As Aryan stared at the two strangers before him, the question about their identity lingered in the air. The woman, sensing Aryan's frustration, stepped forward with a calm demeanor.
"Before you start asking questions," Aryan said, his voice tinged with irritation, "shouldn't you introduce yourselves first?"
The man, clearly taken aback by Aryan's bluntness, narrowed his eyes in anger. "You—!" he began, pointing a finger at Aryan.
The woman, noticing the tension, quickly interjected to diffuse the situation. "Please, excuse us. We should have introduced ourselves properly," she said, her voice soothing. "I'm Reva, and this is Sano. I apologize for his temper; he can be a bit... intense."
Sano, still fuming, glared at Aryan but said nothing. Aryan, maintaining his composure, waved off the man's behavior. "So, what exactly do you want from my story?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite the earlier confrontation.
Reva nodded, acknowledging Aryan's question. "We're investigating the unusual events that occurred that day. We need to understand what happened from your perspective."
Aryan considered this for a moment, then said, "I'll share my story, but first, I have some questions of my own. If you want my account, it's only fair that you answer mine."
Reva agreed with a nod. "Alright, ask your questions."
Aryan, intrigued by their involvement in something beyond his previous understanding, decided to probe further. "What are your views on cultivators?"
Reva was momentarily taken aback by the question. Sano, however, responded with a hint of annoyance. "Why are you asking about cultivators?"
Ignoring Sano's irritation, Aryan continued, "If you want me to tell you what happened, then you should at least answer my questions."
Sano's frustration was palpable as he shot a glare at Aryan, but Reva placed a calming hand on his arm. "Alright, I'll answer," Reva said, turning her attention back to Aryan.
"Cultivators," Reva began, "are individuals who train their bodies and minds to harness and manipulate spiritual energy. They often seek to enhance their physical abilities, extend their lifespans, and gain extraordinary powers. Cultivators can achieve incredible feats, such as martial prowess, magical abilities, and even control over elements. Their training involves rigorous mental and physical exercises, often beginning from a young age."
Aryan listened intently, absorbing the information. Reva's explanation painted a vivid picture of a world beyond his previous comprehension. He was fascinated by the concept of cultivators, their abilities, and the dedication required to reach such levels.
Reva continued, "Cultivators are indeed powerful, but they are not the only ones with extraordinary abilities. There are others, known as Espers, who also possess unique skills. The difference lies in the nature of their abilities and their methods of development."
Sano's patience seemed to be wearing thin, and he interrupted, "Reva, you shouldn't be divulging too much information. We don't know if he can handle it all."
Reva, remaining calm, replied, "It's important for Aryan to understand the full scope. We can't provide half-truths."
Aryan's curiosity was piqued even further by the mention of Espers. "What are Espers?" he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness.
Sano, unable to hold back his frustration, shouted, "Enough with the questions! You're asking too much!"
Reva shot Sano a reproachful look before addressing Aryan. "Sano's right, but I understand your curiosity. Let me explain what Espers are."
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Espers are individuals who possess abilities related to the mind rather than the body. Their powers often stem from psychic or telepathic abilities. They can manipulate objects with their thoughts, communicate telepathically, and even influence others' emotions. Unlike cultivators, who use spiritual energy from the environment and their own bodies, Espers tap into their own mental energy."
Aryan's eyes widened with interest as Reva spoke. "So, while cultivators focus on physical and spiritual training, Espers focus on harnessing the power of their minds. It's a different approach to achieving extraordinary abilities."
Reva nodded. "Exactly. Both cultivators and Espers have their strengths and weaknesses. Cultivators might excel in physical combat and elemental control, while Espers are formidable in mental manipulation and psychic feats. Each has its own way of interacting with the world and dealing with challenges."
Aryan absorbed the information with a sense of awe. The world of cultivators and Espers was far more complex than he had imagined. His previous life as a construction worker now seemed like a distant, mundane existence compared to the vast possibilities these extraordinary beings represented.
Reva continued, "Cultivators and Espers can sometimes cross paths, especially if their interests or goals align. However, their methods and philosophies can be quite different. Understanding these differences is crucial, especially when dealing with events like the one that occurred."
Aryan nodded, still processing the depth of the information. "I see. So, what does this have to do with me and what happened at the construction site?"
Reva's expression grew serious. "The event you witnessed was not an ordinary accident. It was a clash involving powerful forces, potentially between cultivators or Espers. Your survival indicates that there's something significant about you, something that connects you to these extraordinary realms."
Sano's frustration seemed to ebb as he listened to Reva's explanation. He still looked tense, but his demeanor softened slightly. "We need to understand everything that happened so we can protect you and figure out why you were caught in the middle of it."
Aryan felt a mix of fear and intrigue. The knowledge of cultivators and Espers, combined with the mysterious circumstances of the incident, created a whirlwind of emotions inside him. He was no longer just a construction worker—he was entangled in a much larger and more dangerous world.
Reva placed a reassuring hand on Aryan's shoulder. "We're here to help you understand and navigate this new reality. We need your cooperation to piece together the full picture."
Aryan took a deep breath, his mind racing with the implications of everything he had just learned. "Alright," he said finally, "I'll tell you everything I remember. But I need to know that I can trust you. I need to understand what's going on and why this happened to me."
Reva nodded, her expression resolute. "We're here to help you, Aryan. We'll get through this together."
Sano, though still visibly tense, nodded in agreement. "Just be honest with us, and we'll do our best to help you."