lives or isolating themselves from the world.
"Well, I'll start by telling you who I am first, okay? And then you decide if you trust me." David stirred the glass again, it seemed to be a small habit. "I'm an animal tamer and scientist. I'm labeled crazy in the scientific society. All my books come from personal tests and experiences."
It seemed to be a delicate tone for him to argue.
"Nowadays I am also excluded from all research circles, as they say, that my research is useless and that my discoveries are a failure. Logically it is because my works do not yield money or power to others, only knowledge." He stirred the glass again.
"Now I'm going to ask you two questions and, depending on your answers, I'm going to help you, boy. Would you trust some crazy person considered arrogant and petty to help you with your life's work?" The man asked with curiosity in his eyes, but it was also possible to see a certain expression of embarrassment behind them.
Kayden thought for a moment about what David told him. As he thought, he remembered the phrase in the laboratory and what era it came from. This made his doubts disappear.
"I only know I know nothing." As soon as Kayden said that phrase, the man recognized it. "I saw the phrase down there, I know you probably recognized what I said too. So yes, I would leave my life's work in the hands of a man who studied Socrates enough to recognize his ignorance."
David laughed as he identified with what Kayden said.
"I didn't expect a boy like you to recognize ancient philosophy. Nowadays, it's practically dead. Very well, I liked your answer. Now the last question, consider it as an analogy." Seeing that his glass was empty of wine, David took the other one he had filled.
"Let's say you are with a group of people on a ship. You are the captain and they are looking for new lands to be colonized, this is your life's mission." As he spoke, the scientist gestured. "One day, after traveling a lot, you find a piece of land. When you go down, you soon come across scary beasts, but you manage to defeat them. They come across several poisonous fruits and tortuous paths."
This story was a little familiar to Kayden, but he couldn't remember where he heard it.
"It was clear that it would be an extremely difficult place to conquer and that it would only be through many casualties and suffering that it would be eliminated. Now, as captain, what do you do?"
There were several answers that David expected, such as setting up a shelter, testing the local food, etc. But unlike what David thought, Kayden already had the answer ready. In his other life, he heard a similar story.
"I...would burn the ships." This was the correct answer, that is, they would overcome their challenges regardless of the difficulty. It was almost like "die or win", there was no alternative.
David laughed in surprise at Kayden's firm response. It was something that pleased him.
"Very well, you answered both questions correctly." David straightened his hair a little, but it didn't make much difference to the state it was in. "We can start with you explaining a little about what your goal is and what led you to it."
Kayden was silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts.
"I need something that will allow me to keep progressing indefinitely, and that's the only thing I think I'm capable of." Kayden sat up straighter and continued. "Furthermore, I have thought and have a theory about the best progression path."
After reading many books and thinking for years, Kayden's ideas were strongly solidified in his mind. There were dozens of books and research on the subject. David was curious and asked Kayden:
"And what would your theory be? If it's not personal, please tell me." Some wizards didn't like sharing too much of their work, so David asked politely first.
"I think the way the beasts progress is the correct way because as they are irrational, it is nature that does that. And if you notice, most follow the same pattern. I believe that the path they follow is infinitely superior to the standard styles that we have today."
David had never heard of this theory before, but quickly realized it could be true. Of all the animals on Earth, the only ones who are out of line are humans and they are not even the supreme rulers of Earth. They talked a little more about this theory and David arrived at another point.
"How are you going to make a mana heart?"
"I intend to compress my core so that it fills with mana and, when it is about to burst, release it inside my body automatically, thus creating a cycle." It seemed very simple, seeing how Kayden said it, but it definitely wasn't, or else someone would have already done it. "But I'm not aware of many points, so I came to you."
"I can
help him, but you would need to have a high degree of mana control and also memorize how to do this procedure impeccably." David doubted this was possible, but his passion for knowledge was even greater than his common sense. "Come live with me, boy. In 3 or 5 years we will be able to do this."
Kayden was surprised by the scientist's proposal. It was very sudden. He was still at school. This caused him doubt for a moment. On the one hand, the school still had a lot to teach him, but this knowledge would be useless without the strength to use it.
"I need to talk to my father and I can stay for a maximum of 2 years. I still have to graduate from school and I don't know if I can do both." Kayden expressed his doubts to David and added at the end. "Besides, I... don't have any money."
"Don't worry about money, I don't lack that. Go talk to your uncle and come back in a week. I will gather books and articles on the subject, even if you don't come, I will still deliver them." David seemed more excited than Kayden himself to undertake this project.
Kayden finally began to see a small ray of hope. Quickly getting up and exchanging a few parting words, Kayden ran out of the house. Within seconds, he was outside.
The old man, or rather Mr. Han, had been sitting in the same position since Kayden left. He was cross-legged, reading a small paperback book. Her pose was strangely elegant, strange because the bush and dirt setting didn't match her impeccable attire.
Seeing the boy running down the hill, the old man thought something had happened to the boy. He put away the book and quickly stood up. But all his worries were dispelled when he saw the happy smile on Kayden's face. The old man unpacked the chair and waited for Kayden to catch up.
"Dad, I did it. I finally have a glimmer of hope." Happiness made Kayden unconsciously loosen up. Even though he didn't even know if it would work, he now had a ray of hope. It's been years of banging my head.