Hopelessness

Silent enveloped the air as Hayden watched the bald guy fell on the ground. "What a cruel person..." He thought silently.

These people were only a pawn for them. Regardless if they completed their task or not, they would still get killed if they spoke unnecessarily.

Hayden felt chill on his spine. He thought that this kind of enemy was the most troublesome because they didn't even show themselves. They hide behind while keep plotting against him.

"Young master, are you alright?" Asked Nevarth hastily as he came towards Hayden.

Hayden glanced at Nevarth and nodded, trying to look alright.

"Uncle, thank you for your help. I am deeply grateful, by the way, can I ask you about something?" Hayden wanted to know more about Nevarth. His interest was getting piqued because he felt that Nevarth looked quite mysterious.

Nevarth knew that Hayden wanted to ask him about this, but he stayed pensive, not trying to explain anything.

Hayden saw through his expression and realized that Nevarth didn't want to talk about this. Therefore, he sighed helplessly and tried not to push him further. He didn't want to make Nevarth felt uncomfortable.

Nevarth looked at him smiled satisfyingly. He liked Hayden calm and considerate behavior.

"I will tell you when the right time comes."

Hayden smiled and thanked him, not long after he told Nevarth that he wanted to rest for a bit inside the hut. Also, he wanted to ask Nevarth to help him with something.

Before Hayden went inside the hut, he walked towards the two guards. He wanted to see their current condition.

Both of the guards noticed this and they were excited that their idol cared about them.

"Looks like both of you are alright now, I'm glad that I made it on time," said Hayden earnestly as he patted both of the guard's shoulders. Hayden noticed that their wounds already got cured by the potions. He was satisfied and thanked little Fay silently, without the items from her, the situation could be more troublesome. "Anyway, tell me your names."

"Young master, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our heart. Without your arrival, I believe both of us would be dead already. My name is Izaia, and this is my brother in arms, Lexion," explained one of the guards. Izaia got short chestnut color hair with a pair of bright brown eyes. His look was normal, but he was an easygoing and cheerful person. Therefore, making people feel comfortable around him.

Lexion nodded not long after. He was a good looking man with a white long ponytailed hair. He was blind, and for this reason, he got his eyes tied by a black bandana. However, Lexion's sense was sharp with the help of his unique Arte. He looked cold and aloof, but from his expression, one can see that he admired Hayden a lot.

Hayden smiled after hearing their names. He was also satisfied with the loyalty that they showed before.

"From now on, both of you will be my most trusted ally."

-----

Inside the hut, Hayden was meditating on his bed. He was lost in thought while thinking that Eye of Darkness was quite dangerous because he turned into such a cold person when he used it in the battle before. He didn't feel anything after he killed them. Well, in one perspective, it was their cruelty that made him feel no pity towards them, but it was somewhat disturbing. Hayden thought that he needed to be more careful when he used it in the future.

Hayden continued meditating. He felt that he gain so much insight from the battle. Therefore, he wanted to try to breakthrough to the next layer.

As he was meditating, not long after someone suddenly knocked on the door. "Come in," said Hayden casually.

Nevarth opened the door and went in. He stood beside Hayden and inspected his aura silently. "Young Master, it seems that you are ready to breakthrough."

Hayden nodded while making a pleading face. He wanted Nevarth to tell him more about this.

"As you can see and feel, the shape of an Arte was a nine-pointed venus star-like crystal, or you can call this shape enneagram. One needs to lighten one new point from the star every time this person wanted to breakthrough. Young master, it means that you need to lighten your fourth pointed stars for you to advance through the next layer."

Hayden heard Nevarth's explanation carefully as he inspected his Arte. Indeed, his Arte was the same as what Nevarth had described. He closed his eyes and started to concentrate, trying to break through to the next cultivation layer.

Night passed out slowly as the sun emerged. Suddenly, a loud noise broke the tranquility of the morning. "Damn, I've tried numerous times, but it never works out. Is it true from their story that I can't advance no matter what?" Shouted Hayden furiously as he stared towards the sky.