As night had already fallen, Baros didn't linger after dropping the three off at the front door. He gave a brief nod to the head butler, who promptly opened the door for them, and then returned to his carriage, the sound of the wheels fading into the distance.
Spark and Zhao Shi walked into the large hall, the marble floors reflecting the dim light of the chandeliers hanging above.
Alice was snuggled up and asleep on Spark's chest, her tiny fists clinging to his robe. The two made their way down a long hallway, their footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent corridor. The walls were lined with weapons and ornate doors, each one telling a story of battles fought and won.
"Butler Zhao, I see you haven't spoken a word the whole time. Is something bothering you?" Spark suddenly asked, his voice breaking the heavy silence.
Caught off guard by Spark's question, Zhao Shi shook his head, his eyes widening briefly before he composed himself.
"I'm fine, young master. I appreciate your concern," Zhao Shi replied, his tone respectful yet distant.
"But I've noticed, Butler Zhao, that you seem quite interested in the Emperor's Academy," Spark added, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Do you want to join the academy?"
Jolted by Spark's revelation, Zhao Shi turned to see Spark's amused face. "Young master noticed."
"How could I not notice my butler suddenly becoming silent?" Spark said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
When Baros brought up the topic of the Emperor's Academy earlier in the day, Zhao Shi showed an uncharacteristic reaction on his usually stoic face. Spark's keen eyes had not missed this subtle change.
"I suppose I once had an aspiration to learn at the academy, but unfortunately, I've already crossed the age limit," Zhao Shi said, shaking his head in dejection. "And I'm only an ordinary human. There's nothing in me for the academy to take me in."
Zhao Shi knew well about the Emperor's Academy and its rules. Among them were two of its strictest regulations: the age limit and the necessity of innate talent. The academy strictly admitted only those under thirty who possessed an innate talent to become powerful ascendants.
"I see," Spark added thoughtfully. "But I've said it before, I'll grant you one wish. Tell me, do you want to join the academy?"
Hearing the offer made Zhao Shi pause his steps. His face changed slightly as if in inner conflict. After a moment, he shook his head. "I don't want to burden you with it, young master."
After a brief scolding from his mother, Spark entered his chamber with Alice in his arms.
Zhao Shi bowed to Spark and then went to his room, which was opposite Spark's chamber.
Inside the well-decorated room, Zhao Shi sat on a surface, in a meditative posture, feeling the energy of his surroundings.
The room was sparsely furnished to Zhao Shi's liking, with a simple bed and a small table, but it exuded a sense of calm and order. A single candle flickered on the table, casting a soft glow that danced across the walls.
Zhao Shi began practicing his breathing technique, his breaths becoming slow to the point of stopping entirely. The air around him seemed to thicken, charged with a subtle energy.
Suddenly, Zhao Shi opened his eyes, a trickle of blood flowing from his lips. The taste of iron was familiar, a bitter reminder of his limitations.
He raised his hand to wipe the blood away, as if this were a daily occurrence. Staring at his bloody hand, his body shook.
"I still couldn't do it. I still cannot become an ascendant," Zhao Shi whispered to himself, his voice filled with frustration and despair.
Why? Zhao Shi wanted to ask someone this question, but deep down he knew the answer himself.
"This curse..." Zhao Shi muttered, coughing up another mouthful of blood. "Have I become the sinner of my family?"
"Yue..." He stared at the flickering candlelight, his gaze distant as he recalled a memory from his past. A vision of a young girl, her smile radiant and her eyes full of hope, filled his mind.
"No, I cannot falter here." Zhao Shi jolted awake, shaking his head. "Because I'm sure, he, that hero, would've chosen the same path."
"I will overcome this," He whispered to himself, his voice steady.
Zhao Shi clenched his fists, determination flaring in his eyes. He resumed his meditative posture, his breaths becoming rhythmic and controlled once more. Zhao Shi continued his meditation, the room filled with an eerie stillness. The soft glow of the candlelight flickered, casting long shadows on the walls. The night was silent, save for the Zhao Shi's quiet breath.