Amari sat in silence for a moment before finally asking, "I never caught your name."
The man crossed his arms. "My name is Vandel Den."
"Okay… Vandel." Amari nodded, repeating it to himself. But then his expression hardened. "Can you help me? Can you help me search for the Light family—so I can find out about my past, about my eyes, and about my powers?"
Vandel's gaze sharpened, but his answer was firm. "No. I didn't come here to help some kid. I only came here to warn you—because I know what you are. I saw what you did to that monster."
Amari's heart sank. He clenched his fists. "But from what you told me… I come from the Light family. They're the only ones who possess eyes like mine, right?"
Vandel gave a small nod. "Yes."
Amari's chest tightened. But I'm scared to go alone…
He begged Vandel again, desperation in his voice. "Please. I can't do this by myself."
But Vandel only shook his head. "No."
The answer cut deep. Amari sat back, hopelessness flooding through him. So that's it? I have to find a family that might not even be alive? I don't know where to look… I don't even know where to start. And on top of that… I don't even understand these eyes or the powers I've been given.
The room grew heavy with silence, Amari lost in thought and Vandel just sitting there, watching.
Finally, Amari asked, "If I did find this family… could they tell me everything? About my eyes, my powers, my past?"
Vandel's expression darkened. "I don't know. Probably. The last time I saw that family was twenty years ago. Then… they disappeared. I never went back. I had my own life to live."
Amari's lips trembled, but he forced a weak smile. "I see… never mind then."
The two of them sat in silence until night fell. Eventually, Vandel stood. "It's late. I should go."
Amari didn't try to stop him this time. He simply watched him leave.
Alone once again, Amari lay down and drifted into uneasy sleep—his mind drowning in questions that refused to leave him.