A flood of information rushed through Zixin's mind. Instantly, his understanding of his ability went from nothing, to a beginner.
He tried to keep his composure but the information soon overwhelmed him.
The information strangely came from a different language.
This sub-ability, enables the Holder to experience the closest seven years of a target's history. This sub-ability can only be activated through direct physical contact.
He starts to process the information, his thoughts slowly ordering themselves, So… my first sub-ability allows me to experience the recent seven years of someone's life?
He thought, Sigh, this is far too odd. Why did the information come in the Arconian language? If it weren't for my Mother insisting that I learn, I wouldn't have understood anything. Hmm… when Elmer entered the White Palace and grabbed his Heart–the hook, he didn't obtain the information in any language, it was merely immediate understanding or to put it simply, he just knew what his ability had to offer. Could it be different from one Holder to another? Perhaps that is the case…
Isn't my sub-ability also terrible? Experiencing seven years, really? Isn't that just a disaster waiting to occur? He felt annoyed at his sub-ability but didn't hate it, in the end, it was a tool to be used, a tool that he planned on not using.
Soon, a new thought came to mind: How about naming it?
Zixin pondered over this, If I were to name my first sub-ability, what would I name it? Wait, why did Elmer not name his? Oh, it must be because he only had one sub-ability, so naming it wouldn't make sense since he'll only think about one sub-ability and not multiples. So, should I name mine?
He left the White Palace, clearing most of his thoughts away. He scanned the bedroom again and noticed the dry trees behind the window. Somehow, he imagined the tree being covered in soft white snow. A sudden shift in its weight caused the leaf that held it to falter, eventually dropping the snow.
He muttered his thoughts out loud, "Snowdrop…"
His thoughts came to a halt the moment he heard the creaking noise of the door opening. He cast his gaze upon it, letting it fall upon Hope who entered with a tray that carried a bowl of porridge and a glass of water.
So she finally brought a tray this time, huh? Zixin commented.
She walked over, placing the tray on the desk. She took the bowl and held it in her right hand, while her left hand held a spoon. She scooped the porridge and spoke with an expression that Zixin couldn't read, "Please say 'ah.'"
Zixin kindly told her, "Please, I am not a child. I can feed myself, and… why did you even think of doing this?"
Hope responded in such a way that her words sounded as if it were a fact, "It's fun?"
That's an odd statement. Zixin thought for a moment.
Hope carefully handed over the bowl and spoon to Zixin. Zixin ate the food, feeling his heart calming down.
He asked, somewhat curious but also concerned, "When you found me, what else was there within the vicinity?"
She tilted her head, wondering for a second before replying, "There was a dead wolf. I assumed that you were injured while fighting it."
Zixin's thoughts raced, several possibilities running wildly, A dead wolf? I never fought a wolf, so how did a dead wolf suddenly appear there? Is she lying? Or was Elmer's corpse taken by someone else? But who would take it? Hope? No, it doesn't seem like she has any reason to do so… wait, my wounds were clearly not caused by a wolf so… she probably knows that I fought someone and she's saying that she found a dead wolf because she's being truthful?
Zixin's thoughts snapped when Hope spoke, "We'll be heading down the mountain today. Your wounds are very close to healing so I thought that I should help lighten your mood."
How kind… maybe it's a scheme–no, like she said: 'If things lead to such a scenario, then I will be helping myself.' How strange, looking back at her words, they seem reasonable… Zixin let his thoughts wander about before giving a reply.
He spoke, his words rather polite, "I suppose I have no reason to refuse."
Hope said, sounding mischievous yet also nervous, "But uh… um… can you put on a disguise?"
Zixin's intrigued rose, asking, "Why?"
Hope scratched her cheeks, perhaps a sign of self-doubt, "Daisal is a… nest for criminals. So, you would be regarded as a target and a suspicious individual in their eyes."
Another exaggeration perhaps? Zixin commented internally. His thoughts continued for a second, but even then, I don't have any reason to care about them. They never really bother me so I don't need to stress myself. Sigh, if the Instigation Bloodline were here, no criminal would be able to escape.
Zixin spoke with fake concern, "How are they still able to roam freely?"
Hope added, "Most of the claims against them can't be proven. Oh right, nearly all of them have one thing in common, they are–Hunters."
The ones who slay monsters for a living? Why does this have to get so interesting all of a sudden? I might have to stay a little longer than I expected. Well, Hunters are known for being loners who only gather among themselves. It makes sense, because most of them have lost their families. So, they might be more willing to die and meet them in the afterlife than stay longer. The common reason that I remember from my Mother about them was: 'They might as well perish with the honor of helping their people than die for their selfish desires.' This is merely common knowledge, a portion of them do still seek the thrills of life. A small yet distinct smile formed upon Zixin's face, one that perfectly encapsulates his desire for knowledge.
He gave Hope a knowing look as he asked, "How would you disguise me?"
"Follow me."
Zixin rose to his feet, following Hope. When he finally exited his room, he immediately scanned his surroundings, having a better idea about the cabin. The floor, ceiling, and walls remained the same as in the bedroom. What caught his interest was the wooden counter that was directly connected to the wall. Across it was what Zixin assumed to be the kitchen due to the sink. On his right were couches, tables, and drawers. He almost found how odd it was for there to be barely any decorations but he then remembered that minimalists exist so he set such ideas aside.
While he was analyzing the details, Hope ran off to her room. When she came back, she was holding a white dress.
She asked, puffing up her cheeks to look 'cute,' "Are you willing to wear it?"
"No," Zixin answered without hesitation.
She soon returned to her room to find other clothes. She came back with a black suit, black pants, a white shirt, black shoes, and a top hat.
She added, sounding a little disappointed, "I really wanted to cut your hair while you were asleep but I felt bad."
"I don't want to cut my hair." He replied plainly.
She darted her eyes around before she spoke, "Well, the bath is ready. We can go after you finish."
"Thank you."
…
A few minutes later, Zixin came out of the bathroom dressed in the clothes that Hope provided.
She gestured at him, signaling him to follow her. He followed behind her and left her house.
Zixin was met with the sight of Mount Lorebale's greenery. The trees were tall–towering even. The logs were dyed grey, a special type of tree that only grew in certain areas. The ground was rocky, filled with smooth and rough pebbles.
Hope led the way and Zixin followed. This continued for a few minutes before she suddenly came to a stop.
Zixin cast his gaze upon the ground and saw a dead wolf. Its fur was grey, just like his eyes. He crouched down, looking for any signs of how it was killed but found none. He doesn't have any experience so he never expected to find anything.
His thoughts ran like wildfire, So this is the replacement that the person who took Elmer's corpse left behind. I'll just call this person Tenant since it's the first thing to comes to my mind. I already thought about the possibility of being Hope so how about someone else?
Soon, a single thought clashed with his current one, creating a realization that he nearly called a revelation: Is it possible that Cael's Master had something to do with the corpse's disappearance? Since Cael is following this so-called plan, who else could have made him act upon it other than this Master figure? But, is it really this person? Could it be an accomplice? Someone whom they trusted…
Zixin shook his head, having trouble speculating. He wanted to know the answer but he had far too few clues.
Zixin asked, with a new thought in mind, "Is leaving behind this wolf fine?"
"Mount Lorebale is special, so no need to worry." She replied cheerfully.
"Let's go then."
Zixin rose to his feet, following Hope as she led him. They walked down the path until the sight of the village came into view.
There stood several brick houses, some having multiple floors while some didn't. The structures were quite average, but it was clear that they were quite old due to moss growing on the sides.
They walked through the streets, and while they did, Zixin found nothing abnormal about Daisal.
Suddenly, Hope's footsteps came to a stop. She turned to the old lady, asked with a warm smile while she examined the vegetables, "These look good! Is it two Pier Coins like the usual?"
The lady laughed lightly and replied, "Yes," She added, "but who could this young man besides you be?"
Does she not recognize me? Zixin thought in confusion.
Hope noticed this and replied, "He's a tourist, you can probably tell from his clothes."
Seeing an opportunity, the lady spoke, "If you're also willing to purchase some, I would be giving you a discount."
Zixin sighed, deciding to purchase some.
After this short exchange, Hope bid farewell to the lady and led Zixin elsewhere.
Zixin asked her, "How did she not recognize me? I find it rather… odd."
She turned around, giving Zixin the most mischievous smile. She answered, almost sounding like she was teasing him, "Doesn't that sound arrogant? How would everyone remember the Prince's appearance? It's been so long since you were even mentioned in the news, long enough for most to forget. What most people remember about you is your failures."
She muttered, soft enough that Zixin didn't hear, "Well, the concealment of the herbs did help too."
"But, don't I seem strange? A young man with long white hair, isn't that enough to remember?" Zixin questioned.
"You do know that there are a lot of people who look just as strange right? Like, Cursed Ones? Judging someone by their appearance is a bad trait." She explained while pointing to him.
Zixin darted his eyes around until they landed upon a café. Maybe it was by his instincts but he grabbed her hand and ran towards the café. Hope's eyes widened in shock, and before she knew it, they were already inside the café.
Zixin found a good spot, so he sat down with Hope. She thought for a moment before asking, "Why did you take me here?"
Zixin replied plainly, "I am more comfortable with having a conversation in an establishment rather than on the streets."