Capítulo 17: Chapter 16: Pursue

*CAW-CAW*

The bird's cry pierced the serene evening air as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a deep golden glow across the land. The warm, amber hues stretched across the sky, slowly dissolving into twilight.

Inside the Guest House in Taoyuan Vale, the same sunlight filtered through the ageing window panes, softly illuminating the room with a tranquil, golden light.

Dust motes floated lazily in the air, suspended in the warm glow that caressed the wooden floor, painting the room in shades of amber and shadow.

Kyroin sat in the centre, cross-legged and unmoving. His posture was a statue of perfect stillness, his eyes shut as he meditated.

The fading sunlight touched his face, wrapping him in a quiet warmth that seemed to pull him deeper into himself.

His breathing was steady, his thoughts calm, like the surface of a still lake, undisturbed by even the faintest ripple. Yet, beneath this tranquillity, his mind whirred with silent contemplation.

DEVA hovered nearby, her lens dimmed as if in quiet reflection of the setting sun. The sphere drifted ever so slightly, its presence a constant, silent sentinel, anchoring Kyroin's focus.

The AI was more than a companion—she was a reminder of purpose, of the stillness he maintained even when the world around him moved with its rhythm.

Beyond the walls of the guest house, nature sang its evening song. Birds chirped softly in the distance, and the rustling of leaves whispered in the soft evening breeze.

The hum of the outside world blended seamlessly with the rooms' stillness, creating an almost hypnotic balance.

As the sunlight shifted and shadows danced along the floor, Kyroin's hands rested in The Padma Mudra, a gesture at his heart, with his fingers blossoming outward like a lotus flower.

Inspired by the lotus, this mudra symbolized the heart chakra—inviting in love, compassion, and the potential for new beginnings.

His fingers were delicate, as though cradling a fragile possibility, something yet to bloom within him. The energy of the mudra, subtle and gentle, resonated with the warmth in the air as if aligning his heart with the universe around him.

But as the moment lingered, something within Kyroin shifted. His hands, once open and blossomed, began to move.

His fingers interlaced and transitioned into The Granthita Mudra, where they now formed rings with his index fingers and thumbs, the gesture resting at his throat chakra.

This mudra symbolized the clearing of blockages, a way to express the authentic self—a silent preparation for clarity and truth.

Though Kyroin did not speak, the subtle change in his body language suggested an internal shift, a readiness to express something deeper that had been locked away.

Though composed and calm, his body revealed his inner thoughts through these subtle shifts. The Padma Mudra's invitation of new possibilities and love gave way to the Granthita Mudra's call for self-expression.

The sun continued its descent, casting longer shadows, and as darkness began to creep into the room, Kyroin's stillness remained, but the energy within him had changed.

DEVA watched the sun sink lower, its golden glow enveloping the room, but her attention was solely on Kyroin.

Despite his expression remaining impassive, a subtle shift piqued her interest. 'He isn't crying.'

This was not the first time DEVA had observed Kyroin during his meditations. Each session, he had instructed her to safeguard his focus, ensuring nothing disturbed his inner peace.

In the past, each transition of his mudra had been marked by tears of ecstasy streaming down his face. Yet now, his cheeks were dry, untouched by the well of emotions that had once flowed so freely.

Kyroin's earlier words echoed in her mind, "Something has indeed changed, DEVA."

Though she couldn't pinpoint the exact alteration in her boss's demeanour, she sensed a transformation, a preparation brewing within him. It was clear he was on the cusp of something significant, and she needed to be alert.

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting the room into twilight, Kyroin opened his eyes, letting out a deep sigh.

Thoughts danced in his mind, reflecting on the challenges he faced. 'So, the Third Eye World is still unreachable at my current stage.'

He turned his gaze toward the southeast, resolution settling into his expression. 'It's time to pursue the third awakening stage—Rebirth (C3).'

"DEVA," Kyroin mentally called out, his voice steady.

"Yes, boss," she replied, her lens gleaming with anticipation.

"Let's head to the southeast," he commanded, his tone always detached and aloof.

The two moved toward the door, reaching for the handle as they exited the guest house. As they stepped outside, DEVA broke the silence. "Are we now headed to Jinzhou?" she asked, knowing that the city lay to the southeast.

Kyorin replied, "No. I believe there is another place to the southeast." DEVA quickly scanned the map, her lens narrowing in concentration. "There's an abandoned village called Qichi Village there."

"Hm," Kyorin nodded, gazing toward the southeast—not at Qichi Village, but at Jinzhou. A thought lingered in his mind as he wondered, 'Could it be that Rover is the true shepherd?'

Meanwhile, back in Jinzhou, Yangyang and Rover concluded their investigation and prepared to bid farewell to Mortefi and Biahzi.

Just as they turned to leave, Mortefi's voice called out, interrupting their exit. "Oh, by the way—"

Rover and Yangyang turned back toward him, curiosity evident in their expressions. Rover raised an eyebrow, her posture slightly rigid, while Yangyang's face shifted to one of intrigue.

Mortefi's request hung in the air, earnestness shining in his eyes as he said, "Can I meet that friend of yours? I believe his name was Kyorin?"

The unexpected request caught them off guard. They exchanged glances, surprise reflected in the sudden stillness between them.

Rover felt a flicker of intrigue but kept her curiosity in check. Instead, she focused back on Mortefi and replied, "We'll inform him."

Mortefi's expression softened into a hint of gratitude. He gave a slight nod, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you."

With that, Rover and Yangyang turned on their heels, the door closing softly behind them as they left the room.

They then made their way through some hallways before exiting the academy.

Outside the Academy, Rover and Yangyang walked side by side, the crisp, cool air a welcome contrast to the cluttered atmosphere they had left behind.

Rover's hand moved thoughtfully over her terminal, retrieving two candies. She offered one to Yangyang, who accepted it with a grateful smile, her eyes lighting up.

"Thank you, Rover," Yangyang said softly.

Rover popped her candy into her mouth, savouring the immediate burst of sweetness. The renewed energy it brought was almost palpable. "Sweet," she commented, her tone light.

Yangyang's expression grew more serious, her gaze turning inward. "Rover, about the sugar pearl…"

Rover glanced over, her curiosity piqued. "What about it?"

Yangyang's eyes softened with a hint of nostalgia. "Life hasn't been easy since the Lament, but I still remember that sweetness from my childhood."

A sigh escaped Yangyang's lips, her eyes growing distant. "The battle against the epidemic in Jinzhou was relentless. Children either died or were left with lifelong disabilities. Resonators and non-resonators alike suffered."

She paused, her gaze darkening. "Tacet Discords wreaked havoc on Jinzhou, cutting it off from the rest of the world. The desperation was overwhelming."

Yangyang's voice dropped, the weight of her words filling the air with a solemn gravity. "People were desperate. They turned to self-experimentation with a new vaccine, risking everything for a glimmer of hope. If they failed…"

Her voice trailed off, leaving an unspoken sense of the tragic reality they faced. The candy in her hand seemed almost insignificant against such stark memories, each shared detail weaving a tapestry of hardship and hope.

Rover interjected, "But they made it, didn't they? They're hailed as heroes by Huanglong, aren't they?"

Yangyang nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "We owe our presence here to those who came before us. It's important to remember their sacrifices."

She paused, her brow furrowing as she considered the implications. "If the sugar pearl points to the information and reports we just read, what is Madam Magistrate trying to convey? Is it related to your past? Or is it…"

Rover's eyes widened as she realized the implication. "Could it be about my past?"

Yangyang hesitated, then nodded slightly. "According to the reports, the vaccine's creator died three years after its development, and the rest of the team is now over fifty."

A thoughtful look crossed Yangyang's face. "You mean… You may be that infant shown in the footage. They should be around your age by now."

"But… they didn't have your golden eyes," Yangyang added, her voice trailing off.

Rover considered this, her mind racing. "Perhaps I was one of the children that were saved."

Yangyang nodded again, deep in thought. "But you're not from Jinzhou… Maybe the place you came from had a similar situation?"

Rover's eyes narrowed as she processed this information. "Are you suggesting that I'm one of those heroes?"

Yangyang tilted her head, a contemplative expression on her face. "A hero… Hmm."

Rover sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Yangyang, can you be more direct with me about what you're trying to imply?"

Yangyang looked at Rover, her gaze softening with understanding. "Well, I was just wondering if you're alright staying in Jinzhou. You're fairly new here, and it must be difficult with your amnesia."

Rover shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "No, in fact, I'm grateful to you guys."

Rover's gaze swept across the night street view of Jinzhou, her eyes relaxing as she took in the city's ambience. "Speaking of which, can you tell me about the founding of Jinzhou? I heard it's quite a fascinating tale."

Yangyang's expression brightened as she began recounting the tale. "Jinzhou is the most recent city established in Huanglong."

She gazed around adding. "The Mountains of Spirits run from north to south, dividing Huanglong into Inner Huanglong, which houses the capital and the five cities, and Outer Huanglong, where Jinzhou is located."

Her voice took on a tone of melancholy. "Jinzhou was founded due to the Battle of the Gorge of Spirits."

Yet, the next moment, her expression shifted to that of pained before she added, "Tacet Discords emerged from the Norfall Barrens, and their invasion route was initially traceable. However, the emergence of the Crownless changed everything."

Rover's inquired, "The Crownless?" Her curiosity piqued.

Yangyang's expression grew serious. "The Crownless is a Tacet Discord that embodies war itself. Its essence is fueled by the hatred of fallen warriors and the fear of survivors."

She continued, her tone darkening, "Some researchers have speculated that it may be connected to the Threnodian."

Rover tilted her head, intrigued. "Threnodians? What are they?"

Yangyang's face grew sombre. "The Threnodian is considered the most powerful Tacet Discord. There's a lot to its story, but for now, think of it as a formidable enemy that we battled before. The Crownless bears a striking resemblance to it."

Yangyang's voice dropped to a near whisper. "According to the reports, the Crownless is very similar to the Tacet Discord we encountered in the Gorge of Spirits."

She took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting distant memories. "During that battle, our Sentinel, Jué, manifested before us."

Rover's mind raced as she pulled out the sundial and asked Yangyang, "What do you think about the time indicated on the sundial?"

Yangyang's eyes focused on the sundial, her analytical mind shifting into gear. "We have the symbol 'Wei' now. It should be paired with the time part."

Her brow furrowed in concentration. "But this alone won't solve the puzzle. We might need to reexamine the tokens to figure out the cardinal direction part. It could be related to how we deciphered one of the clues."

Rover nodded, her thoughts aligning with Yangyang's. "My thoughts exactly."

Yangyang turned to Rover, her gaze questioning. "What do you think, Rover?"

Rover hesitated, her gaze shifting towards the horizon as she pondered the Magistrate. "Hmm, Yangyang, what kind of person do you think the Magistrate is?"

Yangyang's expression grew thoughtful. "I've only seen the Magistrate once at the Appointment Ceremony, so I can't comment much on her personality. However, her policies have been effective and have greatly benefited us since she took office."

She paused, her voice taking on a note of scepticism. "There are rumours that the remarkably far-sighted and profound decisions were devised by Counselor Changli, due to the young age of the Magistrate."

Rover's curiosity was piqued. "Counselor Changli?"

Yangyang nodded. "Lady Changli is our Magistrate's advisor and former teacher. She once held a high position in the Central Secretariat but requested a transfer to Jinzhou."

Her voice dropped, tinged with caution. "I've also heard rumours painting her as a cunning manipulator rather than a loyal servant…"

Yangyang's troubled expression didn't go unnoticed by Rover. Sensing her discomfort, Rover decided not to press further.

She took out the tokens and shared her thoughts. "Let's review what we've gathered so far. Our clues point to the sugar pearl as a key in solving the sundial's puzzle."

Rover's voice grew more confident as she laid out her theory. "One token can lead to multiple targets, and one may hold several pieces of information."

She continued, her tone reflective. "We both had our reasons for the meeting: the Magistrate had information to share, while I had questions to ask."

She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "However, her tokens seem to contain both what she wants to tell me and what I want to ask her, making it seem like she's complicating matters. Or maybe..."

Rover's eyes narrowed as a new possibility dawned on her. "Maybe she was running out of time. That's why she could only offer us scraps of the puzzle instead of putting it together."

She paused, her expression thoughtful. "Or perhaps she's a master strategist, leaving breadcrumbs for us to follow. The initial clues might be a test… to weed out the wrong recipients."

Rover's voice grew lower, her thoughts turning darker. "She needed to ensure that those who found these tokens without understanding their true meaning would not be able to use them for access."

'Hm, however, these clues... don't seem that difficult. I believe if it weren't for my amnesia, I would have been able to figure them out way earlier with some help.' Rover pondered, her thoughts drifting to Kyorin. 'It's hard to believe that he would also be unable to solve them.'

She knew he shared a case of mild amnesia like hers, yet he seemed to hold more depth than he let on. 'Speaking of him...'

Rover gazed toward the city gate, her thoughts circling back. 'Where is he? '

On the northwest side of Jinzhou, near a tranquil lake, the sound of water gurgled softly, punctuated suddenly by a —*splash*.

Kyorin emerged from the lake, exhaling deeply as cool water streamed off his body. His navy hair, a dark cascade blending seamlessly with the night sky, clung to his face and shoulders, droplets glistening in the moonlight.

His yellow eyes, glowing like twin moons, radiated an ethereal light, their intensity contrasting with the serene surroundings. Water beaded on his skin, highlighting his chiselled features and lean, muscular form.

For a moment, Kyorin stood still, the lake's tranquillity soothing his troubled mind. A lot had happened after his arrival in Huanglong, these strange encounters, visions, and now a need for improvement circled through his mind.

He ran a hand through his wet hair, slicking it back as he waded toward the shore. Each step sent ripples across the lake, distorting the moon's reflection.

*Rustle, nocturnal whistle*—The night remained calm, the only sounds being the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

"You could have just waited to reach Jinzhou and taken a bath there, Boss," DEVA remarked, though inwardly she added, 'though I am not complaining. I wonder how much those two—Rover and Snahua—would be willing to pay to see this, hehe~'

Kyorin gazed at her, mentally asking, "Did you say something?"

To which, DEVA responded, "Nope."

"Hm," Kyorin hummed. Gradually, he shut his eyes, allowing the memories of earlier visions to wash over him.

/The scenery of water ascending upwards to the sky./

/The image of Rover and a mysterious figure with a green dragon./

/The image of a white streak connecting to the Etheric Sea./

/And a hooded figure holding a scythe as wolves howled in the background./

"I must be close," Kyorin thought as he emerged from the river. DEVA urged, "Boss, there are presences nearby."

"Hm, but I... —!!?" Kyorin gazed at DEVA as he questioned, "DEVA." Understanding his unvoiced concern, DEVA nodded as they shifted their attention towards a distance.

Kyorin and DEVA stood poised, their senses heightened as figures materialized in the distance.

Among them, an old man sprinted toward them, his frail frame stark contrast to the masked figures hot on his heels—Exiles, notorious for their savagery.

A desperate cry sliced through the thickening dusk. "Hey, you, please help me!" Panic radiated from the old man's eyes as he rushed toward them, his breath ragged, a whirlwind of fear and urgency.

Kyorin shared a knowing look with DEVA, recognizing an unspoken truth. As the old man sought shelter and protection with them, they found themselves encircled menacingly, like a noose tightening.

"Well, well, well… look what we have here." A tall Exile stepped forward, his gaze a predatory slant as he scrutinized Kyorin, still dripping from his recent plunge into the river.

The cold water glistened on his skin, illuminating the tension in his stance. Sensing Kyorin's vulnerability, a smug grin crept across the Exile's face.

"Look at this one, all wet and unarmed," he sneered, the disdain in his voice dripping like venom. "Easy prey. I bet he won't even put up a fight!"

The mocking laughter of the other Exiles resonated through the air, harsh and grating against the tranquillity of the evening. "Hey, maybe he'll just surrender without a fuss," one jeered, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"Or maybe he's just a coward who got lost," another added, the smirk on his lips revealing teeth like jagged stones.

A female Exile, her presence sultry and dangerous, stepped closer. The glint in her eyes spoke of predatory interest as she surveyed Kyorin, her voice a sultry whisper laced with mockery.

"Oh, but he's quite handsome," she purred, her words wrapping around him like a vine. "Maybe I'll take him back to my lair and have fun with him."

Kyorin remained impassive, yet DEVA's voice sliced through the air like a blade. "Oh hell no, you bitch!" she exclaimed, her tone sharp and unyielding.

The female Exile's hidden features twisted in anger. "Shut it, you tin—" she began, but DEVA swiftly sent a crimson beam at her, effectively silencing her.

"What a disgusting vixen! If you want to have any chance with my boss, you'll first need to get my permission," DEVA declared, her resolve unwavering as she stood between Kyorin and the threat.

Kyorin blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion, the weight of DEVA's words sinking in. "Oi, what are you talking about? Since when did you decide that? " he asked, his tone laced with bewilderment.

"From the moment I became your armament," DEVA replied, her voice steady, a fierce protectiveness glowing in her lens.

"What the—are you my mother or something, to determine who my spouse will be?" Kyorin shot back, an incredulous brow arched as he glared at DEVA.

With a steady gaze, DEVA replied, "If you truly love a woman, then I would be more than happy if you two got together, but…" She paused, her lens narrowing slightly as if she knew it was futile. "Knowing you, I believe it's impossible."

"—!!?" Kyorin's thoughts stumbled, caught between offence and contemplation. 'Was that an insult?' he pondered, an irked vein throbbing on his forehead.

DEVA continued, unbothered by his inner turmoil. "Hence, I have taken the liberty to collect data and look for your spouse, boss. No worries—no hussies will ever get close to you. Only a lady of refined class shall be worthy to be your partner."

The notion of being matched with someone sent a flicker of protest through Kyorin. He wanted to argue, to push back against DEVA's presumption, but the surrounding Exiles loomed like dark shadows, and time was not on his side.

His gaze drifted to the shimmering lake nearby, its surface reflecting the fading light, and a plan began to form in his mind.

In the stillness of that moment, he silently chanted, "Echoes of the Chasm, Third Chasm: Gathering of the Apex."

As the words escaped his mind like a whispered incantation, a gurgling sound erupted from the depths of the lake, reverberating like the growl of an awakening beast.

Shadowy silhouettes began to materialize, rising from the water's depths—*EEEE*—the haunting echo of sound resonated, reverberating in Kyorin's bones.

From the shimmering depths emerged the spectral forms of multiple killer whales, their immense presence filling the space with an awe-inspiring display.

Although smaller than a full-grown orca, the ethereal projections held an imposing aura that commanded respect.

*Loom*—These magnificent creatures, slightly smaller than their real-world counterparts, glided through the air with an elegance belling their size.

Each sleek, thirty-foot form moved effortlessly as if swimming through an invisible ocean, weaving through the currents of the air with fluid grace.

Every detail of the ethereal orcas was rendered with breathtaking precision—from the graceful curve of their dorsal fins to the powerful flukes that hinted at the raw, untamed force they contained within.

*Splash*—As one whale surged forward, its speed reached an astonishing 56 km/h (approximately 34.8 mph), a powerful rush that charged like a tidal wave. The momentum it generated was nothing short of overwhelming.

*Glide*—Gliding with the currents, the kinetic energy it unleashed—approximately 750,561 Joules—was more than a mere number; it was a catastrophic force.

A tidal wave of destruction channelled through the projection, ready to crash against the Exiles like a natural disaster unleashed upon an unsuspecting shore.

As the ferocious pod of spectral orcas surged forward, their imposing forms cutting through the air with lethal grace, the Exiles' bravado crumbled.

Their once arrogant sneers melted into expressions of pure terror. Without a second thought, they turned on their heels and fled, tails metaphorically tucked between their legs.

Kyorin watched them disappear, his expression unchanged, save for a faint flicker of amusement in his eyes. He then turned his gaze toward the old man who stood trembling nearby.

Before Kyorin could speak, DEVA's voice filled the silence. "Leave," she translated with a flat tone that left no room for debate.

The old man, however, didn't budge. Instead, he dropped to his knees, hands clasped in gratitude. "Thank you! Thank you!" he cried out, his voice quivering.

Kyorin let out a quiet breath, his attention shifting back toward the path ahead. "DEVA, let's go," he ordered, his voice calm and detached as he began walking away, putting his hand back they momentarily twitched.

As they started moving, the old man scrambled, hurrying after them. "Young man, can I ask you something?" he called out, his voice carrying desperation.

Kyorin didn't even glance back, his steps steady and deliberate. DEVA, however, turned slightly, her lens focusing on the old man. "My boss is a very busy man," she stated coldly, floating just behind Kyorin.

The old man hesitated before asking, "Are you headed southeast?"

DEVA tilted slightly in the air, her tone curious but guarded. "Yeah, why do you ask?"

"There's a village in that direction—Qichi Village," the old man replied, his voice soft but insistent. "It's my home. Could I... could I travel with you?"

DEVA paused for a moment, then narrowed her lens at him. "A village? We know Jinzhou is southeast, but that's a city, not a village."

Clearing his throat nervously, the old man responded, "Yes, but there's a small village near Jinzhou—Qichi."

DEVA glanced at her boss. Kyorin, continuing his walk, gave a brief gesture—a casual hand raise accompanied by a flick of his fingers.DEVA understood the signal.

With a nod. "Fine. You can come," she stated sharply, and the old man's face brightened with relief as he quickly followed them.

As they walked silently, DEVA's voice buzzed softly in Kyorin's ear. "Boss, we might've caught ourselves a big fish."

"Yeah," Kyorin mentally replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Let's gut this fish first before calling it a day."

DEVA hovered closer, her tone curious. "Really? You going to sleep?"

Kyorin's lips twitched into the faintest of smirks. "I paid the inn for three days. I'm making every shell credit count," he communicated, his gaze momentarily drifting toward the distant lights of Jinzhou, the city looming on the horizon like a sleeping giant.

Meanwhile, at the gates of Jinzhou, the nightly breeze cut through the air like a blade, thick with unspoken tension.

Two young women stood at the entrance, their poised forms like coiled springs, ready to snap at any moment. The dark horizon stretched before them, but their eyes—sharp and unwavering—remained locked on it, as if daring something to emerge.

The city guards, clad in their proud uniforms, could feel the crackling unease in the air. They exchanged nervous glances, their foreheads slick with sweat.

It wasn't just the cold night that made them shiver; it was the electric charge between the two women.

One was a stunning, icy beauty, her presence as cold and cutting as frostbite. The other, impassive and unyielding, radiated a quiet intensity, like a storm about to break.

Both stood motionless, but the guards could feel the tension brewing, like two tigresses circling each other before a fight. They didn't know exactly what these two women were waiting for, but they knew enough to keep their distance.

One they recognized as the fierce bodyguard of Madame Magistrate—Sanhua, a woman whose reputation preceded theirs.

The other—Rover—was a figure they had only heard about in hushed whispers, her role unclear but powerful.

Seeing them both, the guards had speculated that the Magistrate herself might be returning, but the silent war in the air between these two suggested something else entirely. Something dangerous.

Faint arcs of lightning flickered in the air between them, almost invisible but undeniably present. An oppressive chill hung in the space, making the guards feel as if they were caught in the eye of a brewing storm.

Some of them swallowed hard, driven nearly to tears by the pressure of standing near these two women, each moment thickening with the promise of conflict.

As they stood, frozen by fear and uncertainty, a single question gnawed at their minds:

"Exactly Who were these women waiting for?"

To be continued...