Staring at the featureless body of light, Alex soon noticed something.
Behind the body of light, there was an incomparable darkness, and within this darkness was another Spirit body but compared to the body of light, looked lifeless and more so... shared an uncanny resemblance with a certain figure.
The moment that thought came to mind, Alex withdrew and opened his eyes in the office.
His breathing was unstable, his forehead covered in perspiration and his body incomparably weak.
"You exhausted yourself," Arthur said, trying to sound lax even though his eyes told a different story. "However, It’s impressive that you managed to complete the first step."
Alex took a deep breath to calm himself. "How did you know?"
"Unlike before, your soma and your pneuma are no longer two separate entities. There’s a faint connection between the both of you. The more you practice Sensation, the stronger that bond will be and once it’s at a level where your pneuma can’t pull away, we can move onto Meditation to reach a balance."
Alex pursed his lips. "Looks like I have a long road ahead of me."
"You do," Arthur replied. "But don’t worry, with the talent you just displayed, you should be able to complete the Rule in a week."
"It’s best not to rush things. It could lead to complications later on. Slow and steady." Arthur cut Alex off, causing him to pause.
Taking a deep breath, Alex realized he had been impatient.
His desire to stick to his goal of finishing the mission he had in three years made him forget another rule of his.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Sighing heavily, he sensibly took a step back. "... I understand."
"Take a rest for now."
"Mn." As Alex walked back to take his seat, a random thought came to mind.
After pondering for a moment, he asked. "What’s a Halfblood?"
"...Where did you hear that?" Arthur questioned with a hint of hostility present in his voice.
Realizing he might have stepped on a sore spot, Alex quickly explained. "Well you see, I overheard it from the Mystic that attacked me."
"He called you a Halfblood?" Arthur raised a brow.
"He said it while speaking with a strange person with a weird glowing orb." Alex blatantly lied.
Arthur pursed his lips. "It’s called a communication orb and it’s mostly used by Mystics from the Devil Wheel."
"Oh okay," Alex replied halfheartedly before asking again. "So what’s a Halfblood?"
"It’s a derogatory word for people born from the union of humans and Cryptids," Arthur admitted after some hesitation.
"Is a union like that possible?"
"Cryptids possess humanoid forms so..." Arthur trailed off, allowing Alex to fill in the blanks.
After a few seconds passed, Arthur inquired. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," Alex replied, slightly suspicious that a Halfblood was all that Arthur said it to be.
If it were so, why the previous show of wariness?
Thinking it might be related to something personal Arthur wasn’t willing to share, Alex didn’t bother asking further.
He took a deep breath as he got to his feet. "I guess I should be heading back. I need to get some rest."
"Mn, you should head home. I’ll check on you later tonight. Try to create a stronger connection between your soma and pneuma before then." Arthur advised.
"Also, never forget this; whenever your Spirituality is active, do not and I repeat, DO NOT look at the Nighteye, no matter what... And don’t bother asking why."
Alex furrowed his brows at the worrisome warning.
He already knew that something was up with the heavenly bodies of Eventide but based on Arthur’s words, it was more dangerous than he could have imagined.
"Alright, I understand."
Arthur harrumphed as he waved Alex away.
"Hmmph, now leave, you ruined my morning with your presence."
"Of course, I nearly died years back as well, you don’t see me whining about it."
Coughing awkwardly, Arthur turned away. "Leave now. It’s best to get some rest before nighttime arrives."
Alex sighed. "Will do."
With that, he turned and left the office, closing the door behind him.
A moment later, a soft sigh escaped Arthur’s lips. "Just what sort of Catalyst did that lizard give me?"
Taking a drag from his pipe to calm his nerves, he began to ponder on another matter.
Alex had barely walked a few meters away from Arthur’s office when he paused in his tracks.
Nadia was seated on a chair placed against the wall, her eyes closed and her arms at Akimbo.
She seemed to be meditating as her face was pointed at the ceiling.
Recalling everything that happened today, Alex knew he had to thank her.
If not for her, his death was already assured.
It was a pity he couldn’t repay her love.
He could act the part but his principles would never allow him to play with the heart of such a pure woman.
All things considered, he still had to thank her.
Taking a deep breath, he took another step forward.
The next instant, Nadia’s eyes opened and she glanced at him.
"You are awake." She said, her voice slightly hoarse.
Alex nodded. "Thanks to you."
"I didn’t do anything."
"You did." Alex retorted. "...thank you."
Nadia’s heart palpitated but she remained expressionless as she turned away.
No words were said and for a whole minute, silence reigned.
"I plan on taking a stroll in the park to help my body recover," Alex remarked. "Would you like to join me?"
"..." Nadia pursed her lips.
Alex took another step toward her. "I was also thinking, maybe we could go to that restaurant you like on Milton Avenue after the stroll."
"What are you trying to do?" Nadia asked. "Shouldn’t you be focused on resolving your family issues?"
Alex remained silent and that silence caused Nadia to feel a sharp pain in her heart.
Just as she was about to say something, Alex spoke up.
"I don’t want to have any loose ends. So..." He took yet another step and put out his palm.
Nadia turned and met his gaze.
Taking a moment to consider, she begrudgingly replied. "...I’ll pick the park."
Flashing a bright smile, Alex prodded her to take his hand.
Sighing helplessly, Nadia took his hand and they strolled down the hallway, oblivious to the fact that a certain old coot was grinning like a fool while watching them.