……….
“I’m so confused.” Were the first words Zilan had uttered in twenty-four hours.
He was currently sitting in his room pondering on the absolute randomness and unexpectedness of Little Red’s appearance as well as the words he left behind. He had been this way ever since the encounter happened.
He had yet to speak or interact with anyone since that moment.
“This isn’t how I planned it. It shouldn’t be like this.” According to his initial plan, standing out whilst not exposing his cards was the current priority. He was doing this in hopes of getting the Chairman’s attention/ favour. However, if he was to go off of Little Red then the Chairman must already know who he was or at least had managed to figure out who he was.
“How?” Zilan couldn’t understand it. “It should be impossible. I’m completely different now!” He wasn’t wrong in thinking this way, he was basically more Beast than man at this point. To link his current state with his past self should be something even the most ‘gifted’ of seers would hesitate to do.
Just as his mind was going off with many different, unnecessary thoughts the second level of the Gift of Love automatically kicked in, instantly calming him.
Feeling his emotions stabilising, Zilan begun rationally thinking everything through.
“Why let me know? If they know who I am, why let me know? Does he think he can hold me here?” Just as a little anger was about to leak out of him, the second level clamped it down and allowed him to continue with his train of thought.
“Wait! That bastard’s exact words were, “For everyone else it’ll be a little bit harder but for you it’s going to be a test set by Master. If you are who I think you are then you better pass it. Master wants to rely on fate so I won’t go completely against his wishes and cheat for you however, I can’t trust fate so you better pass the test and find the right scripture”
“Could it be…” His cloudy mind was beginning to clear and the answers that were eluding him showed themselves.
“They still don’t know for sure who I am. Only if I’m able to pick out the ‘right’ scripture will they’re thoughts be confirmed. However, if that is the case, why inform me beforehand? Why would he want to help me cheat, that wouldn’t confirm their suspicions, right? And what does he mean by the Chairman wishes to leave it to fate?”
Well, some answers showed themselves, others proved impossible to deduce. However, for now he could at least rest easy knowing that his secret had not been fully exposed. His plan though needed some editing which was something Zilan had not prepared for. For his plan to succeed, he required the Chairman’s assistance, never did he consider the possibility that the Chairman may very well be an enemy.
Granted, he didn’t definitively know whether or not the Chairman was ally or adversary but now that he’d been put on high alert, preparation for both circumstances needed to be made. Hopefully the Chairman has sincere intentions however, it is an unfortunate reality that very few people ever do.
Time continued to move on and soon the day of the Concealed Scripture display would be upon the Alchemy Association. It was during this time of wait and anxiety for all Alchemists that Kifo finally couldn’t help himself and came to see Zilan in his room.
“Zilan…”
Without knocking, Kifo just came barging into Zilan’s room only to find him staring into the distance, dazed.
“Is something wrong?” Awoken by Kifo, Zilan snapped out of his stupor.
“I should be the one asking you that question.” Replied Kifo.
For the first time since Kifo had known him, Zilan actually avoided his gaze. ‘What the f*ck?’
“Are you that worried about the Concealed Scripture display? I doubt there’s anyone participating that’s close to your Alchemy level.”
“You can take it as me being worried about the Scripture display.” Said Zilan. “Anyway, why have you come to see me?”
It was obvious he wasn’t going to get any answers from him so Kifo simply stated why he came,
“This blade is seriously amazing. All I need to do is add a little Beast force and its almost like it comes to life. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of power it will display once its drawn from out of its sheath.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Replied Zilan, very blandly at that.
Kifo couldn’t help but roll his eyes at this. “How exactly do I draw it out.” He asked.
“I thought I already told you this.”
“And I thought I said Exactly. You can’t just tell me to become a Master in the Art of the Blade and then leave it there.”
“Hmm, I thought I did.” Replied Zilan.
A fierce glare from Kifo followed his reply.
“The Art of the Blade is not something I can teach you. Keep practicing and keep developing as a BladesMaster and sooner rather than later Hihi’s tooth will accept you. If you were to draw it out as you are now it would be akin to handing a new-born a highly explosive item.” Zilan explained.
Kifo however, was hearing none of it. “I refuse to believe that you don’t have something that can help me improve my Mastery of the Blade.”
“You’re right I do have something that might help but it will influence you in a lot of areas not just BladesMastery…..”
“It does not matter, I want it, I want anything that can make me stronger.” Interrupted Kifo.
“Fine, prove to me that you deserve it. You don’t even have to bond with the blade, just resonate with it a little and I promise I’ll give you what you want.”
The room went silent for a moment before Kifo asked, “How do I resonate with it?”
…………..
“By the way, I’ve never asked this but how come you don’t use any weapons?” questioned Kifo.
“That’s funny, considering there are literally an uncountable number of people who think of me as a living, breathing weapon.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do know what you mean but you’re not getting the point I’m trying to make. If that many people are agreeing on something, chances are they’re right. Thus, I honestly have no need for a weapon. The further/more I cultivate myself, the more you’ll understand.”
Zilan was right. The current Kifo could never understand what his words truly implied however, in the future he would get it.
“Doesn’t that glove count as a weapon though?” asked Kifo.
“You and I have different definitions of weapons. What I gave you is a weapom and what I have is a Tool. The way I use the Tool makes it dangerous for my enemies, it however, does not qualify it as a weapon. No matter how great a Tool, a weapon of the same level can and will suppress it.”
“I see but if you were to use a weapon which one would you pick?”
“A bow.” There was no hesitation in Zilan’s voice when he answered.
“That makes a lot of sense. Because of your eyes, right?”
“Because when I had a bow, I was happy. Practicing Archery and playing around was the happiest my father and I ever were……for those reasons I’d choose a bow.”
Kifo went silent. ‘A father, huh?’ Thoughts on who his real parents were couldn’t help but creep into his mind.
……….
Feeling particularly chatty today, the duo unexpectedly talked long into the night.
