Chapter 16: Feelings Are Complicated

POV: Sam Verninne.

What are your thoughts on simplicity?

Do you enjoy simplicity?

Personally, I appreciate simplicity. It would be great if things were straightforward and people were honest about their feelings. Sometimes, women tend to communicate indirectly or with hints, which can be confusing for someone who prefers directness like me.

Understanding subtle clues and reading between the lines can be challenging to master. These are the kinds of situations where simplicity could make a difference.

Feelings are often considered complicated, but are they really? For example, this morning my sister Xenovia asked for my opinion on which dress to buy while we were shopping. She tried on numerous outfits before choosing between a blue and a white dress.

Now, I can't say for certain what she thought of me or why she decided to ask for my advice. But I felt honored to have the opportunity to help my sister, and I genuinely believed the white dress suited her beautifully. However, in the end, she went with her gut feeling and purchased the blue one.

It felt a bit like a playful prank, and it made me hesitate when it comes to relationships. But I understand that everyone has their own preferences and decision-making processes.

Leaving that aside, I don't want to impose my views on others. Let's get back to the story.

[The Evolution System]

[Host: Sam Verninne/Tatsuya (Mortal)]

[Titles: The Miracle Child]

[Race: Half Mage, Half Hero (Unique)]

[Class: Magic Swordsman (Unique)]

[Mana Cultivation: Legendary Realm]

[Magic Comprehension: 1st Circle (perfected)]

[Origin Core(s): 3 (97%).]

[Physique: Boundless Earth Body]

[Stats:

Strength: 64

Agility: 64

Speed: 64

Spirit: 64

Stamina: 64

Heroic Energy: 64 (6400)

Origin Mana: 3 (300)

Stat Points: 14 ]

[Affinities: Wind (7%), Fire (5%), water (5%), earth (68%), Lightning (6%)]

[Bloodlines: Verninne (Mage Bloodline), Tatsuya (Hero Bloodline)]

[Skills: Dance of Swords (Breath of Life), Mana Sense, Speed, Heroic Energy Sense, Influence (Unique)]

[Abilities: Devour (Unique)]

[Spells: Wind Blast, Wind Blade, Concealment, Transmission, Silence, Lumos, Heal, Barrier, Fireball, Water Sphere, Boulder Toss]

As I reviewed the changes in my status, an intriguing question interrupted my thoughts.

"So, what are we going to do with the vampire?" It was an unexpected topic. Vampires in Arcane? That's something new!

"I'll request an audience with the king and the elders, and we'll let them decide what to do with him." My grandfather, Anos, proposed this idea.

A vampire as the killer? That surprised me. I'm curious about what would happen if I were to use my devour ability on a vampire. If the opportunity arises, I should give it a try.

"Do we really need them? I can handle it myself." Grandpa Jin interjected.

I agree with him, but my grandfather, Jin, holds a different belief. Given the vampire's atrocities and the number of lives lost, it's understandable that he would want to take matters into his own hands.

"Where is he locked up?" My mother directed the question to her father, my grandfather Jin.

"We've imprisoned him in a cell within the clan's prison room. He's been injected with vervain, so he must be experiencing intense discomfort." Grandpa Jin chuckled in a somewhat sadistic manner. I wonder where he got that personality trait from.

Vervain? I've heard that in vampire stories, it possesses potent anti-vampire qualities. It's said to be toxic or repulsive to vampires, causing weakness, disorientation, or even burning sensations upon contact. It can also impair their abilities to manipulate or control weaker beings. Vampire hunters and those seeking protection against vampires often use vervain. While it may not be lethal to them, it inflicts excruciating pain. It's a useful tool for tormenting vampires.

I've never encountered a vampire myself, so I decided to accompany my grandfathers to visit the vampire in prison. I was amazed that they were willing to take me along.

They have been acting quite differently ever since I revealed my 'gift.' I suppose I should inquire about it.

"What's been going on with you guys?" I looked directly into my grandfather's eyes.

"What do you mean?" Oh, come on! Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Sometimes they make things harder for me. There was a time when I lost my confidence while trying to ask a girl out. It's already challenging enough for me to navigate relationships and deal with my insecurities. You know what? Let's not dwell on that.

"You've both been acting differently lately." I spoke to them in a serious tone, expecting answers.

They exchanged glances, as if they anticipated my question: "Sam, you are growing at an incredible rate. It's only natural for us to treat you differently," Grandpa Anos replied.

I can understand that. I'm aware that I'm rapidly becoming stronger, but I'm still the same grandson to them.

One day, I should have a serious and open conversation about this. I dislike complexity.

Soon enough, we arrived at the entrance of the prison. It was well-guarded and concealed, giving no indication of what lay inside.

"How is our guest?" Grandpa Jin inquired with the chief guard, who was sitting in his office.

"He's the most cooperative prisoner I've had in a long time." The chief guided us through the prison area, opening the door. It would be more accurate to call it a cave as we ventured into a subterranean prison.

As we delved deeper into the cave, I noticed the empty cells. Only a few prisoners remained, none of whom seemed particularly dangerous.

"Take a look at this, Sam." Grandpa Jin pointed at the empty cells and continued, "This is what I work for." It's no wonder he was furious upon discovering his people burned and killed.

As we continued our journey through the prison, the chief guard kept giving me glances when he thought I wasn't looking. Did I have something on my face?

"You're making me feel uneasy, dude." Of course, I didn't say it out loud. Instead, I asked him a more appropriate question: "Is everything alright?"

"It's nothing. You see, before becoming a jail guard, I was a renegade cultivator. I've hunted down hundreds of magical beasts, and being around you gives me a strange sensation that I would usually only feel around beasts."

And there I was thinking he was trying to convey something that I dreaded discussing. As for his question, I turned to my grandfathers, as I trusted them to handle this situation.

"Yeah, he can be a bit strange like that." Grandfather Anos came to the rescue. He has a way with words, which is probably why he became the advisor to the king.