“You’re in luck; a new class starts tomorrow. You could check it out and refine the process. But it’s pointless if you ask me. You can’t change these people,” Articus says with a sigh as if he was lamenting the woes of the world.

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” Siyu responds, not wanting to think further on the subject.

“But it does hurt, dear Siyu. You’re telling them the way they’ve learned to live is wrong. You’re denying their nature and their identity,” Articus says with a hint of warning.

“I’m not denying anything. They are free to stop participating if they wish,” Siyu says, looking around the room as if he was looking for a place to escape to.

“You’re wrong. You’re causing them to doubt themselves and offering them hope when there is none. They’re demons and they will continue as demons,” Articus says with displeasure.

“No, you’re wrong. Their demonification does not define them. I will speak no longer of this matter,” Siyu says with some frustration.

Articus gives him a stern look before sighing and letting the matter pass. “Your cultivation hasn’t progressed lately,” Articus says, changing the subject.

“I have sealed my cultivation energy from operating. At the moment, I don’t dare to cultivate,” He says with a hint of depression in his voice.

“Why not? You’re still young, and you have a lot of time to walk further down your path,” Articus says with a raised eyebrow.

“I fear my senses will grow stronger. I’m already seeing enough shit I don’t want to see and I’d rather not make the problem worse,” He says before waving a hand at Freya. “Freya, dear; can I get a bottle of whiskey, please?” He asks, feeling that beer wasn’t strong enough for this conversation.

“Get it yourself,” Freya calls back before turning to the other customers.

Siyu could only smile bitterly and put his hand down.

Articus smiles at the scene before getting back to the topic of cultivation. “What’s the problem with your senses?” Articus asks as a waiter comes by to serve his beer.

Siyu sighs and leans back. “When I first became a cultivator, my senses started to open up, and I began to start recognizing the world. Then when I advanced, my senses only grew. I fear if I advance another step, my brain won’t be able to handle it,” He says, frustrated by the whole ordeal.

“Senses? What kind of cultivator are you exactly?” Articus asks with a hint of curiosity.

“I’m an Earth Path, by Offering cultivator. My cultivation works by providing services for the world and in turn, I’m provided cultivation energy and a stronger connection with the world. As my cultivation progresses, the more nature is willing to aid me, which is why it seems I’m able to divine certain things. But when I first started cultivating I wasn’t careful. I was butting into things that weren’t my business and I’ve been entangled in much of this city’s karma. If I hadn’t sealed my cultivation energy, it would only continue to progress, and I don’t think I can handle another breakthrough,” Siyu explains, depressed just from thinking of it.

“Unfortunate,” Articus says before taking a sip of his beer. “Don’t worry too much about it; cultivation isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes higher isn’t always better, or at least that’s what I tell to those who can’t cultivate,” Articus says with a smile.

Siyu sighs and gets up to walk to the bar. He grabs a bottle of whiskey and a cup before coming back to the table. After pouring himself a glass of whiskey, he turns to Articus and asks, “Do you have any news of Frey?”

“Prince Frey? He has asked for a leave of absence and is currently training in the Ash Forest. You should have some leeway to dally around before you have to go back,” Articus says before finishing his beer. “Get me a glass too,” He says to Siyu, gesturing to his glass of whiskey.

Siyu groans before getting up once more to get Articus a glass.

After coming back with another glass, he asks, “Could you hold out on the news of my whereabouts for a while? I have something to take care of South of the border.”

“Oh? Are you going to visit that girlfriend of yours? From what I know of her father, they live in the vicinity of the Southern border,” Articus says with a teasing smile as he pours himself some whiskey.

“No. I owe a debt to the Blooming Flower Cult and they’ve tasked me to help out with their branch in the country of Paz,” Siyu says, taking a large gulp of whiskey. “Fuck, that burns so good,” He couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Siyu, please maintain decorum,” Articus says with a hint of rebuke. “As for this matter with the Blooming Flower Cult; you might want to take a few demons with you. Seer citizen safety could be an issue in Paz and from what I can remember there are a few demons with grudges still left to settle there,” Articus suggests.

“I’ll have to refuse. I’d rather not be in debt to too many demons,” He says with a wave of his hands.

“Then at least make contact with a few of our operatives who are there. I’ll write down their contact details before I leave,” Articus says before swirling his cup of whiskey and taking a sip.