Zixin's body came to a full stop, making his thoughts race for their lives, Huh?! I… Will I die? What?! What's happening?
He placed his hand on his head, taking deep breaths. He tried his best to calm down but his body continued to quiver.
His thoughts began racing once more, I will be beheaded for breaching a forbidden area… I never knew that my actions could take such a dramatic turn. I… am certainly at fault. I am guilty, after all, how could dear sister be wrong?
Noticing her dear brother's distress, Xiu Ying's warm smile returned. She spoke, trying to explain, "Ehem. You didn't let me finish my words. I have a natural bias for you so you will only be beheaded if you fail to enter the Hex Zone after two more years."
Zixin cast a dejected look upon her, commenting, "That doesn't make things better considering how bad my record has been these last three years."
Xiu Ying sighed, as if disappointed that one of her predictions came into being. She replied, her confidence unwavering, "I'm sure that you will enter the Hex Zone within those two years." She continued, "Every person, whether a Holder like you and I, or a farmer working his hardest for his family exists for a purpose. Being unable to enter the Hex Zone is simply one of the countless trials life has arranged for us, persevering and making the right choices will undoubtedly bring us success. It doesn't take a genius to understand these, right dearest brother?"
She advised, her tone becoming slightly serious, "I believe living within the dorms of the Academy will be beneficial. Study well, because no effort is ever wasted."
…
A few days later, Zixin sat down on his bed. It was soft and comfortable but that wasn't what was on his mind.
He raised his head, looking at the wooden ceiling above him. He bit his lip, thinking, Did my dear sister come to hate me? We both share the ability of Longevity of Time and because of that, one couldn't reach the top without the other. I am the burden that halted her progress. So it seems like getting rid of me is more beneficial…
He sighed, looking down at the smooth wooden floor. Well, isn't it my fault? Curiously caused me to act rashly, not taking everything into consideration. I breached a place that dear sister probably wished to keep a secret, I am certainly guilty.
He soon remembered what Xiu Ying said, the condition he had to fulfill to live another day. Wait, she told me to enter the Hex Zone within those two years. I just have to enter the Hex Zone, I need to. This is no longer a matter of wanting to enter, this is a matter of needing to enter.
He soon took out his notes, beginning to review until he memorized them.
He soon began reading his notes, "The Hex Zone is a state of mind that allows the Holder to enter a deeper, more proud astral realm called White Palace. Within the White Palace lies the Holder's Heart, an astral object that allows the Holder to use their ability."
He continued to review his notes for the whole night.
…
At his class 'Entering the Hex Zone,' he slumped on his chair, his eyes drained of life. Black eyebags covered his already dull eyes.
He soon fell face-first into his desk, sleeping despite the uncomfortable position.
He was awakened when Professor Lina came to ask him, "Why do we Holders need to split our minds and have conscious control over both parts?"
Zixin stood up and rubbed his eyes. He answered, fighting against his exhausted body, "We do it because it's needed. Otherwise, we would be nothing more than unprotected flesh waiting to become a target."
Professor Lina smiled, replying, "But aren't your answers a bit too vague? Mind elaborating further?"
Zixin sighed, almost ready to fall face flat. He answered, his head slightly leaning down, "When using an ability, the Holder is using their Heart, an astral object that is inside the White Palace. But for it to take effect in the Physical Realm, it needs a medium which is the body. That's why having control over both at the same time matters, otherwise…"
"You would be forced to face the recoil created by the ability." Professor Lina completed my answer.
"A good answer indeed. Let us hope that it helps you in entering the Hex Zone." Professor Lina smiled at Zixin as he takes his seat.
Zixin tried to listen to the rest of the class but was no longer able to stop himself from falling asleep.
When Zixin finally woke up, he rubbed his eyes as usual then noticed that the class was already over. He quickly stood up, deciding to head to the cafeteria after realizing that it was already the afternoon.
On his way, his thoughts ran, completely forgetting about his other plans, I wonder what would be nice… Bread seems nice, but what bread? There are so many options.
His thoughts soon came to a halt as he bumped into a familiar figure.
The man quickly backed off from Zixin, giving an annoyed look. For some unknown reason, Zixin returned the favor with another annoyed look.
Zixin quickly left the scene, while Elmer stood there, gazing into the open windows before leaving as well.
…
At the cafeteria, Zixin quickly went to the counter, waiting in line. While waiting he looked around the room, unfamiliar with the cafeteria.
The walls were tall, painted white, and wooden tables filled the room. Students gossiping filled the room with unnecessary noise, making Zixin remember why he had never come here.
When he turned back to the counter, he was already at the front so he asked, "Is there still a ham sandwich?"
The staff member, wearing a blue uniform replied affirmatively, "Yes, what type would you like? We have regular…"
Once the staff member started listing types, Zixin stood there, utterly confused, There are types? What now? Uh… Regular should be good enough.
Zixin replied, "Regular would do."
The staff member smiled, saying, "That will be three Pier Coins."
Zixin took out his wallet, taking out three Pier Coins and handing them over to the staff member. The staff member then gave him a paper bag containing his ham sandwich.
As Zixin walks out of the cafeteria, carrying the paper bag, he thinks, It's still bread since a good portion of it is… huh? Who am I talking to? Is being sleep deprived making me act this badly?
Outside the cafeteria, Zixin sat down on a nearby bench, thinking about what to do now, What do I do now… hmm? I almost forgot about my allowance. Since I'm not living within the Palace anymore, it should be cut by about 60 to 78%.
While eating his meal, Zixin begins to calm down, slowly adapting to his current state.
He then thought about getting a part-time job, uh… Looking at my skill set, I would really only be good at office work but… looking at my dear sister, office work sounds like hell.
He sighed, realizing, Don't I have savings? It should last me for… huh?! Two years? Wow, saving up is good…
He just looked down, dejected that he won't have to work, I was kinda excited too…
"Oh? It's been a while hasn't it?" A warm smile echoed throughout Zixin's ear, making him feel creeped out as he remembered who that voice belonged to.