After Jazel saw her past, she returned to reality, finding herself standing alone in the cemetery. The clone who had introduced herself as Zelaive had vanished.
Following these events, Jazel went home to her apartment and entered her room, pondering the day's occurrences.
It feels like so much has happened in just one day. What should I do now? Should I really go to the 2nd Layer just to see Zelaive?
As Jazel was lost in thought, memories of their shared moments flooded her mind, back when she had nothing. Jazel blushed as she recalled those times.
"How annoying! Why did she have to show me that? Sleeping next to each other... oh my..."
Before she could finish her thought, she felt deeply ashamed of herself and her memories, and frustration washed over her.
She spotted the teddy bear smiling at her.
"You're still happy while I'm mortified."
It was the teddy bear Zelaive had given her on her 18th birthday.
Flashback: Jazel's 18th Birthday, September 3, 2023
As Jazel walked, sadness and loneliness were evident on her face.
"I don't think I've ever not celebrated my birthday like this before."
The image of her father appeared in her mind, and she couldn't hold back her tears.
She decided not to go home yet.
Darkness fell.
"Why am I even walking? Where am I really going?"
As she walked, she saw her stepbrother standing by a light post, as if waiting for someone.
Just as she was about to turn back to avoid him, something hit her.
When Jazel turned to look, she saw her stepbrother, who had already noticed her.
"What are you doing, and where are you going, Jazel?"
"Why does he sound so arrogant? Has he always been this arrogant?"
"I'm going home. Why?"
"Just make sure you go home soon. Mom has prepared something for your birthday, so go home right away."
Jazel noticed what he had thrown at her: a teddy bear.
"Happy birthday, Jazel."
Jazel stood there, watching Zelaive slowly disappear from her sight.
Looking up at the sky, Jazel said to herself, "Why am I walking even when I don't know where I'm going?"
Back to the Present
"You, teddy bear, you have the nerve to still smile at me."
She punched it in anger, and the teddy bear's head flew off.
"When I see you in the Second Layer, Zelaive, I'm going to kick your butt until it swells up!"
2nd Layer
Zelaive: "Why does it suddenly feel cold here?"
"Are you crazy? We're in the land of sand trees, and the sunlight is scorching hot."
"When are we going to get out of here? It's just sand everywhere. There isn't even a single building in sight."
Zelaive: "I must be imagining things."
"By the way, where's Hazel, Zelaive?"
Zelaive: "I don't know, but I'm sure the old man is scolding her right now."
Shift in Perspective to Hazel, Being Scolded
"I told you not to use your Zeal so carelessly! You haven't even learned about your Zeal type yet!"
As Hazel was slowly trying to escape the Temple of Learning, Euclid, an archaeologist, suddenly entered.
Upon his entrance, Elder Minto, who had been scolding Hazel, turned his attention to him.
He then saw Hazel slowly trying to escape.
"Where do you think you're going, Hazel?"
"I'm caught!"
Hazel had no choice but to listen to Elder Minto's teachings since she had been caught.
While Hazel was being taught, Euclid watched and listened, even though he knew more than Elder Minto.
"Aren't you leaving, Euclid?"
"Don't mind me. Just teach; I'll just listen."
"Listening, even though you are more knowledgeable than me?"
Euclid simply smiled at Elder Minto.
"But since this is for Hazel, I'll start teaching."
Suddenly, Hazel interrupted, "Hurry up and teach me about the types of Zeal so we can get this over with!"
Elder Baron's temper flared, and he couldn't hold back from flicking Hazel's forehead.
"Now, I'll begin.
Zeal, an inherent power residing within the body, is inaccessible to ordinary humans. Awakening is required to harness it. There are three types:
- Morb: Zeal released from the body, usable for offense and defense. Morbs possess 2x or 3x more Zeal than Durdianeas and Closises.
- Closis: The manifestation of one's unique ability. A Closis's ability is determined at birth and is unchangeable, though it can be awakened three times.
- Durdianeas: Access to three pet abilities: Zone, Host, and Change. A normal Durdianeas can access only one; accessing two is considered exceptional.
"Which one of those is my Zeal type?"
"Based on my observation, since you've learned to release Zeal and can now fight, I believe your Zeal type is a Morb."
"Can I leave now? I already know my Zeal."
"It's not yet certain if your Zeal type is 100% Morb."
Euclid spoke, "I'm not sure if her Zeal type is Morb."
Elder Baron: "What is your basis, Euclid?"
Suddenly, the temple shook, and Elder Minto felt a terrifying aura.
While Minto was in shock, time suddenly stopped except for Hazel and Euclid.
"Hazel, what do you see when you look at me?"
Hazel was amazed by what she saw, sweating and smiling.
"A perfect being that I don't think I can defeat."
Suddenly time go back to normal
Euclid smiled and said, "She is a Durdianeas, Elder Baron."
Did she show him her pet just now? I really can't read this one's mind. And that terrifying aura I feel earlier I know it's from him.
And if this child is a Durdianeas, even though the Zeal she possesses is 100x, no, 1000x more powerful than a normal being. How rare that there are two monster in front of me now.
"Okay, if you're a Durdianeas..."
Hazel interrupted again while Elder Baron was speaking, "Will I also have something like that huge monster, Elder Baron?" She looked very excited.
I've only seen her this excited to learn now.
"I promise you that you'll also have your own pet, but I can't promise that it will be like that person's," he said, pointing to Euclid, who waved at Hazel.
Hazel: I also want that kind of power.(smiling)
"I've already explained the three pet abilities of a Durdianeas:
- Zone: Alters the environment, granting buffs or abilities. Activation requires specific conditions. Failure results in severe consequences, ranging from a week-long ban to a lifetime ban.
- Host: Strengthens the owner by merging with the pet.
- Change: Transforms the pet's attributes into weapons or armor.
"If you have two of those three abilities, you will be considered a prodigy."