Chapter 46 - Yet another fight to deal with.
After a while, Kai finally started to wake up. This time, at least, he had the enjoyment of finding himself in a room instead of a chair, trapped or somewhere even worse. Unfortunately, an even worse presence was sitting idly next to him.
Elder Huan.
Kai shot upright, but immediately felt himself getting yanked back as he noticed the shackles around his wrists and ankles. They absorbed his mana the moment he tried to break them.
Kai raised his hands and pulled against the restraints. Nothing happened. They were simply too strong.
Kai reluctantly stared at Elder Huan, who seemed more startled by Kai's reaction than anything else.
Elder Huan had jumped back and said, "Calm down, kid. I'm not going to eat you or anything."
Kai stared forward, meeting Elder Huan's empty eyes. He was blind after all. That was common knowledge, though Kai had only learned that a few days ago while being interrogated.
Kai remained apprehensive but calmed down as he asked,
"Where's Ray?"
Elder Huan replied, "In the second year's medical facility. In a room much like this one, with another elder watching over him."
Kai mentally noted that Ray was alive, though he didn't know how to feel about that. Sure, he had intended to kill him during the fight, but that had been in the heat of the moment. He didn't even know if he truly cared, or if it was simply something he had done without thinking.
Kai was about to speak when Elder Huan continued.
"You know I'm blind, right?"
"Yeah."
Elder Huan chuckled at the short reply.
"Well, either way... I want you to become my disciple."
Kai blinked.
"What's that even meant to mean?"
At the same time, Kai was also talking to the system. He mentally checked his status, which had changed quite a lot. Not only had his mana capacity had increased.
[Host Status]
[Name: Kai/Yuan]
[Strength: 30]
[Intelligence: 30]
[Speed: 30]
[Charm: Locked]
[Soul Strength: 596]
[Perception: 29]
[Agility: 32]
[Defense: 21]
[Mental Fortitude: 20]
[Endurance: 30]
[Mana: 30,000 / 30,000]
[Body Status: 100% / 100%]
[Attribute Points: 6]
[Level - 12]
[Exp 10/1,200]
Kai smiled at the new screen before speaking mentally.
"Put four attribute points into Perception, one into Endurance, and one into Speed."
[Confirmed.]
Kai heard Elder Huan continue.
"Well, simply put, I'd guide you, help you become stronger, teach you battle arts, and help you whenever I can."
Kai answered,
"What do you gain from this?"
At the same time, Kai asked the system how he had gained two levels in such a short amount of time.
[You completed a quest for defeating your brother.]
Kai's eyes narrowed in the real world as the screen silently changed.
[You completed a quest for defeating Ray Gremory.]
Elder Huan shrugged at Kai's small change in demeanor.
"As for what I'd gain from it... honestly, I don't know. I just enjoy raising monsters. Watching people become stupidly powerful is entertaining. Other than that, I'd gain a bond and a loyal student."
Kai nodded mentally confused on the honestly stupid answer.
"Honestly... I don't mind."
Kai mentally asked,
"Mark is unlocked, right?"
[Affirmative. You have gained a skill upgrade.]
[Silent Movement - Locked]
Silences the natural sounds produced by the body while active, including footsteps and breathing.
[Stealth - Level 1 : While active, mana coats the user's body, hiding natural signs of a living being such as body heat, footsteps, and sounds.] (200 Mana/min)
Kai smiled before looking back at Elder Huan.
"So... when do I leave? Or get these chains off? Don't tell me I'm going to be questioned again."
Elder Huan shook his head.
"I managed to convince the higher-ups not to do that, as long as you become my disciple. Anyway, I'll ask you to spar with me in my dojo in a bit, so be ready."
Kai silently activated a skill without needing the system.
[God Eyes.]
Kai felt his vision stretch far into the distance, reaching beyond the academy until he could see the setting sun.
At the same time, Elder Huan casually waved his hand, and the cuffs snaped off Kai's hands and legs.
Kai said as he smoothly got up "Let's do it at night."
Elder Huan nodded.
"Sure."
Kai followed Elder Huan out of the room and through the medical facility. He recognized it from the last time he had been here and couldn't help but wonder how many more times he'd end up returning.