The moment Zixin turned to look, he completely ignored Kiran. He took another bite of his sandwich, immediately forgetting Kiran's presence.
Kiran glared at Zixin, feeling hurt from being ignored. He came forward, questioning, "Why do you seem so down today? Is something bothering you?"
Kiran pondered, giving an offer while wearing a smile filled with warmth, "If you ever need help, I could assist you."
Zixin finally stopped ignoring him, thinking about the obvious downsides. Why would I collaborate with you of all people? The power struggles between the Bloodline Heads are already bad, and to take the offer of a Major Bloodline Head? I'd rather be locked up for the rest of my life than become your pawn.
Kiran chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming brilliance as he spoke, "I am willing to sponsor you."
"Why would you even offer me that? There's clearly no gain for me considering my sister's status." Zixin bluffed, there were clearly benefits, and they were the Purity Bloodline's insights regarding entering the Hex Zone but taking the offer would be far too risky.
"I firmly refuse," Zixin answered despite there being clear benefits.
In other people's eyes' Zixin doesn't need a sponsor which is far from the current truth. Taking the offer would not only mean that he is willing to take the risk but also mean that he has become Kiran's 'ally.' That is not to say the benefits were lackluster, but the risk was far too high.
"My offer shall stand as long as you… Don't betray me." Kiran warned, as though Zixin had already taken his offer.
He swiftly left the scene as Zixin quickly finished his sandwich. He sighed, annoyed at the current events.
…
At his Alchemy class, he was sleeping on his desk, his face showing exhaustion.
Professor Ceylon called him out, his voice stern, "Zixin, wake up!"
Cael, chuckled at the side, seemingly happy to see Zixin be called out.
Professor Ceylon didn't stop, so he asked, his gaze sharp, "Recite the recipe of the Flash Potion."
Zixin then rubbed his head, trying to remember the recipe. He soon began to recite, his voice a little hoarse, "The first step would be the materials, which include the stone of resonance, gleaming leaf…"
Zixin then began explaining the processing, "To process the stone of resonance, the gleaming leaf will have to…"
Professor Ceylon nodded while Zixin was explaining each step. He asked, stern as ever, "Why do we need to process the stone of resonance?"
Zixin calmly answered, entering a state of complete concentration, "The stone of resonance is a very active gem, and using the gleaming leaf, it would place down restrictions upon it, which will stop the stone of resonance from reacting unnecessarily with the rest of the materials."
"Hmm, interesting. Go on, take your seat." Professor Ceylon said as he rubbed his chin, clearly impressed.
Zixin's classmates clearly knew that he studied well, so they didn't find this odd. What they did find odd is how terrible Zixin is during practicals. This created an impression that he studies a lot but never trains his body.
Not long after, the class soon ended. Cael walked to Zixin trying to flatter him, "You did great there, how did you remember the recipe?"
Zixin didn't even give him a glance before standing up and leaving the room.
…
At the library, Zixin was studying how to enter the Hex Zone as usual.
"The Theory of Mind states that absolute control over two different places, the body and the White Palace cannot exist without being a Holder." Zixin read softly.
He sighed, muttering to himself, "Why am I reading a faulty theory? It's already been disproven, so why is it still here? Whatever, forget it."
He then slowly closed his eyes trying to fully concentrate. His mind stirred as his thoughts began to move like a whirlpool. He tried to split the thoughts into two but countless other thoughts bombarded his concentration, making him fail once more.
He shook his head, thinking, I can clearly under the theories yet I continue to fail. I suppose there is certainly a difference between understanding and performing.
He soon begins to falter, his eyes slowly closing, but a familiar voice caught his attention, "Zixin?"
Opening his eyes to see, Jinhua stood a meter from him, unknowingly a small smile formed upon his face, easing him.
He remembered, Now that I think about it, we do often meet at the Library even when we were still kids.
Taking a few steps forward, Jinhua noticed the books and notes atop the table. She asked, puzzled by this, "You're studying to enter the Hex Zone again? Haven't you already memorized the theories and methods quite a while ago?"
Zixin replied, "I might have missed some crucial details while I studied it before."
Jinhua nodded, having experienced this before.
Zixin then asked, slightly tilting his head, "Why are you here? I thought you had work to do."
"I'm also studying, but I'm mostly looking for references." She said as she took her seat opposite Zixin.
She soon took out a few books and opened her notes. Zixin then went back to study.
Time quickly passed by as the shade of night covered the skies. Both of them left the library together, having small talk on the way.
"Is dear sister doing well?" Jinhua asked, her expression filled with concern.
"You mean my dear sister?" Zixin asked in confirmation.
"Who else could I be talking about? I don't have anyone else." She smiled bitterly.
Zixin sighed, a little annoyed as he replied, "She's doing well the last time I saw her."
"Is that so? That is good." She softly muttered.
Noticing where they were, Jinhua parted ways with Zixin.
Zixin soon reached his dorm and entered it. He quickly undressed and took a bath, after which, he sat down on his bed trying to enter the Hex Zone once again.
Within his mind, thoughts swirled around him like a vortex, as he tried to separate them into two but before he could even start, countless intrusive thoughts washed over him.
You aren't special!
You won't succeed even in your wildest dreams!
You just got lucky!
He soon snapped awake, sweat dripping down his face. He tried again and again and again and again and again and again, only to be met with failure each and every time.
He sighed, lying down in bed, as he thought, Do all Holders really have a purpose? I don't seem to be one of them…