Rumors spread faster than sound.
By midday, whispers moved through the training grounds like wind through grass.
"They say someone nullified Elder Kesh's bell test."
"No echo at all."
"Impossible. Sound always returns."
Vale listened from the edge of the courtyard, expression neutral.
A group of disciples gathered near the water basin.
"Anti-magic," one of them whispered. "They say there are people born without resonance—void listeners."
"Heretics," another replied. "They disrupt cultivation."
Vale's fingers tightened around his sleeve.
Elder Rin appeared without warning, scattering the group with a glance.
He turned to Vale. "Come with me."
They walked toward the outer halls.
"Rumors are dangerous," Rin said. "Especially when they brush close to truth."
Vale hesitated. "Elder… what happens to those without resonance?"
Rin stopped.
"They are either expelled," he said, "or they learn to walk a different path."
Vale looked up. "Is there such a path?"
Rin met his gaze, eyes sharp. "There is. But it does not echo. And it does not forgive mistakes."
The wind passed between them—silent.
Rin continued walking.
Vale followed.
And for the first time, the absence of sound did not feel empty—it felt like waiting.