The next day dawned with an unusual stillness hanging over the Haven. The familiar clatter of mugs, the murmur of early patrons, the scent of brewing herbs – all were absent. Morris had once again secured the heavy wooden bar across the tavern doors, the dull thud echoing in the unusual silence.
Adrian approached him, his silver eyes, so like fallen moonlight, clouded with concern. "What happened, Uncle?" he asked, his small voice barely breaking the quiet.
Morris offered a strained smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a weariness that went beyond a sleepless night. "Nothing, Adrian. Just a bit… off today. Not really in the mood for the usual morning crowd. That's all." More than that, lad. More than that.
Adrian's brow, still soft with youth, furrowed with worry. He reached out a small hand, his touch tentative on Morris's arm. Morris gently patted his head, his calloused fingers brushing through Adrian's soft hair. "I'm fine, lad," he reassured, though the lie felt heavy on his tongue. His own thoughts were a turbulent sea, far from settled. Seraph's words… the dragon… Zilaz. "Just a lot on my mind. I need a bit of rest."
Morris retreated to his small room, the familiar scent of old wood and dust doing little to soothe his unease. He sat heavily on the edge of his worn bed, the springs groaning beneath his weight. Seraph's words echoed in his thoughts, sharp and unsettling, like shards of ice. Zilaz. A battle near Zilaz. The image of the city, its bustling marketplace and familiar faces, flashed through his mind, now tainted with the shadow of conflict. And Zilaz… Zilaz was a city within Velmora's borders. That meant involvement, inevitably. A dragon. The Emberred Dragon. The name itself conjured images of immense power and destruction. It wasn't safe for Adrian here. Not anymore.
A cold dread washed over him, a familiar chill that had haunted him in the quiet hours of the night. What if…? The unspoken fear hung in the air. What if he fell? What if he couldn't protect Adrian? The boy would be left alone, adrift in a world that could be cruel and unforgiving, a world Morris had tried so hard to shield him from. The thought was a heavy weight in his chest, stealing his breath. Survival would be a harsh, lonely struggle for the boy on his own.
Morris rubbed his tired eyes, the skin around them feeling rough and dry. He stood up abruptly, a sudden decision hardening his gaze. He found Adrian in the common room, kneeling on the worn wooden floor, quietly playing with a small, intricately carved wooden toy – a bird with delicate wings that Adrian had painstakingly whittled himself. "Adrian," Morris said, his voice firmer now, cutting through the silence, "I'll be back in a few hours."
He left the familiar warmth of their small home, the weight of his worries settling back onto his shoulders with each step. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of woodsmoke and damp earth. Morris walked with a weary slump, his mind already replaying Seraph's unsettling words and the daunting task ahead.
After a few minutes of weary walking through the quiet streets of their town, his gaze finally settled on a sturdy two-story wooden building near the town square. A simple sign above the entrance read "City Administration." This was where Chief Zidan had his office.
Morris stepped inside. The ground floor was a modest reception area. A young woman with neatly tied brown hair sat behind a wooden counter, diligently writing in a ledger. The air smelled faintly of ink and old paper. Morris approached the counter.
"Excuse me," he said, his voice a little rough from disuse. "I need to speak with Chief Zidan."
The young woman looked up, her expression polite but professional. "Do you have an appointment, sir?"
Morris hesitated. "No, not exactly. It's… important. If you could just let him know that Morris from the Haven is here."
The woman studied him for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. "Ah, Mr. Morris. Just a moment, please." She rose and disappeared through a door behind the counter.
After a short wait, she returned. "The Chief will see you. His office is upstairs, the last door on the right."
Morris nodded his thanks and made his way towards a set of wooden stairs in the corner of the reception area. The stairs creaked softly under his weight as he ascended to the upper floor. He found the last door on the right and, taking a deep breath, pushed it open.
Chief Zidan was within. The chief was an elderly man, his early seventies etched onto his face. His beard and hair were the color of frost, contrasting with his light skin. Rectangular spectacles perched on his nose as he reviewed a stack of reports on the table before him, seated in a high-backed chair.
Morris moved towards the desk. "Chief Zidan?" he called, his voice respectful.
The city chief's head snapped up, his gaze shifting from the papers. "Oh well, if it isn't Mr. Morris? Why are you here? It's been such a long time since you've been here."
Morris looked down, closed his eyes briefly, and then opened them. "Well, Chief, I need your advice, please!"
Chief Zidan looked confused. "Advice? On what? I'm not as experienced as you to give you advice, and you know that too, Morris." The Chief studied Morris, his brow furrowed with concern. He could see the unease etched on the older man's face. "Never mind," Chief Zidan continued, his tone softening. "Looking at you, I guess you are really in need of help. Explain what has happened to me."
So, Morris explained to the chief everything that had transpired: Seraph's arrival, his unsettling words, and the thoughts that had been disturbing his peace ever since. Chief Zidan listened intently, his gaze drifting towards the window, watching the quiet rhythm of the town outside. After hearing Morris's worries, a faint smile touched his lips.
"You are overthinking things too much, Morris," Chief Zidan replied, his voice gentle but firm. "Why should you give it a second thought? Let that child learn about this world, the power, and the mysteries it possesses. I know you can teach him more than anyone else. Let him become a Seal User!"
Morris nodded slowly, a flicker of resolve in his eyes. "Perhaps… perhaps I should. Thank you for your advice. Now, I will take my leave!"
"Seems like you are in a hurry," Chief Zidan chuckled softly. "Alright then, see you again, Morris."
Morris walked back towards the Haven with a clearer goal forming in his mind. He reached the familiar building and called out, "Adrian! We will not be opening the Haven for a week. Let's go home!"
Adrian, who was tidying up some of the tables, looked confused. "But why, Uncle? And for a week? Won't we lose customers? And it will affect our income."
Morris smiled, a genuine, reassuring smile this time. "Adrian, don't worry. There are some things you have to know, and it's important."
They soon reached their home. It was small and a bit worn, but it held a warmth that made it feel like a true sanctuary for the two of them. Morris went to his room and carefully retrieved a white crystal from his table's drawer. It was pear-shaped, large enough to fill his hand, and seemed to glow faintly from within.
He then called for Adrian to come to his room and asked him to sit on the floor. Adrian's silver eyes were wide with confusion, unsure of what was happening. Morris looked at him, his expression serious.
"Listen carefully to what I am about to say, Adrian," Morris began, his voice gentle but carrying a new weight. "And I am sorry for not telling you this sooner. Adrian, this world isn't only filled with peace. In truth, peace is a fragile thing, far outweighed by bloodshed, violence, and the tragedies this world holds. The 'Heaven's Boundary' only has 'Heaven' in its name; it can be a hell in heaven's disguise. People strive for power, and the desire to grow stronger and dominate others is a fundamental aspect of survival here. And that power… that power is what we call the Seal Techniques."
"Seal Technique?" Adrian asked, his brow furrowed in confusion, his silver eyes wide as he looked at Morris, absorbing the gravity in his uncle's voice.
Morris nodded. "Yes, the Seal Technique. Every person in this world possesses a seal within them. Once they awaken the power of that seal, they are known as Seal Users. A Seal User's strength depends on their inherent talent and the dedication of their hard work. A Seal Technique can be used effectively through the manipulation of Zin energy, which is present within all living beings in our bodies." Adrian listened intently, his gaze fixed on Morris, a mixture of apprehension and fascination swirling within him. "I know this is a lot to take in and understand all at once. So, instead of just telling you, I will try to make you feel what it is." Adrian nodded slowly, his small hands fidgeting slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the serious turn their conversation had taken.
Morris sat down behind Adrian, his presence a familiar comfort. He gently placed the pear-shaped crystal in Adrian's outstretched hands. "Hold this tightly, Adrian," he instructed, his voice low and steady. Adrian clutched the crystal, his knuckles white, his eyes fixed on Morris, a question in their depths.
Morris said, "Focus, Adrian. This is the stage where you must concentrate and feel the flow that I am going to pass into you. Don't try to reject it; it may feel uncomfortable, but you have to hold on."
Adrian took a deep breath, his small chest rising and falling visibly. His silver eyes, usually filled with playful curiosity, now held a determined glint. "I will," he affirmed, his voice small but firm.
Morris, a flicker of hope in his blue eyes, said, "Great. Now! I will make you feel the flow of my zin energy."
A sudden blue light began to emanate from Morris, enveloping him in its soft glow. His blue eyes shone like bright gems, and a visible aura formed around him, spreading down his arms and into his hands, finally reaching Adrian through the crystal. Adrian gasped softly as the warmth spread through his hands, a strange tingling sensation following quickly after.
As the energy flowed into him, Adrian was completely covered in the blue light. He squeezed his eyes shut momentarily, a slight grimace on his face as the unfamiliar energy coursed through him. Morris instructed, "Slowly now, feel the zin energy I've passed on to you."
Adrian focused, his brow furrowed in concentration. He could feel a pressure building within him, a strange vibration that made his fingers tremble against the smooth surface of the crystal. His whole body began to shake subtly, and his silver eyes snapped open, now glowing with a faint, inner light, mirroring the light emanating from Morris. A look of surprise and wonder crossed his face as he felt an odd sensation of being pulled away, transported somewhere within his own mind.
He found himself in a place unlike any he had ever imagined. Below him stretched an endless expanse of water, shrouded in a thick mist. The surroundings were dark, almost black, giving the impression of a vast, empty void. Adrian's breath hitched in his throat as he looked down, a sense of disorientation washing over him. His legs seemed to be submerged in the water, or rather, an endless sea. He reached out a hand, a look of bewilderment on his face as his fingers disappeared into the misty surface.
Morris's voice echoed in this strange space, though Adrian couldn't see him. "Now, I believe you've entered your Seal Space, a place where one's mind and seal are connected—a mystery that humanity hasn't fully unraveled. Adrian, I didn't expect you to access this so quickly. I anticipate your seal technique will be interesting too, considering your pace. So, now relax and clearly see what's in front of you."
Adrian took a deep breath, trying to calm the strange mix of awe and unease he felt. As he focused, a bright light began to approach his eyes, growing clearer and clearer. It solidified into a large sphere of pure white color, with strands of luminous energy flowing around it.
Morris's voice cut through the silence of the Seal Space. "Now, this is the most crucial part that decides your destiny—to know your seal technique. So, what do you see in front of you?"
Adrian trembled slightly. "I… I see a big sphere."
A big sphere? Heavens, that must mean his zin energy is abundant, Morris thought, a hint of surprise mixed with anticipation. He then asked aloud, "It's your Seal Core, the center that holds your zin energy. Now, what color is it?"
Adrian replied hesitantly, "It's… I think it's white."
Morris's brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure it's white? Check carefully."
"It's white," Adrian insisted, "I can clearly see it's a white sphere."
It can't be… wait, let's check the crystal, Morris thought, his gaze flicking to the crystal Adrian still held. It was glowing with a soft, white light. A wave of disappointment washed over Morris. Oh, lord, are you testing me? To give such a child the lowest of all… what wrong could he have done? Abundant zin energy with the weakest seal technique… what's the use?
Morris abruptly stopped the flow of his zin energy. Adrian was immediately pulled back from his Seal Space, snapping back to the reality of Morris's room. He turned to look at Morris and saw the clear disappointment etched on his uncle's face.
Adrian, forcing a smile to hide his own budding disappointment, said softly, "Maybe it didn't go as planned, I guess. Sorry I didn't match up to your expectations."
Morris couldn't speak for a moment, a wave of sadness and pity washing over him for Adrian. He knelt down, gently kissed Adrian's forehead, and patted his head. "Sometimes, things don't go as planned, Adrian. Don't worry. Just think that luck wasn't on our side today. But don't you worry," Morris continued, his voice filled with a newfound resolve, "luck is just a mere factor. You have me, and I will make you stronger, so strong that you won't have to kneel or be mocked by anyone else." Morris hugged Adrian tightly. Though tears pricked at the corners of Adrian's eyes, he didn't cry. Instead, a burning will began to take root in his young heart.
After this initial experience, Morris began to explain the intricacies of Seals. Adrian listened intently as Morris spoke. "As I told you, everyone possesses a seal. A seal has twelve stages. You have just unlocked the potential to awaken yours. Even reaching stage twelve is considered quite low when you look back at history. At level ten, you unlock the Zin Heart; you will learn about that later. So, you unlock each seal to accommodate purified zin energy. The purer the zin energy, the stronger you are."
Morris demonstrated his own zin energy. It was vastly different from the gentle flow he had passed to Adrian. It pulsed with a vibrant intensity, a powerful aura radiating outwards, sending a soft breeze towards Adrian.
Adrian's eyes widened in awe. "What stage are you at, Uncle?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Morris smiled faintly. "That's something you will discover on your own, Adrian." He then returned to his explanation. "Now, about your seal technique. Because your Seal Core – that white sphere you saw – was white, it signifies a basic seal technique. A basic seal is the lowest of all. But," Morris added, trying to sound reassuring, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his eyes, "you shouldn't worry too much. Your zin energy is quite abundant." Truthfully, this is the first time I've encountered such a strong energy reserve paired with a basic seal. It's… unusual.
Adrian's face fell, a shadow of sadness passing over his features. Morris quickly interjected, his voice firm and encouraging. "Don't be sad or disappointed, Adrian. Remember, when the heavens aren't on your side, you challenge the heavens and prove who you are. Because even alone, you can defeat those who seem to have the heavens themselves backing them."
Though Adrian still felt a pang of disappointment, Morris's words ignited a spark of determination within him. He wanted to grow stronger, no matter what it took.
Morris stood up and moved towards the center of the room, beckoning Adrian to follow. "Alright, Adrian," he said, his usual warmth returning to his voice, though tinged with a new seriousness. "Even a basic seal user starts somewhere. Having a large reserve of zin energy is a gift, even if the technique is… fundamental. Our first step is to learn to control that energy, to feel it flow within you as naturally as breathing."
He then guided Adrian through simple breathing exercises, explaining how breath and focus could influence the movement of zin energy. To help Adrian better understand the feeling, Morris once again guided him to focus his mind, and with a gentle push of his own energy, helped Adrian briefly re-enter his Seal Space.
Within the misty expanse, Adrian could once again sense the vastness of his inner energy, the white sphere of his Seal Core radiating a gentle light. Morris's voice echoed in his mind, "Feel it, Adrian. This is your potential. Learn to command it." The sensation was fleeting, and Adrian was soon back in the room, but the brief return had given him a clearer understanding of the energy Morris spoke of.
Back in the physical world, Morris began to demonstrate a series of slow, deliberate movements. His hands moved in graceful arcs, and a faint blue shimmer outlined his form as he channeled his zin energy. "Watch me closely," he instructed. "This is a basic flow exercise. It helps you become aware of your inner energy and how to guide it through your body. Imagine your zin energy as a stream within you, flowing from your core to your limbs and back again."
He guided Adrian through simple breathing exercises, explaining how breath and focus could influence the movement of zin energy. Then, he had Adrian mimic his movements, gently correcting his posture and guiding his limbs. Adrian concentrated intently, trying to replicate the subtle sensations Morris described. He could feel a faint warmth within him, a subtle tingling in his fingertips, but it could feel a faint warmth within him, a subtle tingling in his fingertips, but it was nothing like the powerful surge he had experienced with the crystal or the vastness he sensed in his Seal Space.
Hours passed as Morris patiently instructed Adrian in the basic flow exercises. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room. Adrian's brow was furrowed with concentration, and beads of sweat dotted his forehead, but he persevered, driven by the burning desire Morris's words had ignited within him.
Finally, as dusk settled, Morris clapped his hands together. "That's enough for today, Adrian. You've done well. Learning to control your zin energy takes time and patience. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't come easily at first."
Adrian, though tired, felt a sense of accomplishment. He hadn't manifested any grand techniques, but he had begun to feel the subtle currents within him, a first step on a long and challenging path. He looked at Morris, a newfound determination shining in his silver eyes. "I will keep practicing, Uncle. I will get stronger."
Morris smiled, a genuine smile of pride. "I know you will, Adrian. I know you will."