Chapter 353: Separation and Futures

Chapter 353: Separation and Futures

At Xun’s words to talk, I freeze up for a moment.

Oh wait. I have done nothing wrong.

... probably.T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

But it is when the Ai gives me a worried look that I realize there is certainly something serious to discuss.

Xun’s voice carries out from my slip towards the group, yet again.

“Mother, Father. Would you mind showing the guests to the spiritual weapons room? I’m sure there is some interesting equipment there that they might want to take with them. Of course, if James is fine with that, of course.”

He Wen still seems flustered by the constant fluctuations that are happening. From receiving a precious space ring and defensive artifact, to now being offered a new weapon. And considering everything, it is probable that it won't be a simple one.

Yalei and Jin Chin aren't readily influenced. They can see there is something else going on.

They stare at me. Wishing to be included in the discussion.

But I can’t let them learn of this yet.

If this is regarding what I think, then I need them to be distracted for a bit. Even if we are going to have to talk about this sometime in Monchon City.

“Jin Chin. Yalei. Please go with them and pick up a weapon. There are some things I’ll need to discuss here.”

They move, but still show a lot of hesitation. Surprisingly, it is Yalei, the former psychopath, that seems to be the most affected by being left out.

One of the few shows of partial defiance I’ve seen from her. Here, it seems to be out of concern.

I add some more words to set them at ease.

“I’ll explain later, when it’s a better time and place. I will tell you, eventually. It’s just not the right time, okay?”

It would be easy to force them using the contract. To say that it is for the benefit of the group.

But that’s no way to lead. Especially when they just care about me. For now, while I need them to move according to my words, that doesn’t mean I should disregard their thoughts.

With these words, while still reluctant, all three of them move out of the room and into the hallway.

The instant that they leave sight, Xun teleports into this dining area, revealing herself to everyone else for the first time.

Her face is a little playful, despite giving off an air of seriousness.

“Well, I was hoping for us to meet in different circumstances, but something has come up that had to be discussed in a private situation.”

“... I can’t say much or who my sources are, but the relationship you hold with demihumans will be the key to making it through this relatively peacefully. Don’t take them for granted, okay?”

She directs that last part to me, though it seems to be pertinent to all of us. Considering the danger of this conversation, it’s clear that her words have some weight, even if she can’t say much.

A few more moments of silence pass before Xun speaks up again.

“There’s something else that I found out through my information channels.

“When you come back from Monchon City, at least one of you should be ready to attend a certain academic group that will start up soon. Without a doubt, you will be invited.”

Her last words are directed toward me. Not too much of a surprise, considering the stamp I’ve made in the sect so far.

I look at her, hoping she’ll bring up more, and when I’m met with more silence, go for my scan.

I’m not surprised when a massive headache emerges.

Hmm... future information. Machinations going into the background that will make plans a reality.

It seems something like an ‘academy’ will be coming together. Now whether it will operate like a university, a martial arts school, or even an elite social group will be up for grabs.

Sadly, I’m not able to determine that much more. Even with my scan having been improved from constant usage.

A moment or two more passes before a loud clap shakes everyone out of the melancholy that had settled in place.

Shi, being the one who clapped, cheerfully raises her voice.

“Well, it doesn’t seem there is much we can do about this right now! So, instead... let’s talk about other things we can do. Namely regarding something we all share.”

She eyes me for a moment, before turning to the others.

Which is precisely when I start feeling left out again, as Xun, Ai, Lin, Shi, and Mei Lin all inch closer to each other and begin whispering and laughing. Soon enough, they’ve taken seats at the other end of the dining table, while I sit here waiting.

Desperately trying not to use my scan to listen in.

When you are so used to being able to hear everything near you, it becomes that much more tempting when you can’t or shouldn’t.

That’s why I’m grateful when a buzzer sound comes from the door leading to the hallway everyone else had exited into. To grab weapons in another section of the house.

Oh, thank God. I was going to lose my mind here.

I wonder what weapons there are.

... and should I grab one myself?