Chapter 3: Regret

Shun Lee stirred awake, the soft glow of dawn barely visible through the windows. For a moment, he lay still, his mind drifting in the fog between dreams and reality. He exhaled a quiet sigh, fully aware of the strangeness that had become his new life.

"So this is really it… my new beginning." A bitter smile crept onto his face. The life he once had is already gone left. Whatever regrets or attachments remained, they were useless now. "There's no point dwelling on what can't be changed. Just keep moving forward." With that thought, he pulled himself out of bed and accepted, however reluctantly he was, the new reality that awaited him.

He glanced toward the bed across the room, where Wu Pei was still sound asleep, a slight snore escaping from his small frame. Shun Lee chuckled quietly. "Kid sleeps like the world doesn't exist."

Deciding not to wake him, Shun Lee changed into more comfortable clothes. If there was one thing he knew from experience, it was the importance of a healthy, capable body. In this unfamiliar world, with no idea what challenges might come, he needed to stay strong.

He stepped outside, greeted by the crisp morning air. The sky was a gentle canvas of pinks and oranges, the streets quiet and serene, save for the occasional chirping of birds. It was a perfect time to get moving. He began with a slow jog, his feet tapping softly against the stone-paved roads that round through the orphanage's neighborhood.

As he ran, Shun Lee let his mind wander. He marveled at the unfamiliar differences in the surroundings, the skyscraper style of the buildings, the layout of the streets, and the people who were starting their day. There was something peaceful about this place, something that made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he could start anew yet a stinge of nostalgic came to mind for every family he noticed.

The first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, illuminating the rooftops and casting long shadows behind him. The warmth of the sun on his back was soothing, a reminder that no matter where life took him, a new dawn would always come.

After a while, he slowed his pace, sweat glistening on his brow, and decided to make his way back to the orphanage. His breathing was steady, and his muscles hummed with satisfaction. The exercise has helped to clear his mind since it gave him a sensation towards his new reality.

By the time he returned, the orphanage was beginning to stir. In the canteen, he found Wu Pei, who had just woken up and was rubbing his eyes sleepily while sitting in one of the empty table. The boy waved him over with a grin, his cheerful demeanor was a bit infectious.

"Shun Lee! You're up early."

"Yeah," Shun Lee said with a smirk, grabbing a seat next to him. "Figured I'd get some fresh air before breakfast."

Wu Pei beamed. "The food menu today is good. You'll like it."

"Oh? What's on the menu?" Shun Lee asked and sat in the opposite side of Wu Pei.

"HeHe you'll see. Come on, Let's go get it." Wu Pei instantly stand up and held Shun Lee.

"Wait, wait, wait for a bit." Shun Lee tried to speak up but Wu Pei ignored him and before he knew it, the assistant food lady already give them their food.

This made Shun Lee sighed and noticed that there meal was chicken and soup which is a bit rare in their orphanage since chicken is quite expensive in the budget.

"HeHe, aren't you happy about it? Thank goodness we are here a bit early." Wu Pei smiled innocently.

Shun Lee didn't bother to comment and only smiled helplessly before shaking his head.

As Shun Lee and Wu Pei dug into their breakfast, Wu Pei leaned in with an excited glimmer in his eyes. "Guess what, Shun! Since we awakened our soul power, we're required to join an academy now! I bet we'll end up going to the Eastsea City Academy. The best one around! Imagine how strong we'll become there!"

Shun Lee raised an eyebrow and slowly remembered a certain fact about the place and suddenly a playful grin was forming on his lips. "Eastsea City Academy? You sure you're not dreaming?"

Wu Pei tilted his head, confused. "What do you mean?"

Shun Lee wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back smugly. "Only kids with at least 10 soul power can enter. Plus, they only take students after three years of basic training. We've barely started. Hate to break it to you, but that academy is way out of your league, buddy."

Wu Pei's face immediately dropped, his excitement fading into mild disappointment. "T-Ten soul power?" he muttered. "I… I didn't know that."

Seeing the boy's dejected expression, Shun Lee stifled a laugh. But before he could fully enjoy the moment, Wu Pei sat up straight, a mischievous grin quickly spreading across his face. "Well, that's nothing! I'll reach 10 soul power in no time—easy! I'm a natural!"

Shun Lee smirked, amused by the kid's sudden shift in attitude. "Oh yeah? Big words from a little guy. I'll believe it when I see it."

Wu Pei puffed out his chest arrogantly. "You're just jealous because you know I'll leave you in the dust!"

"Jealous?" Shun Lee scoffed, leaning closer. "If you somehow manage to reach 10 soul power before me, I'll call you 'Master Wu' every day."

Wu Pei narrowed his eyes, sensing Shun Lee's teasing tone. "You think you're better than me, don't you?"

Shun Lee grinned. "It's not I don't think but I know."

Their playful argument carried on for a few more minutes, drawing a few curious glances from the other children in the canteen. It wasn't long, though, before the banter subsided, and they finished their meals in relative peace.

Just as they were leaving, Sister Mei's voice echoed through the hall. "Shun Lee, Wu Pei! Come to the office, please."

The boys exchanged glances, curious and slightly nervous, before making their way to the orphanage's main office. Sister Mei was seated at her desk, her expression was warm and motherly as usual.

"Congratulations, boys," she said with a smile. "Starting tomorrow, you'll officially be students of Ocean Academy—a school for new Spirit Masters."

Wu Pei's eyes lit up, his excitement reigniting in an instant. "Ocean Academy? We're really going?!"

"Yes," Sister Mei confirmed with a chuckle. "You'll both begin your cultivation journey there."

Wu Pei let out a triumphant laugh, practically bouncing on his feet. "See, Shun! I told you we'd get into a good academy!"

Shun Lee, though inwardly just as excited, kept his expression cool and composed. "It's not Eastsea City Academy," he muttered with a smirk, trying to play it off yet his foot starts to tap on the floor.

But Wu Pei wasn't fooled. He grinned mischievously. "Oh, you're excited too, aren't you? Don't pretend you're not!"

Shun Lee gave him a sideways glance, trying to suppress a smile. "Whatever you say, kid."

Sister Mei chuckled at their antics, clearly amused by the pair's dynamic. "The academy will provide everything you need, so there's no need to worry about materials or uniforms," she explained. "Just be ready tomorrow. It's going to be the start of a big adventure for both of you."

Wu Pei beamed, practically vibrating with excitement, while Shun Lee gave a simple nod, though his mind raced with thoughts about what lay ahead. A new academy... A fresh start.

As they left the office, Wu Pei jabbed Shun Lee lightly in the ribs. "Bet I'll make more friends than you."

Shun Lee chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll see about that, Master Wu."

As Shun Lee and Wu Pei left the office, Shun opened his mouth to ask what they should do next. Before he could say anything, however, a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, Wu Pei!"

A boy around their age ran toward them, grinning from ear to ear. It was one of Wu Pei's friends from the orphanage, someone Shun Lee had only seen in passing.

"Come on! Let's play before the day's over!" the boy urged.

Wu Pei's face lit up with excitement. "Oh! Shun, you wanna join us?"

Before Shun Lee could answer, the other boy shot him a wary glance and his expression clearly showing he wasn't thrilled about Shun's presence. Shun Lee felt uncomfortable like he was intruding on a space that wasn't meant for him.

Shun Lee gave a small, polite shake of his head, trying to hide the awkwardness bubbling inside. "Nah, I'm good. You go ahead."

Wu Pei hesitated for a moment, but when his friend tugged on his sleeve impatiently, he gave Shun a sheepish grin. "Alright. See you later, Shun!"

And just like that, Wu Pei ran off with his friend, leaving Shun standing alone. A strange silence settled around him as he watched them disappear into the distance.

'Maybe I was meant to be alone after all.' Shun thought bitterly, a dull ache forming in his chest. He felt a wave of sadness creeping over him, wrapping around him like a cold wind.

He sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets and aimlessly wandering through the orphanage grounds.

Eventually, his steps led him to a small library tucked away at the edge of the building. It was quiet and dimly lit, with shelves filled with old, dusty books. Curiosity sparked in his heart as he stepped inside.

Shun trailed his fingers through the books, wondering how long it had been since anyone had opened them. Without much thought, he pulled a random book from the shelf, sat down in a corner, and began to read.

Time slipped by unnoticed, the words on the pages slowly drawing him in. Lost in the stories and knowledge, Shun Lee found a strange sense of peace. It was a quiet refuge, a place where the loneliness didn't feel so heavy.

Before he realized it, the sun had set, and the moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft, silvery glow through the library windows. Shun let out a long sigh as his stomach rumbled, reminding him of how long it had been since he last ate.

He closed the book with a soft thud, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the loneliness lingering in his heart. 'At least books don't leave you behind.'

With a quiet chuckle at his own silly thought, Shun stood up and made his way to the cafeteria. He picked up some leftover food and ate in silence, filling his empty stomach before heading back to his room.

As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the memories of the day swirled in his mind. The excitement of being accepted into the academy, Wu Pei's infectious energy, the moments of awkward rejection, and the quiet comfort of the library. Everything left him feeling conflicted.

Shun Lee lay still, his eyes slowly wander through the window and noticed the luminous moon hanging in the night sky. A strange sense of nostalgia washed over him, stirring memories of his past life. The moonlight reminded him of quiet nights with his family, the way his mother gentlt watch as the sound of his father singing felt through the room and the playful arguments with his siblings. Those moments felt like a distant dream now, slipping further away with each moment.

'Will I ever see them again?' he wondered, the thought settling like a heavy stone in his chest.

His throat tightened as the weight of reality pressed down on him. The life he had known towards his family, his home suddenly felt unreachable, like a faded photograph he could never touch again. 'Even if I tried... would they still be there? Or have they already moved on without me?'

Before he realized it, a small tear escaped the corner of his eye, trailing down his cheek and disappearing into the pillow beneath him. He tried to swallow the lump forming in his throat, but the ache wouldn't go away.

A quiet monologue began to unfold in his mind, a conversation with himself that he had been avoiding until now.

"Why didn't I say goodbye properly? Why did I waste so much time on reading and playing online games?" Regret seeped into his heart, heavy and relentless. "If I had known that was the last time I'd see them, I would have... I should have done things differently."

The regrets piled up like a tidal wave threatening to overwhelm him. There were so many things left unsaid, so many moments he had taken for granted.

He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath. "I'm sorry... I didn't cherish you the way I should've. I thought we'd have more time. No, more precisely, I shouldn't have wasted my time on video games and should have focused more in being a better son and a brother."

The words barely left his lips, carried away by the quiet night. There was no answer, only the silence of the room and the soft glow of the moon offering quiet comfort.

Shun Lee wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to compose himself. But deep down, he knew. No matter how many times he whispered his regrets to the night, it wouldn't change the fact that he might never see his family again.

All he could do now was move forward, even if the path was unclear and lonely. He let out a soft sigh, his heart heavy but accepting the truth: 'What's gone is gone. I have to make peace with that.'

With one final glance at the moon, he whispered, "I will miss you all."

And for the first time, the farewell felt real.