Shingin followed Rayl into the room. The wooden floor creaked softly beneath their steps, and a faint scent of tea mixed with the warmth of sunlight filtering through the curtains filled the air. After a brief instruction, Rayl excused himself, closing the door gently behind him.
William sat by the window, relaxed, a cup of tea in hand. Despite the long time since their last meeting, his gaze was as profound and calm as ever, as if he had anticipated Shingin's arrival.
Faced with this long-missed elder and the farsighted leader of the Revolutionary Party, Shingin felt a surge of unease. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak hurriedly. "Mr. William—"
"Hold on," William raised his hand lightly, signaling him to be patient. His voice was mild yet firm. "Sit down first, have some tea, and relax."
Hesitant, Shingin complied, lowering himself into the seat. The tea was warm, its subtle sweetness calming his frayed nerves. As his tension eased, he began recounting his recent experiences—detailing the madness of Akari, the ruthlessness of Hayato, and the indelible moments he had endured.
William listened in silence, never interrupting, until Shingin finished. Only then did he set his cup down, his eyes reflecting a contemplative depth. "It seems your journey since we last met has been far from easy. You've faced no shortage of crises."
Shingin nodded, a trace of helplessness and confusion clouding his expression. "Yes. I once thought only ability users could wreak such terrifying destruction. But after encountering Akari and Hayato, I've started to wonder—could anyone, as long as they harbor malicious intent, destroy everything?"
A faint smile tugged at William's lips, carrying a hint of satisfaction. "It seems you've learned a lot on your journey and witnessed the complexity and vastness of this world."
Lowering his head, Shingin sank into brief contemplation. He recalled William's earlier advice: Go and see the world. Now he understood that this counsel wasn't merely about traveling but about confronting the incomprehensible depths of human nature and power.
"Mr. William," Shingin abruptly lifted his head, a note of plea in his voice, "Can you save her? Usagi—there might still be hope—"
William's tone remained calm yet carried a touch of resignation. "The girl you encountered, Usagi, and those two boys—they're remnants of the Crimson Clan. As for Akari, his red eyes suggest he may have ties to them. But his fractured mind has led to infighting."
Stunned, Shingin froze. He had never imagined that the people he had stumbled upon were connected to such a significant force. "The remnants of the Crimson Clan... they—"
"They've been hunted relentlessly over the years," William explained, his tone steady as if recounting an inconsequential tale. "The crimson mark is both their fate and a death sentence. No matter how they hide, they'll eventually be found. Without a leader, the remnants of the Crimson Clan are nothing more than desperate stragglers. Entangling yourself with them will only plunge you into endless danger."
Shingin's thoughts swirled in turmoil. He had believed that the conflicts among ability users were complex enough, but it now appeared the entire world of ability users was far more dangerous and unfathomable.
Returning to the main topic, William asked, "Now, do you know why I summoned only you here?"
Shingin shook his head, unable to discern William's intentions.
"Your water alien soul has transformed into an ice alien soul, correct?" William asked deliberately.
Shingin nodded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Yes, but ever since then, I haven't been able to summon that icy power again."
"That is precisely what sets you apart," William said, his gaze piercing as if probing Shingin's very soul.
"My uniqueness?" Shingin frowned, perplexed. "But I have no idea how to control it."
"No one fully understands the cultivation of alien souls," William remarked softly, his tone infused with philosophical weight. "Some theories suggest that the essence of a soul lies in its integration of spirit, emotion, and consciousness. In moments of extreme emotion or realization, the soul's nature can change. Your ice alien soul emerged in such a moment."
"So what should I do now?" Shingin asked.
"Use your soul to sense everything around you," William instructed, his voice serene yet resolute. "Pay attention to the subtle shifts in your surroundings with your heart. From our last meeting to now, you may not have formally learned combat techniques, but your demeanor has already changed. For now, you can wander around the town and feel its aura."
Shingin nodded silently, devoid of expression, as he rose to leave.
"Wait," William suddenly called out. Shingin turned back, puzzled.
"You may stay here and rest for a while, to ease your mind," William advised, his tone earnest. "Your current despondency is temporary. The future will be brighter."
Hearing this reassurance, the future will be brighter, stirred a complex emotion in Shingin. He wanted to refute it, but in the end, he forced a faint smile, nodded in acknowledgment, and exited the room.
As William watched Shingin's figure disappear through the doorway, a conflicted emotion flickered in his eyes. He observed the youthful face burdened with uncharacteristic sorrow, his brows knit in a deep furrow, carrying a weight no one his age should bear. At that moment, William sighed softly, muttering to himself in a low tone, "May these trials truly forge your growth, rather than break you."
He raised his teacup, gazing at the rippling surface, lost in thought, as a heavier expression gradually settled on his face.