"So that's how it began," Rocky exclaimed as he finally came to understand the ins and outs of Alyssa's problem. But there was still one thing that was bothering him. "How did you and your younger brother survive when the curse was clearly working against you? How did you escape it? Moreover, look at you now. You have the power of a spirit manipulator and the spiritual race at the same time, while Woods is another story, right?"
"There are exceptions in this world, no matter they are humans or of the spiritual race, and I am one of them. Generally, kids born between the human race and the spiritual race are not supposed to survive. For a time, the Wood Clan cooperated with the royal family of our Timber Deity Empire secretly to cultivate more powerful spirit manipulators. They ordered members of the Wood Clan to mate with the royal members, and that gave way to the birth of many babies. However, except for me and Woods, none of them lived long, as they all died not long after their birth. Because of the failure of these experiments, the Wood Clan soon called for its end. Thus, we're the only survivors. Although I was cursed when I was born, I was endowed with a half-spirit body. Besides that, I also had a guardian beast, Moon Fox, who followed me when I came into this world. Because of all these circumstances, I was able to succeed. Since then, I am firmly believed to be a human who has inherited the blood power from the spiritual race," Alyssa narrated.
"Maybe there are other reasons to explain it," Rocky suggested after a short pause in their conversation.
"They also thought the same way. The Chief of the Wood Clan and several elders continued to conduct studies afterward, and they concluded that it might be because of Moon Fox. After all, Moon Fox is a reincarnation of a legendary guardian beast, and it may be the reason that I can live in this world and possess the power of the spiritual race. You know what? As soon as Moon Fox showed up, a seal, which can break the curse, appeared on my body. Logically speaking, it was impossible, but it indeed happened," Alyssa continued to explain.
"It's a really long and complicated story!" Rocky cut in. "Is Woods aware of all these? It seems to me that he knows nothing about it."
"He doesn't know. What he knows is that I was sent to the Wood Clan when I was a child. Both of us were born in the spiritual race, but he was sent back to Timber Deity Empire while I stayed and grew up there," Alyssa replied with a slight nod.
"I'm curious. Is there anyone like you who has the power of the spiritual race?" Rocky asked again.
"Yes, there is. As far a
t a glance at Rocky before continuing, "Until I met you."
"You mean I'm the one you're looking for? And I can remove your curse?" Rocky asked immediately.
"I'm not sure yet, but Moon Fox has saved you twice. It told me that you're the one, and the curse has given me a strong indication that it is indeed you. Every clue indicates that you have something to do with it, and even if it's not you, at least you have some clues that may lead me to it. That's the reason why I didn't kill you and allowed my younger brother to take you back to Timber Deity Empire. However, I didn't expect what would take place later. You created such big trouble for me," Alyssa said as her eyes darkened briefly.
"No wonder you were so agitated to see me back then, so much that you even took me away in front of so many people." Now, Rocky finally understood another piece of the puzzle.
"Now, it's my turn to ask you. You need to be honest," Alyssa said lightly, and hesitation flashed across her face but it disappeared in an instant.
"Well, I will do my best," Rocky answered with a mock bow. However, he frowned inwardly, as he wondered where she got so many questions to ask.
"After we cultivated together for the first time, I found the power of spiritual soul inside your body, apart from the evil power and the seal Marcia applied to suppress it. This power controls the evil power which you're unable to command. It's not Marcia's though, and I know that she can't possess such a strong and pure power. So, tell me honestly. Have you met anyone from the spiritual race, or have you been saved by them before?" Alyssa continued.
Rocky hesitated for a while, unsure whether to tell the truth.
But in the end, he nodded his head, not meeting her eyes.