I've been noticing the concern of "Owen's a super observant and vigilant person" and wanted to say a few things. Yes he's observant and vigilant. He's also an easy going person and does only what's necessary. He doesn't go out of his way to make trouble. These slight personality traits were explained through his actions in the story and not actually written directly. For example, when Owen touyched the tree to calm Rauf down by making him feel bad, or stopp arguments between the warriors in the village. Not to mention that Owen was in a life and death fight with the Devourer, he would not have the time to be like "hey I hear a few rocks moving" while Demia is climbing down to observe the fight. Anyways I'm pretty sure I made it clear during the fight that he was exhausted and fighting beyond his limits but if you notice key parts that kinda throw you off that point let me know. But all I can say if I hope that clears the confusion some are concerned with and maybe read slower. As the story is short some rush through it. But because the story is slow some get bored. I'm telling you it's important these small details and if you miss it you'll be mistaken about a lot of things.

As for Demia, I hope this chapter changes your opinion of her. I'm not saying its a bad thing to hate her, as long as you understand her character and why she makes those decisions. I know this has been long and to some drawn out, but it's because I want to strongly stress her character as I said before hand. As I don't want an exact repeat of the above note.

PS: No rage typing please. Respect where the story is going, as not everyone will want what's going to happen to happen. Just take a deep breathe and have a normal conversation with me. I will answer all the questions you want to know, and because I know where the story is going I understand a lot more. Just keep that in mind!

Anyways enjoy!~ Chapter title at the bottom~!~

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“...I used the crystal gained from taking first place during the tests at the Pavilion.”

Owen answered as he resettled his breathing rate. Because Demia quickly stopped, so did he, and even though he absorbed the Sky Essence Crystal he was still exhausted and unable to control his body as much as he wanted too. So his response to Demia was still slower than normal, but as each word was enunciated properly she had no trouble understanding him. Yet she herself couldn’t understand Owen’s words.

“You…. used such an important item for this?!”

Demia look confused as she brought out the Cinder in front of her. She clearly knew how much Owen wanted the Cinder now, although to him it was more of a need than a want. However she couldn’t read his mind and could only see the desperation from fighting the Devourers, chasing after her even to the point of using a Sky Devourer Crystal which could be said to be the hardest normal thing to find in the Boundary. If Owen was willing to use such a thing for the Essence alone, it was clear how rare this Awakened Cinder was to her now. Though she didn’t move a step and continued to wait for Owen’s response.

“Yes, although it might not be as important to others, it is something I need greatly for my Path.”

Owen spoke, but this time his voice was spoken fluidly as his chest was no longer moving excessively with every breathe. Instead his expression was full of seriousness where Demia herself could tell. Owen could only think towards himself as he spoke these words out.

‘As if I’ll tell you how important it actual is. Although you might not have any hostility towards me, you would be a fool to not take this after knowing how unique it truly is.’

Demia pondered for a few moments playfully moving her lip around and tapping her foot. She moved the Cinder around trying to observe it for any particular details, but other than a small ‘feeling’ that she couldn’t describe she was unable to see anything special about the Cinder itself.

‘It’s warm and still hasn’t lost its heat even after all this time, but what else could be so special about it? Clearly something is up. Let’s see how much I can find out from him.’

After stealing many objects Demia had a knack for finding truly rare items, like with the Cinder it was a feeling she couldn’t describe. Calling it a sixth sense wasn’t far off, but for the Cinder anyone who grabbed onto would feel a slight tingle that it was a special object. Luckily for Demia it was bit stronger and she could feel that it was special just be being near it. But that was as far as it went for being special and she continued to remind Owen about her other questions. If she asked Owen straight out he would be more inclined to start a fight over it. Even though he was injured she could feel the determination from Owen.

“How can you see me if you’re blind?”

Owen moved his hand to lightly flick the bells on his ears. As the soft soft echoed throughout the mountain he rose his hands and pointed to a few rocks.

“There is a rock about knee height there.”

Owen continued to ring the bells on his ears with his one good arm and point out at certain objects that could be viewable. Although Owen couldn’t see himself he was sure that Demia would believe him, unfortunately it was hard to see the expression Demia was making just with the Blind Motion technique, and because he only continued to point out objects she didn’t speak out. Finally Owen stopped pointing out obvious objects as if it was second nature to him and answered the question properly.

“See? With my heightened sense of hear-”

“Has anyone told you, you’re absolutely suck at lying?”

Owen who was sure he would be able to convince Demia was momentarily shocked when he was interrupted. Not because of the interruption itself, but the fact that she knew he was lying! At the same time he suddenly remembered about his acting during the Wave Lake test, and how Rauf how to step up and continue the lie for him. He could only bring his hand to his chin and think deeply.

‘Is this…. My weakpoint? Hmmm… I might have to ask master to teach me how to lie next time I see him. After all he’s been lying about his feelings for Osena this entire time. I should be able to learn something from him.’

Because Owen was shocked by his sudden weak point he was unable to answer Demia at the moment and went deep into thought. Demia on the other hand put her hands on his hips and acted with a pride knowing that he was shocked from her easily finding out. However although he was shocked it much different than what she was thinking.

After a few moments Owen finally nodded after seriously acknowledging his weakpoint. It would be something he worked on in the future but for now he had more important things to achieve.

“It’s true that my hearing is heightened. And if you were within 15 meters, I could hear you easily. But as to how I truly knew about you, it is actually because of this blindness that I can ‘see’ you.”

Owen spoke in a slight riddle which confused Demia, she slightly tilted her head as she took a few moments before she could speak up.

“Then are you truly not blind?”

Demia asked curiously, trying to hide her anxiousness as she waited for the answer. Owen didn’t purposefully put her in suspense and was only technically telling the truth, but he didn’t know she was holding herself back from jumping up and down to know how he could do it. Although it might be childish for Demia this was normal as long as interest was piqued.

Owen wasn’t annoyed the more he could talk with her, the more likely he could obtain the Cinder. As he felt she was more interested in him than the Cinder for some reason. At least that was what he could tell from the slight changes of pitch when she asked him questions. Although he didn’t really understand the young lady in front of him, and even though she took something he was seeking, he wasn’t rude. This was something that Owen would give to everyone regardless of how rude they were to him. Owen truly believed if one continued to respect others he would also receive their respect. Whether it was fighting, or talking. This was also the reason he was so angered by the Tyrant Devourer who belittled him previously.

“I can see because of a technique that My Master bestowed upon me.”

Demia gave a “hmm” in response, towards Owen who spoke out his words calmly. With a few more voiced out thoughts of nodding, the distorted figure once again asked a question.

“Then…. Why do you want this ember? If you can already see what’s so important about this?”

Demia was confused, but her interest in this was still strong. She felt there was more to his ‘sight’ then what was just explained. Thus she couldn’t help but want more details. Owen gave a light sigh as he faced Demia properly.

“Although I can see it’s hard to say what I see is adequate, It’s also hard to say that I am blind now. My Master bestowed upon me the Solar Eyes technique. It is a vision where I can only see the Essence of the World. Before this I had never known what it was like to see. But now I do. Before, I didn’t miss what I didn’t have. I loved the world through my own point of view. I loved feeling the water flowing along my finger tips. I loved hearing the droplets of water hit the petals of the flowers as I water them. But even still, I love the view of a sunset. As the sky is lit aflame, as the trees sway as a breeze hits them.”

As his emotions started to stir as he spoke every word. His true feelings during the time he could see was starting to resurface. He was standing still, no emotion could be seen on his face from Demia’s point of view, but even though she couldn’t truly understand his blight she felt from the way he strongly spoke every word it was convincing enough for her to relate to him. He only momentarily paused before he continued.

“And now that I know what it means to look at the world. I am walking the Path to gain my sight. Eventually if I continued to increase my Solar Eyes technique with Flame Essence, I will be able to see once again. Even though I am not strong to control it currently. My eyes are simply too weak to be used right now. So I have to gather Flame Essence and learn how to control them. Now, do you understand why I have chased you? Why I have used a Sky Essence Crystal? Finally, do you understand that even though I tell you this, I am fully prepared to put my life on the line to acquire it?”

After Owen said these words, his face was showing his determination behind his words. It was showing his pain of walking a Path without being able to see. He never thought of his loss of vision as a disability. But even still he loved the feeling of seeing. It was a strong enough feeling to overcome the need for immortality or any of the other benefits of becoming a God. To Owen, there was nothing more important than the Cinder in front of him currently. He slowly grabbed the Little Light Rock from his pocket and clenched it tightly. If he had to he would without a doubt kill this young lady without a moment of hesitation. If words didn’t work he would use force. If force didn’t work he would use his determination. And finally if that didn’t work he would rather die than let her go with it.

Demia on the other hand felt a tug in her heart as she listened to his words.

‘From that one lie alone I can tell he’s a shitty liar, so even if he wanted to he couldn’t make up this up. But why should I pity him? A god’s child? Someone who could be said to be a chosen? Given everything? Even still, was he really given everything? I can’t help but think he’s an idiot who will do anything for...”

After she thought the last few words, she giggled to herself. This caught Owen surprised, as he had turned serious, from the sudden giggle he couldn’t help but relax a bit. He was confused by her sudden giggle but he could hear the soft feeling it gave off, it was a cute laugh from the bottom of her heart. But what happened next surprised Owen even more. Suddenly after she started giggling Demia threw the Cinder towards Owen. Although he caught it naturally with his one hand she still had a puzzled expression in his face.

“Don’t give me that look. Anyways, just think of it as you owe me. The next thing I take will be mine for good.”

As she said this she started to run in the direction she had previously gone before stopping. As her backed faced Owen, she happily called out once again.

“My name is Demia, let’s meet again Owen. And let me warn you, if you falter in your determination, I will be the first to kill you.”

Owen was still confused by the sudden turn of events. But he still managed to hear what she said as she ran away. He muttered out in confusion as she disappeared from his Blind Motion technique.

“Did I gain an ally or foe?”

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“Hehe… I feel like I found someone I can relate to after so long. Well Owen, don’t die.”

Demia chuckled as she smiled with her eyes and covered her white teeth. Although no one could see her true appearance at the moment, she still felt a tinge of happiness when she found someone she could relate too.

‘An idiot who chases after that one thing regardless of the consequences huh?’

After she tried to calm herself she only leaked out a smile as she ran away again. Anticipating when she could meet up with Owen again. Of course she was hoping to steal something from him then. As for what, only she herself would know.

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Chapter 67: Obtaining The Cinder!

End of the Cinder Arc