Chapter 14: Eyes That Command Silence
" So your saying that it's true he was someone without any superhuman abilities?, I thought that wasn't possible."
" So did I, but I'm sure if you went around asking, you'd find multiple witnesses." Gu Shen said while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Li Fei frowned, her interest piqued. "And yet, today, he was running at speeds most ability users can't match. What changed?"
"To be honest with you Miss Li, I really don't know," Gu Shen admitted. "But it's not just his speed. That look in his eyes back there was a bit frightening...."
" Completely devoid of emotion?." Li Fei spoke up.
" Exactly...., The locals usually said that he was just a talkative boy, no one ever described him as..."
" Cold and Vengeful?." Li Fei interjected.
" Yes..., Well I guess after being treated like trash by everyone around him for so long, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to....change." Gu Shen gulped unconsciously when he recalled Lin Mu's pitch black void like eye's.
Li Fei leaned back in her seat."I see..., I want you to get some men and Keep an eye on him." she said after some pause. "I want to know more about this 'cursed brat.' Something tells me he's not as cursed as these people think, he might just be something far more valuable."
Gu Shen nodded, though he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in his chest. Whatever Lin Mu was, After seeing how he took care of those men back in the Gym, he was definitely sure that he wasn't someone to be underestimated.
Lin Mu's footsteps echoed faintly as he wandered the bustling streets of the town. The lively atmosphere contrasted sharply with the turmoil brewing inside his mind. Though his expression remained calm, his mind replayed the events at the gym, the sharp cries of those he had struck, and the shocked faces of the onlookers.
One wouldn't believe it but, back in the Gym, Lin Mu actually wasn't aware of what he was doing. all he could remember was a strange urge to eradicate everything around him, slowly taking over. Fortunately he was able to keep it at bay, though mildly, before his body slowly calmed down.
His fists clenched at his sides, and he exhaled slowly, trying to calm the storm raging within him. He had only tried to defend himself, yet the brutal force he'd unleashed unsettled him. His strikes had been so precise and controlled, too controlled if he were to describe it. almost mechanical even.
"System...." he called out silently, his voice laced with frustration. "Just what in Buddha's name happened to me back there...".
The system's voice, as cold and detached as ever, responded in his mind.
«[You finally stood up for yourself and didn't get beat up?."]»
"That's not the answer I was looking for." Lin Mu snapped, his eyes filled with rage. "Why do I feel like.....like I'm losing myself?, This isn't just me getting stronger anymore is it, there's something more your not telling me....."
The system remained silent for a moment before responding in a tone that almost sounded cautious.
«[The truth will only endanger you. Some things are better left unknown, for your own sake anyways, I for one I'm very satisfied with your performance.]»
" Are you serious right now?!"Lin Mu stopped walking, his jaw tightening as frustration bubbled over. "You're supposed to be helping me, yet you've already started keeping secrets?."
" How am I supposed to trust you if you won't even—"
Before he could finish, the system cut him off. «[Trust is irrelevant. Survival is the only thing that matters.]»
«[I suggest you focus on that]»
«[Better yet, make it your number 1 priority]» the system added, before the connection went silent, leaving Lin Mu standing in the middle of the street, feeling more lost than ever.
---
As he resumed walking, his eyes caught a familiar figure in the crowd. Chen Hua, the girl who had tried to befriend him before, was heading his way. Her bright smile faltered the moment she saw his face, her steps slowing as she approached him.
"Lin Mu?" she called out softly.
Lin Mu glanced at her, his usual guarded expression faltering for just a moment. Chen Hua frowned, noticing the worrisome look in his eyes.
"Are you okay?, You look like you've seen a ghost or something" she said, tilting her head in concern.
' I wish I actually saw a ghost to be honest...' Lin Mu thought to himself.
He shook his head and tried to brush past her. "I'm fine. Just leave me alone, Chen Hua."
But Chen Hua wasn't one to back down. She grabbed his arm gently, her eyes searching his face. "You're not fine. Come on, let's go sit somewhere. You look like you need to talk."
Lin Mu hesitated, his first instinct to pull away, but her unwavering and earnest gaze soon made him pause.
He sighed. "Fine. Lead the way."
---
The two of them found a cozy café tucked away in a quieter part of the town. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air as they settled into a corner booth. Chen Hua ordered tea for herself and a coffee for Lin Mu, who had barely spoken since they sat down.
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "So, are you going to tell me what's bothering you, or do I have to guess?"
Lin Mu stared at the steaming cup in front of him, his fingers tracing the rim absently. "It's.....complicated," he muttered.
"Everything worth talking about is complicated" Chen Hua replied with a small smile. " Come on, opening up a little wouldn't hurt you, now would it?."
For a moment, Lin Mu debated whether to open up or keep his burdens to himself. But as he glanced at Chen Hua's expectant face which looked like she wasn't going to take a no for an answer, he relented.
Lin Mu sighed and began to speak. "I was at the gym earlier, just trying to train."