Chapter 77 - The summary of a rather strange plan

The aftermath of Li's devastating defeat left the air thick with tension. Shu Rong, standing with his usual calm authority, gestured firmly towards the woman with the ponytail and the towering, muscular man. His voice cut through the murmurs of disbelief that rippled through the group.

“Administer a ‘Jade Sage Pill’ to him immediately.”

Shu instructed, his tone brooking no delay. Xian Yuelin, the woman with the sharp, no-nonsense demeanor, stepped forward. Her sleek, black formal suit remained immaculate despite the intensity of the confrontation. She reached into a small, leather pouch fastened at her hip, its drawstring loosening with a practiced tug. Inside were several small pills, each glowing faintly with a vibrant green hue. They resembled smooth and slightly translucent polished beans, as if they contained some inner energy. Selecting one, she held it delicately between her gloved fingers.

Luo Zhenhai, the massive man beside her, bent down to lift Li's unconscious form with surprising care. His massive hands wrapped around the man’s torso, steadying him upright. Though his muscles rippled with raw strength, his movements were gentle, almost reverent, as if aware of the fragile state of the defeated fighter.

Xian knelt before Li, her expression stoic. She pried open his lips with her fingers, placing the glowing pill on his tongue. She tilted his head back slightly and pressed a hand beneath his chin to coax a reflexive swallow. Moments later, a faint green light pulsed from within Li’s throat, spreading through his veins like tiny luminescent rivers before fading into his skin.

“This will stabilize him.”

Xian remarked softly as she rose to her feet, brushing off her gloves. Luo carefully laid Li back down, his massive frame blocking out the light for a moment as he repositioned him in a more comfortable posture. Shu Rong clapped his hands twice, a sharp sound that demanded the group’s attention.

"Gather around."

He ordered, his voice calm yet commanding. Shu raised an eyebrow as the remaining fighters hesitated, exchanging glances of unease.

The group shuffled closer, forming a loose semicircle. Adam stood towards the back, his arms crossed as his gaze lingered on Li's still form. A quiet storm brewed in his mind.

“This... feels wrong, If we only have three days, why waste time with this? Fighting like this won’t make us stronger—not enough to matter. All it’ll do is wear us down.”

He thought, but Shu seemed to sense the unspoken tension before he could voice his concerns. His eyes flicked briefly towards Adam and then swept across the rest of the group.

“Let me clarify something before you all jump to conclusions. Yes, there will be sparring sessions. But this isn’t about making you better fighters in three days. That would be foolish. The focus of this training is not brute strength but knowledge. Understanding your enemy. Learning their every strength, every weakness, and every limitation.”

Shu began, his tone was sharp, cutting through the doubt hanging in the air. Adam’s thoughts froze mid-spiral, his attention snapping to the man. The words were unexpected but... logical. He remained silent, his brow furrowed in contemplation. Shu continued, his voice gaining a sharper edge.

“You’ve already faced two Dons—and you survived purely by luck. A standard confrontation against Lord Varek’s forces is suicide. That’s why these next three days will be dedicated to ensuring you memorize every aspect of the plan our master Park Zhen has designed for you.”

A ripple of unease ran through the group. Shu’s bluntness stung, but no one could argue with his assessment. Adam's thoughts churned again.

“He’s right... but if it’s all predetermined, how do we fit in? We were barely accepted as allies—how can there already be a plan that accounts for us?”

Before Adam could speak, Nikolai stepped forward, his tone skeptical but calm.

“How is it possible for Park Zhen to have a plan that considers us?”

He asked, his Russian accent lending a precise weight to each word.

“He accepted us as allies only recently. There’s no way he could have anticipated our involvement.”

Shu Rong’s lips curled into a faint smirk, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You’re mistaken if you think this plan was made for you specifically. My master has spent years creating countless strategies for every conceivable scenario. The plan we’re using now is simply the one that aligns most closely with the current circumstances.”

Nikolai’s expression didn’t falter, but his silence spoke volumes. Shu took a step forward, his presence looming larger as his voice rose in intensity.

“Do you understand now? This isn’t a simple battle. It’s a war against overwhelming odds. If you want to survive—and if you want to win—you’ll need to follow master Park Zhen’s plan to the letter. There is no room for improvisation, no room for error.”

The group absorbed his words, their silence heavy with a mix of dread and determination. Kazue shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Katya, who gave her a reassuring pat on the head.

“Good. Now let’s move on. Xian Yuelin, Luo Zhenhai—introduce yourselves.”

Shu said. His two companions stepped forward, their contrasting appearances striking against the backdrop of tension. Xian’s sharp gaze met the group’s, her posture straight and formal as she spoke.

“I am Xian Yuelin, second disciple of Don Park Zhen. My specialty lies in precision strikes and dismantling defensive techniques.”

The muscular man followed, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.

“Luo Zhenhai. Third disciple. Strength and endurance. I’ll be testing how much punishment you can take—and how much you can dish out.”

Their words hung in the air like a challenge, and the group exchanged wary glances. Shu clapped his hands again, snapping them back to attention.

The area fell silent, tension thick in the air as his words settled in. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of shock and intrigue. Adam, however, leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. A plan... After their debacle at the Jade Palace, where the so-called "plan" had fallen apart almost immediately, he couldn't help but feel skeptical. Was this truly a carefully crafted strategy? Or was it just another loosely formed idea that would crumble under pressure?

Shu spoke again, his calm tone cutting through the lingering silence.

"Before we delve into the plan itself, you need to understand what you’re truly up against."

Shu began, his gaze sharp as he scanned the group.

"From what my master has told me, none of you have ever faced a true martial artist of high caliber. I expect that the fight with Li has given you the faintest idea of what that entails. But faint isn't enough."

He paused, his voice steady but weighted with authority.

"Today, you’ll begin to comprehend the real power and danger a martial arts master represents. This entire day will be dedicated to breaking down what makes a martial artist… a martial artist. As I said, we’ll analyze their strengths, their weaknesses, and most importantly, how to survive against them."

Adam frowned, his skepticism deepening. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses, it sounded more like a lecture than actual preparation. His fingers twitched, betraying his restlessness, but he forced himself to listen. Shu took a step forward, his expression unyielding.

"The first thing you must understand is this: there are things you cannot rely on in a fight against a martial artist of this level. And the first on that list is poison."

Nikolai raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest.

"Poison? Isn’t that a bit—"

"Pay attention."

Shu interrupted, his voice firm but not harsh.

"Attempting to defeat a martial artist using poison is a grave mistake. True martial artists, those who have honed their bodies and minds, possess an innate resistance to toxins. Their bodies are conditioned, their Ki strengthened, to the point where even the deadliest poisons can be purged with ease."

To illustrate his point, Shu shifted his stance, his posture flowing seamlessly into that of a practiced martial artist. His breathing slowed, becoming rhythmic and deliberate, and the room seemed to grow quieter as if even the air itself was responding to his control. Then, without warning, a faint aura of energy began to emanate from his body—his Ki, visible and palpable, encircling him like a protective layer.

The group watched in stunned silence as something extraordinary began to happen. Beads of black, oily sweat started to form on Shu's skin, pooling and then running down his arms in rivulets. The substance glistened under the dim light, its inky texture unnatural and almost repulsive. Shu's face remained calm, his breathing unbroken, as the black sweat dripped from his fingers onto the ground. Where it landed, the floor darkened, the spots sizzling faintly as if burned.

Drake’s mouth opened slightly in disbelief. Kazue clutched her notebook tightly, her eyes wide with a mixture of horror and fascination.

"He’s... sweating out poison?"

She whispered, her voice barely audible. As the last of the black substance fell from his body, Shu exhaled deeply and straightened, his aura dissipating like mist in the morning sun. He wiped his hands clean on a cloth handed to him by Yuelin, who stood silently by his side.

"That was the poison your companion used on me during our fight. To be clear, it was an exceptionally potent toxin. I’m not entirely sure how it was administered without my notice, but it doesn’t matter. For someone of my level, purging it from my system is merely an inconvenience."

Shu said, his tone unwavering. He folded his arms, his piercing gaze once again locking onto the group.

"Martial artists have near-total control over their bodies. With enough mastery, we can command even the finest strands of hair to move at will. Expelling harmful substances—be they poison or otherwise—is a basic skill. It requires no technique, just sheer understanding and control of the body. And yes, Ki enhances this ability, but it is not the source of it."

Adam stiffened at those words, it was true, when Shu had expelled the poison, no notification window from the system had appeared. No skill name, no flashy description. Nothing. That could only mean one thing: what the man had done wasn’t a technique nor a skill. It was pure, terrifying control over his own body.

Shu’s voice carried steady authority as he continued his explanation, the weight of his knowledge pressing down on the room like an invisible force. Everyone listened, though it was Drake whose interest seemed to deepen with every passing moment. His eyes gleamed, and he leaned forward slightly, his body language betraying his growing fascination. The way Shu described the innate abilities of martial artists, their control over their own bodies, and the way they harnessed their Ki struck a chord with him.

He couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the traits and skills he’d unlocked through the system. Though the two were fundamentally different, the parallels were undeniable. These thoughts swirled in his mind, igniting a sense of excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time.

As Shu elaborated, his commanding tone was abruptly interrupted by a loud, disoriented shout.

Li shot up from where he had been lying, his sudden movement causing a wave of dizziness to wash over him. He staggered for a moment, clutching his head, but it was evident that the pills he’d taken had worked their magic. The severe damage from his fight had been entirely healed. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and he seemed more confused than weakened as he found his footing.

Shu paused mid-sentence, turning his sharp gaze toward Li. His expression remained composed, though there was a flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes.

“If you’re feeling better, then join your team and pay attention. What I’m saying concerns you as well.”

Shu said flatly, his voice firm but not unkind. The group collectively held their breath, expecting Li’s notorious temper to flare. They exchanged quick glances, each of them bracing for some form of protest or retort. Li had never been one to take orders lightly, especially when delivered in such a blunt manner.

But to their astonishment, the man simply straightened himself and walked over to join them without a word. His face was unreadable, though the tension in his shoulders suggested that he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the situation.

The surprise among his companions was palpable. Adam, Kazue, and Drake exchanged incredulous looks. This wasn’t like Li at all.

It wasn’t submission or defeat that guided Li’s actions—it was something else entirely. The man had been a soldier for years, shaped by the rigid structure of military life. In that world, strength and authority were communicated through action, not words. Shu had demonstrated his strength during their fight, and by doing so, he’d earned Li’s respect; it was a reflection of his deeply ingrained sense of hierarchy and discipline.

Once the group had settled again, Shu briefly summarized the points he had already covered for Li’s benefit before continuing.

“Now, let’s move on. You’ve seen a glimpse of what a true martial artist can do. Their power isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about mastery. Every aspect of their body is under their control, amplified by their Ki. They don’t totally rely on weapons or external tools. Their bodies are their weapons, and their Ki is their armor.”

He began to pace, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke.

“Martial artists of the Murim world are physical specialists. Their attacks are devastating, their speed and reflexes are unmatched, and their endurance is extraordinary. With Ki, they can enhance these attributes even further, making their strikes lethal and their defenses nearly impenetrable. But this strength comes with its own weaknesses.”

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Kazue raised her hand tentatively but spoke before waiting for Shu’s acknowledgment.

“So, their biggest disadvantage is that they’re all close-range fighters?”

She asked, her tone more curious than challenging. Shu didn’t seem bothered by the interruption and he nodded.

“That’s correct, to an extent. There are schools and styles in the world that focus on long-range attacks, using elemental energy or Ki to strike from a distance. However… those arts are nearly extinct. According to my master, the decline of the Murim world over the past few centuries under Lord Varek’s rule has eradicated most of those techniques. Lord Varek’s forces, including the remaining Don, do not possess such skills. You won’t have to worry about facing long-range specialists among them.”

Shu’s explanation continued as he turned to the group, his tone deliberate and serious.

“Before we proceed, you need to understand that the place we’re heading to is a hotspot for martial arts disciplines, some of them extremely deadly. However, I must emphasize this: fighting them is our last resort.”

He said, his eyes scanning each of their faces. Drake’s eyes widened with anticipation, his curiosity barely contained. He leaned forward slightly, his focus intense. Shu noticed but didn’t pause, continuing,

“Our mission isn’t to eliminate every single one of them. The responsibility of stalling them falls to Park Zhen’s forces, including us—the three disciples. We will hold them long enough to ensure other parts of the plan can unfold. The real goal isn’t their defeat.”

Adam furrowed his brow, Shu’s words striking a nerve. He recalled the failed assault on the Heavenly Jade Castle and the oversimplified plan Jianfeng had devised. His voice cut through the room, sharp and skeptical.

“That won’t work, we tried something like this before. A basic distraction plan like that failed miserably. What makes you think it’ll work this time?”

Adam interjected, making Shu stop, letting the boy’s frustration echo for a moment before responding calmly.

“You’re mistaken, we’re not creating a distraction. Not in the way you’re thinking. It would be suicide to assume we could hold off their entire force while the rest of you moved to attack Lord Varek. Even with master Park Zhen’s men, that’s impossible. Instead, our goal is precision. We’ll open a path from within, allowing you to infiltrate undetected.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the group.

“Once inside, the plan involves separating Don Sung Ja-In and Lord Varek. They must be in entirely different locations, far apart. Facing the two together would be impossible to overcome.”

Kazue’s hand shot up eagerly, though she didn’t wait for Shu to acknowledge her.

“Okay, but how are we supposed to do that?”

She asked, her voice brimming with excitement. Shu gave her a small, patient smile and gestured toward Xian, who immediately began rummaging through one of his bags. The sound of rustling fabric filled the room until the girl pulled out three small, metallic spheres. He handed them to Shu, who held them up for the group to see. The spheres gleamed under the dim light, their surfaces etched with faint, intricate markings.

“These are teleportation devices. I won’t lie—I don’t fully understand how they work or why they work, but Master Park Zhen assured us they’re reliable. He claimed he acquired them from Lord Varek himself. Apparently, they can transport anything within a thirty-meter radius to a pre-marked location.”

Shu hesitated, clearly struggling to explain further.

“From what I understand, that’s how Master Park Zhen and Don Abbess Xinhui managed to reach the Heavenly Jade Castle so quickly during their last mission.”

Adam, watching closely, noticed a flicker of information appear in his vision, his ‘Cursed Eyes’ activating instinctively as they locked onto the device. A translucent system window materialized before him, displaying detailed data about the object.

[ Nexus Sphere of Traversal - Rank B ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠A high-level teleportation device used by the ‘Celestial Gears’ of the ‘Hero Organization’; Activates by pressing it twice firmly, decomposes the user’s body and everything within a 30-meter / 100-foot diameter and immediately reassembles it at the position of the 'Anchor of Passage' linked to it. After use, it has a cooldown period of 5 minutes before it can be used again.⌡ ⌠Currently anchored locations: 2⌡

Adam’s gaze sharpened as the text continued to float before him. His lips moved as he carefully read the description aloud, his voice calm but slightly edged with curiosity. The room was silent for a moment, all eyes on Adam as he finished. Lowering his gaze to Shu, the boy tilted his head and asked, his tone firm and direct,

“What exactly are we supposed to do with these?”

Shu’s expression remained calm as he addressed the group, though his gaze lingered briefly on Adam before sweeping over everyone else.

“The plan is for us to split into teams. Each team will use one of these devices to teleport to pre-established points. Fortunately, Master Park Zhen has been entrusted with the full use of these objects, and he has already linked them to the required locations.”

Li, who had been observing in silence with a pensive frown, finally spoke up.

“And how exactly are we dividing these groups?”

His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of skepticism, his military instincts urging him to question every detail of a plan that hadn’t yet been fully revealed. Shu inclined his head slightly toward Li, acknowledging the validity of his question.

“That will be explained directly by Master Park Zhen himself once he finishes his current task. He’ll not only clarify the strategy but also coordinate with the remaining members of your team.”

The last part of Shu’s response made the air in the room shift. He straightened slightly, his gaze scanning the group.

“Especially that kid Emir.”

That name landed like a stone dropped into still water, sending ripples of surprise through the group. Even those who had remained composed until now couldn’t fully mask their reactions.

–––––

The hours dragged on with excruciating slowness. In an open, dimly lit room, where the air felt thick with concentration and a heavy silence reigned, Emir, Chloe, Park Zhen, and the unconscious Abbess remained steadfast. Outside, the rest of the group was absorbed in training, but here, time moved differently—a grueling, methodical march.

Park Zhen stood behind the young girl and the kid, his hands resting lightly on their backs. A steady stream of Ki flowed from him into their bodies, the transfer constant and unwavering. Emir and Chloe felt no fatigue despite the repetitive and exhausting nature of their task. The soothing energy kept them balanced, allowing them to focus entirely on the meticulous process they had undertaken.

Four hours passed. Six. Eight. Still, the work continued.

Chloe occasionally glanced at Emir from the corner of her eye, her respect for the boy growing with each passing hour. Despite his age, Emir remained utterly focused. His youthful face bore no trace of complaint, and he never allowed his concentration to falter. The only interruptions came when Chloe quietly alerted him to issues with the information window hovering above Abbess.

“The purification process is stalling.”

She would whisper, her voice barely breaking the stillness of the room, and each time, Emir adjusted his posture immediately, his hands trembling only slightly as he refocused his efforts. The process resumed smoothly each time, and the pink-haired girl found herself impressed by his composure. A child, carrying such responsibility with maturity far beyond his years—it was difficult to believe.

Ten hours.

Twelve.

By the thirteenth hour, Chloe finally let out a relieved sigh, her voice breaking the silence.

“It’s done!”

She announced, her tone filled with exhaustion and triumph. Her eyes scanned the information window hovering over Abbess.

“The [Brainwashed] status is completely gone.”

The words struck like a release valve. Emir’s arms dropped to his sides as his entire body gave out. He collapsed onto the floor, his small frame heaving with exhaustion. Chloe followed almost immediately, leaning back against the wall, her face pale and drenched in sweat.

The only one who remained unaffected was Park Zhen. His hands lifted from the children’s backs, and he clasped them behind him as he looked down at them. His formal demeanor softened, though only slightly.

“You’ve done well.”

He said, his voice carrying a rare note of honesty and warmth.

“Both of you. Without your focus and determination, this would not have been possible.”

Chloe looked up at him, too drained to respond with more than a weak nod. Emir, still lying on the floor, managed a faint smile despite his exhaustion.

Before any further words could be exchanged, a faint movement from Abbess caught everyone’s attention.

Her fingers twitched first, then her eyelids fluttered open. Slowly, she began to sit up, her movements sluggish and disoriented. A hand rose to her head, pressing against her temple as she groaned softly.

Park Zhen stepped forward, his tone as formal as ever but carrying an unmistakable gentleness.

“Abbess, welcome back. Can you tell us the last thing you remember?”

He said calmly. The woman blinked, her eyes unfocused as she tried to process her surroundings. Her voice was quiet and hesitant as she spoke.

“I… I don’t know where I am…”

Her gaze drifted to Park Zhen, and recognition dawned on her face, mixed with confusion.

“You…”

She murmured. Her brows furrowed as she struggled to recall.

“The last thing I remember… there was a battle. A fierce battle. I almost lost my life… I… I absorbed the heart of the Jiang Shi… Lord Varek offered it to me…”

Her voice grew quieter, trembling. The words seemed to strike a chord deep within her. Her expression shifted, her eyes widening with dawning horror as fragments of memory began to fall into place. She stared at her hands, turning them over as if seeing them for the first time. Her voice cracked, filled with desperation.

“Why… Why did I do that?”

Tears welled in her eyes as her breathing quickened, her voice rising in panic.

“What… What have I done? What have I become?”

Her hands moved to her face, clawing at her skin as if trying to remove some invisible stain. She looked at Park Zhen, her eyes pleading, her words spilling out in frantic sobs.

“Why am I still alive? Why didn’t I die?”

Chloe and Emir could only watch, their exhaustion replaced by a heavy, uncomfortable tension. Park Zhen remained composed, stepping closer and kneeling before Abbess. His presence radiated calm authority.

“You are alive because there is still a purpose for you to fulfill. Focus, my friend. The past cannot be undone, but the present is yours to shape.”

He said, his tone firm yet soothing. Abbess’s sobs quieted slightly, though her tears continued to fall, however her breathing slowed as Park Zhen’s words anchored her, though the despair in her eyes remained.

Park Zhen, his expression uncharacteristically softened, placed a firm yet gentle hand on Abbess’s shoulder. His piercing gaze held a weight of genuine sorrow as he spoke, his voice low and deliberate.

“It’s not entirely your fault, you were under his control for five centuries. That kind of influence… it can twist even the strongest will.”

He said, his tone laced with a rare compassion. Abbess’s body tensed beneath his touch. Her eyes darted away as she processed his words, her lips trembling. Her voice cracked when she asked.

“Five centuries…?”

Park Zhen nodded solemnly.

“Yes. You’ve endured far longer than any mortal should.”

The weight of his words pressed down on her, and she instinctively raised a hand to her temple, her face contorting in pain.

“But how…?”

She began, her voice barely a whisper.

“How did this happen? I can’t…”

Her words faltered as a sharp, searing pain shot through her head. Abbess let out a soft gasp, clutching her forehead.

Park Zhen’s voice was calm but insistent.

“Don’t force it. There will be time to recover your memories. Right now, we have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Abbess exhaled shakily and lowered her hand, though her expression remained clouded with confusion and frustration.

“Pressing matters? What could possibly—”

She echoed, her voice hesitant, but Park Zhen interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind.

“The plan to defeat Lord Varek.”

At the mention of Varek’s name, Abbess’s entire demeanor shifted. Her eyes widened, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides. A tremor ran through her as another wave of fragmented memories clawed at the edges of her mind. She bit her lip, her frustration mounting visibly.

“Lord Varek…”

She muttered, her voice laced with anguish. “That name… Why does it suddenly fill me with such… rage?”

Park Zhen stepped back slightly, allowing her space to process. His voice softened once more.

“I know this is overwhelming. I would let you rest if the circumstances allowed, but your abilities are crucial for what’s to come.”

Abbess’s head snapped up, her tired eyes narrowing slightly.

“Crucial? For what exactly?”

“To join the rest of the group. We need to prepare. There is no room for delay. They’re waiting for us and it would be most appropriate for you to apologize to them, especially to Adam.”

Park Zhen replied, but at the mention of the boy’s name, Abbess’s features softened momentarily. Her confusion gave way to curiosity.

“Adam?”

She repeated.

“Yes, the boy who defeated you. The one who spared your life and freed you by removing the cursed heart you bore.”

Park Zhen confirmed. Abbess nodded slowly, the name lingering on her tongue. With a deep breath, she pushed herself to her feet, swaying slightly but steadying herself. Her movements were deliberate, her expression one of quiet determination.

“Yes, I remember. You’re right, I should go to see my master.”

She said resolutely, her tone sincere.

“I need to thank him properly for everything.”

The room fell deathly silent, and Abbess’s words hung in the air, heavy with a strange tension. Park Zhen, Chloe, and Emir all froze, their expressions unreadable, as if the air itself had thickened.

Abbess, feeling their eyes on her, shifted uncomfortably. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked from one face to the next.

“What? Did I say something weird?”

She asked, her voice soft but laced with uncertainty. But no one answered immediately. The silence stretched on, and the concern in the room deepened.

Park Zhen’s expression, always so composed, now held a subtle hint of alarm. His eyes searched Abbess’s face for a sign of recognition or clarity. Slowly, he stepped toward her, his tone gentle but firm.

“Abbess… you said ‘master’.”

He began, his voice unusually soft for someone so accustomed to giving orders. She blinked, taken aback by the weight of his words.

“Yes, my master… wait, what? Why did I say that?”

She repeated, though her voice now carried the same hint of confusion that had clouded her thoughts earlier.

Chloe exchanged a glance with Emir, and for the first time since Abbess had woken up, a deep unease crept into their eyes. They both stood still, the realization of what Abbess had said sinking in. It was unsettling, almost as if she was speaking in a trance, disconnected from the present moment.

Park Zhen’s gaze softened slightly, though the concern was still clear.

“Abbess, let me ask you something… Do you remember who your master is?”

He repeated, his voice tinged with care. Her response was immediate, but it came with a strange edge.

“Of course, I do! … No, what am I saying?”

She paused, her brow knitting together as she tried to grasp the threads of her thoughts.

“He’s… the one who gave me the strength I needed. He’s the one who… trained me, the one who gave me life… no… what?”

Her words trailed off, as if the more she tried to grasp the truth, the more it slipped from her mind. Abbess’s hands clenched at her sides, a surge of frustration building within her as she saw the concerning look on the three people beside her.

“I’m not… I’m not insane, I’m not forgetting things on purpose…”

She muttered under her breath, more to herself than to anyone else. She looked down at her hands, as though seeking answers in her own skin, the fine tremor in her fingers betraying the turmoil she felt inside.

Park Zhen watched her closely, his voice still calm, though there was a sharp edge of urgency beneath it.

“We will get to the bottom of this, Abbess. But right now, we need to focus on what’s ahead. The mission comes first.”

Abbess’s face tightened, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“The mission…”

She repeated as if trying to anchor herself in something that made sense. She nodded, slowly, her eyes filled with a conflicted determination.

“Fine. Let’s go see my master then.”

The absurdity of the moment broke through the tension, and Chloe slapped a hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter. Emir, his face a mix of exhaustion and amusement, let out a small, incredulous chuckle. Even Park Zhen, stoic as ever, allowed the faintest upward twitch of his lips.