Zhenzhen rolled her eyes at the emotions warring across Felix’s face.

It was cute for the first second but control yourself, little disciple. Thought Zhenzhen.

Felix closed his eyes, his expression smoothing before. He almost appeared calm until his eyes reopened, revealing the anger within. He clasped his hands and gave a bow.

“Forgive my poor manners Elder Zhenzhen. To what do I owe this pleasant surprise,” said Felix.

Elder Zhen searched his eyes and caught the giant ball with her hand. She absently twisted it, spinning it up on one finger where it started going faster and faster.

Well, that isn’t half bad. Controlling yourself yet not cowed. Some older cultivators could learn from him, but the girls could use some work.

Her eyes flicked over to the three girls, both Yang Mei and Cixi still wearing their shock on their faces. A smirk appeared on Zhenzhen’s face as her eyes stopped on Daiyu.

That mask must be very useful to appear unflappable. Unfortunately for you, that mask can’t stop me. I wonder if wearing a mask has worsened her facial control?

“Elder?” said Felix.

“I heard you the first time, little disciple.” Said Zhen, “I am actually on an errand.”

And to keep you and Xue safe.

“Okay... Well, we actually have something we need to report to you about,” said Felix and gave Daiyu a look. She nodded back.

What could you guys have got up to while I took a detour on the way here.

“We were attacked by bandits on the way here, but they were easily subdued.” Said Felix.

Not a serious problem… thankfully nothing serious.

“Then when we were in the city, three essence condensers ambushed. They likely have connections to the local Yang Family.” Continued Felix.

That’s actually dangerous… Yang Family, I am going to crush you.

“and there was some indication that it may be related to the Empire.” Finished Felix.

Fuck, the other Elders are going to kill me. I shouldn’t have gone north first to pick up my favorite ginseng-mango pastries.

Zhenzhen pouted at Felix, allowing a wave of her cultivation pressure to spread out.

“You four know how to find trouble now, don’t you? Then I assume that was the City lord who just walked out of here a bit ago and that he knows what you know.”

“Yes actually.” Said Yang Mei, stepping forward to support Felix. “How did you know that?”

“I observed it, obviously. I only flew into the city for the last few seconds before he left and didn’t think anything of it. So, he is planning to deal with Yang Family? He shouldn’t have problems with anyone in this city considering his strength… I suppose I will allow the Yang family that small mercy. Either way, you four can dismiss that problem from your mind and focus on what is important. That problem is for others to solve now.”

“Now that you are here Elder,” Said Yang Mei, “Perhaps it would be easiest for you to do your errands yourself.”

“No, no, no.” said Elder Zhenzhen, shaking her head vigorously, “Those are important to build character. As Elder Rong would say, it will help you four develop yourselves. Now, let’s focus on the reason I am here. Everybody but Felix, get out.”

“What?” said Yang Mei.

“But Elder,” said Cixi. “I really feel we need to keep talking about the attack. It doesn’t seem-

“Did I stutter?” Said Elder Zhenzhen. “The reason I am here is that I need to talk with Felix in private. After that, if you still want to bring up the attack, perhaps I will swing by later. Don’t worry, the information will get back to the Martial Alliance. Until then, girls… Get. out.”

The three girls all looked to Felix who shook his head. They all looked to Elder Zhenzhen and then sped out of the room. He watched them go, a look of betrayal on his face.

“I am not that bad. Now focus.” Said Zhenzhen.

The sphere spinning on her finger halted and she set it down on the ground between them. Then she extended her other hand to tap the sphere with her index finger. The surface of the sphere rippled, turning from opaque to clear as the wave propagated along its surface.

“What have you done to him!?” Said Felix.

He looked up from the sphere, his anger no longer limited to his eyes.

“I assure you, disciple, young Edward is in perfect health.” Said Elder Zhenzhen. “and here I was just thinking how well you controlled your emotions. I am almost worried you have an issue.”

She glanced at the sphere, where Edward floated inside. His arms and hair spread as if suspended in water. Yet despite appearing trapped, his chest moved in small but noticeable breaths.

“I am not kidding around Elder Zhenzhen, what is this. For god’s sake, you were dribbling the poor boy a few minutes ago.”

“And he didn’t experience any of it.” Said Zhenzhen. “In fact, after myself, he is probably the safest in this city at the moment. But if it makes you feel better, catch.”

She gracefully extended her hand to once again tap the surface of the sphere. With an audible ‘pop’, Edward was in open air and gravity reasserted itself. Eyes wide, Felix shot forward and caught the young boy in a princess carry.

“That was completely unnecessary, he could have been hurt.”

“You really feel the need to hear things more than once, don’t you?” said Elder Zhenzhen, some annoyance leaking into her voice. “he is fine. He is only going to get injured if I want him to.”

Felix opened his mouth but then Edward shifted. Edward’s eyes fluttered open but wandered aimlessly.

“Hey, buddy.” Said Felix. “Can you hear me?”

Edward’s eyes focused on him for a moment before returning to wandering.

“You say this is okay?” Said Felix. “What if this is permanent.”

“For the last time, he is fine. Just give him a few minutes. That sphere is meant to keep people alive while suffering from fatal injuries. The disorientation is simply a temporary after effect that will go away soon.” She clapped her hands together, a smile on her face. “Now, I got some special permission to allow Edward to travel with you four but you two will need to work it out between yourselves. If not, I will just bring him back to the Sect.”

“What, you can’t just toss this on me. I was just supposed to talk to him! What about the people who just attacked us? How can I keep him safe?”

“I said you don’t have to worry about that,” said Elder Zhenzhen. Her cloud turned and she began floating toward the door. She gave a backward wave. “Now, I will make sure that no one will bother you two, so discuss what you need to discuss.”

She covered her smile as her divine sense observed Felix start and stop mouthing a curse at her back. Then she was out the door, the three girls rushing over to talk to her. With a flick of her hand, the door closed, followed by a talisman flying out from her cloud to land on it. The talisman glowed, the glow slowly extending to cover the whole door.

“Elder?” Said Yang Mei, “Can we go in.”

“Now, you three give Felix some time. He is talking to a potential new companion of yours for this mission.”

“What new companion?” Said Cixi.

“Is that appropriate,” Wrote Daiyu. “Is this Martial Alliance procedure?”

“Well, there are extenuating circumstances.” Said Zhenzhen. “Just know it would be in your Clan’s interest to not reject this person. Now I have very important matters to deal with.”

Then Zhenzhen floated away. She appeared to move aimlessly over the rooftops but smirked as she went over Xue’s hiding spot.

Little arrogant Xue, thinking I don’t know you are there. I invented that technique you are using.

Zhenzhen muffled a bell-like laugh as Xue continued to watch her until she was no longer visible. Just out of view, Zhenzhen activated a concealment technique. Then she shot back to the city and parked her cloud right above the window Xue was looking out of.

Zhenzhen grinned down at Xue who poked her head out, to frown around in confusion before returning to her vigil. Taking out a large sack of pastries, Zhenzhen snuggled into her cloud and began to munch. Wiping a crump from her cheeks, she extended a tendril of divine sense, synchronizing with and passing the talisman blocking the sound from within the meeting room.

Now, this is more like it. Food and a show.

Felix started muttering curses as soon as Zhenzhen closed the door behind her.

…God, she's insane.

He shook his head and carried Edward over to the now vacant couch and laid him down.

What am I going to do with him? What am I going to tell the girls? Pfft, the girls.

“So, Edward, buddy.” Said Felix, leaning over the still bleary-eyed boy. “How are you feeling?”

“What? Yes?” Said Edward slowly.

The young boy blinked and then focused on Felix. He froze, then his mouth moved.

“How did I get here? Last thing I remember was trying to avoid that absolutely, insane,-“

Felix covered the boy’s mouth.

“That’s a very funny joke Edward.” Said Felix. “But maybe we should think about what we say, no?”

Edward wrenched Felix’s hand from his mouth.

“Look chum, I don’t know what that was for, but you don’t just cover a person’s mouth.”

“So I’ve been told, but Edward, have you not noticed at all that people have abilities far above humans, like the Elders.”

“What? Ya, though honestly, that has made it even harder to believe this is all real. What’s your point?”

“Well,” said Felix, trying not to roll his eyes. “If people have super muscles, then the idea they might also have super senses is not unreasonable. Like hearing.”

Edward just stared at him, giving his mouth another wipe. Then he paled.

Looks like he finally got it. Can’t count on Zhenzhen’s privacy promise extending to her, can we? Man, I’ve been there, buddy… Why is he rubbing his neck like that?

“Back to the matter at hand,” said Felix. “How have you been since I last saw you?”

“That beautiful Elder took me here, I’ve mostly been with the man named Elder Kang. It’s been… Tough.” said Edward.

“Have you thought about what we talked about before?”

Edward stared at the floor for a moment before furiously wiping at his eyes.

“Bloody tears, can’t control my emotions at all in this body. If little Maria could see me now…” Said Edward. Then his head turned up to face Felix. “

That… isn’t a look that should be on a child.

Felix smiled and put his hand out.

“As I said, we can work on it together. You can trust me.”

“Pal, who the hell actually says things like that but a villain. Still, I think I do.” Said Edward and took Felix’s hand. “So… What now?”

“Well, first you can let go of my hand.” Said Felix, finally getting his hand back from the now blushing boy. “Secondly, we plan. Your goals and my own are something long term so we will have time to discuss it at length. Though I think we need to talk about your system now. Honestly, I am sort of in the middle of a mission so we may need to be a bit flexible.”

“Should I even be here?” said Edward.

“Not sure what the elders were thinking but you should be alright, I think. As long as we aren’t foolish. How strong are you anyway?”

“That Elder Kang said my cultivation had stabilized at essence condensing 2, I believe?”

“What? How!? You're only eight years old, I think. You shouldn’t even be cultivating yet! Have you somehow been training since you were born then?”

“Well… I gained this strength in a day I think.

“…How?”

“From killing stuff.”

Felix pinched his brow,

“System? Right... That doesn’t sound natural, at least from what should occur in a mortal world. Not sure about higher up. There is still a lot I don’t know.”

“Mortal world?” said Edward.

“Leave that for now, how does your system work?”

“Like a game system.”

“So, you what, gain levels? I mean, how does that- Wait, just describe your system to me.

Edward leaned back into his chair, then looked around the room.

“Well, it is much like a game interface. When I call upon it, a screen appears that describes my condition and if I am under any effects.”

“Please tell me you don’t have a Hp bar?”

“What, no, of course not. Honestly, games don’t even use that anymore so I would have known something was wrong just by that. Breaks the immersion in full reality games.”

Felix stood up and started pacing.

“Let’s take another step back. Does this system match what you expected your game to be? If that is the case, then that means whatever brought you here built you something to match your expectations. That level of control of the situation is scary.”

“I didn’t know what the game interface would be like.” Said Edward, staring down into his teacup. “True Heroes was hyped as the next step in integrating real-life and game mechanics for a more seamless experience.”

“Right… so how did it meet your expectations.”

“Well… It had one screen that described my condition as I just told you. Then I could also pan to other screens, one showing my cultivation, and one showing a troubleshooting tab.

“Troubleshooting tab?”

“It just has a few setting options where I can control the color of the screens and such. Beyond that, it also has a help request tab. I honestly used it the first day since, you know, there wasn’t a logout option. I just thought it was a glitch, you know. It even happened to me in a beta test before.”

Felix pinched his nose.

Right, I suppose that was too much to hope that I could figure out the source of this madness just like that.

“Fine, let’s talk about your technique tab. How does that work?”

“Well… I honestly don’t know anymore,” said Edward. “I just knew how to do the movements listed.”

“How did that not raise red flags? It messed with your head in some way.”

“Look pal, I thought it worked through the newest mind augments.”

“Wait, mind augmentation. What is that?” Said Felix.

Edward didn’t respond, eyes narrowing as he stared at Felix.

“I knew something was wrong,” said Edward. “I thought you were like me but you were just being cagey, but you don’t even know what mind augmentation is. Are you just trying to pry out my secrets just like the elders did?”

Oh. come on, now you get protective. I didn’t realize he had guessed that but at the same time, we definitely aren’t from the same place. Unless some weird time nonsense is going on.

Felix stayed quiet, lost in thought even as Edward’s expression turned more hopeless.

How can I convince him? Damnit Elder Zhenzhen is definitely listening… Another going all in then. I should never take up gambling.

“I am not completely ignorant.” Said Felix. He took a seat across from Edward and met his eyes. “However, I don’t know what I should tell you. Since you are willing to trust me, I will also give you a sign of good faith. I also have a system of some type, though different from yours.”

“So you are from home! Were you also playing True Heroes?”

“However,” said Felix, holding up a hand. “Unlike you, I only have some limited memories in addition to my memories of a life here. I suffered a soul attack over a month ago and my mind… Well, things are a little bit of a messed up there.”

Edward just stared at him.

“Souls aren’t real,” said Edward.

“That is what you focus on?”

“Man, that is like an existential realization or something. Of course, I picked up on it. I mean, we were never able to detect any such thing back home, and believe me, people tried. However, with people flying around on clouds and such, I’ll entertain the idea for now.” said Edward.

“Right… Well, I suffered an attack, and my memories are shit right now. However, I also have some memories of another world though scant. I actually haven’t even told the elders, so I hope you realize I just exposed that to earn your trust.”

“You didn’t have to do that man.”

“I was going to talk to them about it anyway,” Said Felix, waving a dismissive hand. “I just wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Just don’t talk about it to anyone, and I mean anyone. So, I have some memories of a planet called earth. Does that ring any bells?”

“Not even in the slightest. Why the fuck you would name a world 'dirt'?” Said Edward deflating. “Wait, if you woke up memories from your past life or whatever, then does that mean that the same happens to me?” Edward clutched his head. “How long have I been dead. Has it been centuries later?”

But I didn’t wake up with memories of a past life, I am a bunch of people shoved together. An abomination. So, it isn’t reincarnation… maybe.

“We can’t assume that Edward.” Said Felix, reached out to put a hand on Edward’s shoulder. “and even if it is the case, this world has clear magic BS going on, don’t let such a thing get in the way.”

“I suppose that’s true. Alright man, I’m still with you.”

“You don’t know how weird it is for an eight-year-old to talk like this.”

“Watch it, pal, don’t start treating me as a kid.”

“Alright, sure.” Said Felix, forcing back a smile. “So, how does your system work with these levels?”

“Well, with the skills, I kind of just sort of know how they work and with my cultivation, I just gain strength after I kill things. Honestly, it is all instinctive and I don’t really know what I know.”

“Can you write down what the cultivation and technique manual is?” said Felix.

“Umm, sure. That should work. I will need a bit to turn it into directions since, as I said, I have been doing it without thinking.”

Felix hurriedly took out a stack of papers and brush. Edward raised an eyebrow but accepted the brush and began to write.