Everyone was dumbfounded. Although her words didn’t say they couldn’t relax and was specifically mentioning giving up, how could they be sure they would become gods? What if they couldn’t? It was natural to lose motivation, but clearly the moment one lost their Path, it could never be found again and would only result in dying by lightning. But Alesia didn’t care for their worries and spoke again.

“For those who wish to give up now. Leave.”

Surprisingly even though people were afraid, their desire outweighed their fear. Everyone stood motionlessly and waited for her to continue.

“Good. Maybe you’ll all have a chance yet. For now, if commit a Sin, you’ll gain a black imprint from the heavens. This can not be stopped, and for your own safety I recommend not befriending any of these people.”

Though there was more information Owen wished to learn about the sins, he decided it was best to allow Alesia to speak her own thoughts. If she didn’t tell them something, such as what Feral meant, it was obvious she did it on purpose. Much like she was hoping that someone would have to the courage to speak up to her even knowing she was a frightening existence. Only a person could grab their own destiny. The world would not change it for themselves. As such she wouldn’t tell them about the Sloth Sin if they didn’t ask. Not only was this taught to her, it was almost something she believed in herself. After all one could only motivate themselves to cultivate.

Seeing the change of expression everyone started to exhale with relief. Although there was no longer pressure from the Aura, one could not help but be slightly afraid of Alesia. But now, Gerboud, Tiebuat and even Dreueu were patiently waiting for Alesia to teach them. Luckily for them she was now ready to pass on the cultivation method. She raised her hands and brought just before chest and spoke.

“Watch ca…”

But as she was about to speak. She was suddenly startled. Everyone looked on with confusion and couldn’t help but stare at Alesia waiting for an explanation. But who would have thought that her next words would be so surprising.

“You, the blind boy.”

“Me?”

Owen pointed to himself. He was the only blind person here, so even if he thought it wasn’t him it could only be him. But he was too confused and couldn't help but show it in his voice.

“I can not teach you. Please leave.”

‘What?’

Owen stood there confused.

‘What does this woman mean she can not teach me?’

He couldn’t help but repeat his words. He couldn’t possible imagine why she would suddenly call him out. At the same time he never saw she startled expression so he was unable to think that would possibly have anything to do with it. But all the other warriors and monks also didn’t connect the two together. After all who would know of Owen? Who would not want him to be taught? Thus they only could imagine it had to do with him being blind as they stepped back from him, as if he was contagious and being around him would cause them to also not be taught.

Although reluctant, Owen wasn’t someone who would vent his frustration out on others, and so he left and the only sound heard was the ringing of a bell with every step he took. He looked lonely, but no one wanted to comfort him. Seeing the boy leave, Alesia wore a complicated expression, but it was only a moment before she continued to speak.

“Now put your hands in front of your chest and feel the world’s Essence. Then-”

---------------------

“Why me?”

Owen was unhappy but his face never showed it. His heart was burning with anger as he couldn’t help but think it was unfair. However what did this all matter? He was mad, he was unhappy, but so what? Owen did in fact want to step on the Path. But if he couldn’t he would just continue to water the lilies. His desire was never stronger than his beliefs. He would, regardless, of the situation take his time to do everything to perfection. If he couldn’t take that first step onto the Path, then he wouldn’t continue bothering with it.

Thus Owen started to water the lilies once again. He started from the one he left off of and with meticulous actions he poured a tiny bit of water. Letting the droplets flow down the stem, and only when he heard the harmonization of saturation did he stop and move onto the next. Flower after flower was watered, and the dirt being moist and thick.

But suddenly Owen started to feel something. He felt as something was behind him, even though he didn’t hear anything nor did he smell anything. He instinctively thought something was there. He couldn’t explain why he had this feeling but nonetheless he felt he had to stop and turn around. If he didn’t he would regret it for the rest of his life. Sure enough when he did a soft voice sung in his ears.

“You truly are unique.”

It was the voice of Alesia. She was no longer wearing a red robe but instead a pink one. But apart from that she was no different. Yet Owen could not feel the same attraction to this Alesia as he did with the other. Seeing this reaction and confusion written all over Owen’s face Alesia started to burst into laughter holding onto her stomach.

“Might I know your name?”

She asked when she finally calmed down.

“Owen.”

Owen responded confused as to what was so funny about his confusion.

“Hm, you must think I’m different from that other Alesia right?”

Owen was surprised.

‘Can she read minds?’

“Hahaha!”

Once again Alesia started to laugh again but held back more, which only gave it a more cute approach.

“That is because I am not my sister. I am Iohanne. Surprised right?”

“Yes.” Owen answered frankly. He was after all surprised why wouldn’t he admit to it. But because he was so blunt Iohanne was momentarily stunned, but as she regained her composure she smirked and spoke.

“Are you wondering why my sister won’t teach you?”

“Indeed I am.”

“Are you angry?”

She asked after not giving him the chance to recover from closing his mouth. Owen on the other hand didn’t respond right away and gave a exhaled before inhaling again she he could speak with lungs full of new air.

“I was.”

Watching his behavior Iohanne like her sister also started to have a good impression on him. She only asked him if he was angry because she wanted to see what type of person he was. If he answered yes immediately he would be hasty and have a short temper. If he took a few seconds to respond, he would hold grudges while hiding his true. If he immediately denied it without a change of expression he would be good natured. But instead of all of these something surprising happened instead. He took a few seconds, but not to think but instead to breath.

The importance of him having a healthy breath every time he spoke was more important than answering her question. So if she asked to find out why type of person he was, with this result what type of person was Owen?

‘He is quite strong willed. He feels, but will never let it truly bother him. He only slightly vents in order to regain his perfect composure. This man, if he practice he would become terrifyingly strong.’

Iohanne couldn’t help but think to herself As she did she nodded and spoke once more.

“If you wish to practice, and can not be taught. It is because we don’t deserve to teach you. Then if we aren’t qualified it means you must find someone who is. Let me give you a hint. Somewhere in these mountains you can find your destiny.”

As she finished she disappeared. Because Owen wasn’t able to hear her move he thought she was still standing in front of him. Thus he bowed slightly thanking her as he then continued to water the flowers as if nothing had happened. Naturally though, everything from this moment had changed.