The rest of the day passed in a haze of classes and hushed conversations. My classmates whispered amongst themselves, speculating about the altercation with the seniors, but I tried my best to focus on the lessons.
After school, I lingered in the schoolyard, waiting for the senior who had challenged me. The rest of the students didn't immediately leave for home, choosing instead to watch me from the safety of their classroom windows.
Where is he?
I wondered, growing impatient. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the yard.
Whoosh! The familiar sound of the Harbinger's arrival sent a shiver down my spine.
He materialized beside me, his shadowy form blending seamlessly with the lengthening shadows of the schoolyard.
Ah, he's here...
The Harbinger looked at me, his mouth a silent, unnerving grin. "The ones who challenged you, I have locked them in the warehouse and rendered them unconscious."
I tilted my head, surprised. "Ah... so I didn't have to fight them?" I whispered to the Harbinger.
He nodded.
"How many did you... take care of?" I asked, curious.
"All of them… Seven, I believe."
"Alright..." I murmured, a mix of relief and unease washing over me.
I sat down on the ground, right in the middle of the schoolyard, the eyes of the students watching me from the windows burning into my back.
"Hey, everyone! You can all go home! They're a bunch of cowards! It's been an hour, and they haven't shown up!" I shouted, my voice echoing across the yard
A cheer erupted from the windows as the students celebrated my victory. Some even began to chant my name.
The Harbinger chuckled beside me, its voice a low rumble of amusement. "They believe you were the one who did that, Xian Ying. Your reputation as a fighter precedes you."
I shrugged, a small smile playing on my lips. It wasn't entirely untrue. While I hadn't thrown a single punch, I had effectively neutralized the threat without resorting to violence.
The students continued to cheer, their voices echoing through the now-empty schoolyard. The tension that had hung in the air dissipated, replaced by a sense of awe and admiration for the mysterious new "hero" in their midst.
I walked out of the school gate, stifling a yawn. "Honestly, I thought I was going to die for a minute there."
The Harbinger kept pace beside me, its presence a silent comfort. "Not while I'm with you," it replied, its voice a reassuring whisper.
"Heh, thanks..." I said, my gratitude genuine.
But where's Hana? She's with Lenna, right? I hoped she was okay.
I reminded myself of my promise to bring her killer to justice.
As we continued walking home, I turned to the Harbinger and asked, "Hey, Harbinger?"
"What is it?" it replied, its voice echoing in my mind.
"When I unseal my eyes, does that mean you'll be absorbed into my body? And you won't be outside anymore?"
"... From what I know, if you are strong enough, the power will be split into two," the Harbinger explained.
"Split?"
"Yes, if you are sufficiently powerful, I will be able to exist outside of you, but in a different form. Not with this black cloak that I currently inhabit."
"I see... and what about the power itself?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"... Your power? You'll have to discover that for yourself. But whatever power you manifest, I will also wield a similar ability." The Harbinger's voice took on a thoughtful tone
I nodded, trying to process this new information.
The idea that I would share my power with the Harbinger was both intriguing and slightly unsettling. It seemed like a symbiotic relationship, one where we were bound together by fate and a shared source of power.
"So, what kind of power do you think I'll have?" I asked, choosing my words carefully,
The Harbinger hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It's hard to say for certain. Your lineage is unique, a blend of the Unveiled and the human world. Your power will likely be a reflection of that duality."
"Duality?" I echoed, unsure of what he meant.
"Yes, You possess both the potential for great light and great darkness. The path you choose will determine which aspect manifests more strongly."
His words sent a shiver down my spine. The idea that I could become a force for evil was unsettling, to say the least.
"I don't want to be evil," I protested, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I know you don't, But the potential is there, lurking beneath the surface. It is up to you to harness your power for good, to resist the temptations of darkness."
I nodded, a newfound determination filling me. I would not let my power corrupt me. I would use it to protect the innocent, to fight for justice, to honor the legacy of my ancestors.
As we continued walking, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets. I felt a sense of urgency, a need to unravel the mysteries of my past and embrace my destiny. The world of the Unveiled was vast and complex, and I was just beginning to scratch the surface.
But I was ready for the challenge.
"But don't just take my word for it, Things might have changed since my time. As your Harbinger, I can only guide you so far. You must ultimately forge your own path and discover your own truth," the Harbinger cautioned
I nodded again, absorbing his words.
"I must wait until you are strong enough to face your destiny, Only then will the true nature of your power be revealed." the Harbinger continued, his voice fading into the twilight.
As I continued walking, a thought struck me.
My future... I could ask Vill to see the future!
I quickened my pace, my heart racing with anticipation.
***
Arriving back at my house, I fumbled for the key, but the door wouldn't budge.
Click! Click!
It was locked.
Shit... Is no one home?
I pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up with a flurry of notifications.
[99+ Notifications from InstingConnection]
Woah... Did someone DM me?
But below that, a more urgent message caught my eye.
[Message from Mother]
I opened it, my heart sinking as I read her words.
[Mother: Xian! I'm at your father's shop. It seems he's in trouble because his worker is on holiday! And I forgot to leave you the spare key, hehe.]
< Chapter 033 > Fin.