A gentle breeze swirled around the courtyard, carrying the fragrance of blooming flowers and ancient wisdom.
The sun's rays played hide-and-seek with the branches of nearby trees, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The courtyard itself was a serene oasis, with well-manicured gardens and elegantly sculpted statues, exuding an air of elegance and tranquility.
As the red-haired boy, Ka-jin, spoke to the young man, a middle-aged man and a maid stood gracefully by his side.
The middle-aged man wore dignified and regal attire, adorned with intricate embroideries that spoke of his position of authority within the Divine Academy. His eyes held a penetrating intensity, seeming to gauge the young man with every glance.
The maid, on the other hand, wore a simple but elegant dress, her movements graceful as she held a tray with refreshments. Her hazel eyes exuded warmth and kindness, offering a sharp contrast to the intensity of the middle-aged man's gaze.
The young man blinked in surprise, not expecting the red-haired boy to address him as "little brother." Confusion and curiosity mingled in his sapphire blue eyes, and he furrowed his brows slightly.
"Ka-jin?" His voice was barely audible as he voiced the name, trying to process the unexpected encounter with the red-haired boy. The memories of their childhood together started to resurface, although they were distant and hazy.
"Yes, Lee Jin. It's me, your brother, Ka-jin," he confirmed, grinning wider, seemingly amused by his little brother's reaction. "It seems like you haven't forgotten me after all."
Ka-jin chuckled, the sound filled with a mix of nostalgia and mischief. "Of course, how could you forget your beloved older brother," he said, his crimson hair catching the rays of the setting sun, making it seem like it was ablaze with its own brilliance.
Lee Jin's heart skipped a beat at Ka-jin's words. The memories flooded back, bringing with them a rush of emotions and the bitter taste of an unresolved past. He recalled the incident, the one that had forever tainted their bond.
"After all, I am the guy who almost killed you five years ago," Ka-jin mocked, his tone filled with cruelty and spite. "But I thought you would be dead long ago after we threw you away."
Lee Jin's breath caught in his throat as he confronted the memories that had been buried deep within him. The weight of the past resurfaced, dragging him into a sea of conflicting emotions. Regret, anger, and hurt battled within him, each wave crashing against the shores of his heart.
His sapphire blue eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mix of pain and vulnerability betraying his usually composed exterior. The gentle breeze seemed to mirror the turbulence within him, tossing his emotions like leaves caught in a whirlwind.
As Ka-jin spoke, the scent of blooming flowers and ancient wisdom seemed to blend with the bittersweet fragrance of the past. The courtyard, once a serene oasis, now felt suffocating, a cage trapping Lee Jin within its confines.
The touch of the gentle breeze against his skin felt both soothing and chilling, mimicking the touch of memories long suppressed.
The dappled patterns of light and shadow danced on the ground, mirroring the play of emotions in Lee Jin's heart – the darkness of past pain and the glimmers of hope for reconciliation.
He took a step back, needing space to process the rush of emotions. The memories were both vivid and foggy, like fragments of a shattered mirror that could never form a complete reflection.
He had spent years trying to forget, trying to move on from that fateful incident, and yet here it was, laid bare before him.
Lee Jin's eyes flickered to the middle-aged man, Thier family's butler, and the woman, the head maid, Yume. Both wore stern expressions, as if they were guarding a precious treasure. They looked at him with pity in their eyes, as if he were a fragile doll who could break with a single touch.
Thier family's butler exuded an overpowering aura that made him uncomfortable. Yume, on the other hand, seemed to be more sympathetic, her eyes filled with kindness.
Yume cleared her throat, breaking the tension that had formed. "Young Master Ka-jin, should we head in? The classes are going to start soon."
Ka-jin looked at Lee Jin, his crimson hair swaying slightly in the breeze as he offered a mocking smile. "Alright then, little brother," he said with a cold edge to his voice, "you can stand there and wallow in your self-pity all you want."
With those biting words, he started walking away, his footsteps echoing confidently on the courtyard tiles. Each step seemed to ring with a deliberate intent, as if he wanted to remind Lee Jin of his presence, of the power he held within the walls of the Divine Academy.
As he moved, his footfalls were steady and purposeful, reflecting the confidence he exuded. The courtyard seemed to shrink in his wake, as if bowing to the presence of the prodigious red-haired boy.
Ka-jin's strides were long and determined, reflecting the arrogance and superiority in his demeanor.
As he left, Lee Jin found himself standing alone in the courtyard, his gaze moving to the ground beneath his feet. The soft texture of the courtyard tiles pressed against the soles of his shoes, grounding him in the present moment.
The fragrance of blooming flowers still hung in the air, intermingling with the faint scent of polished wood from the nearby statues. But amidst the serenity of the courtyard, Lee Jin felt a turmoil of emotions that threatened to engulf him.
The past, now stirred awake, whispered its haunting memories, and he couldn't help but replay that tragic day in his mind.
As he slowly walked away from the Divine Academy, he noticed the worn and old clothes he wore, a stark contrast to the regal attire of his brother and the dignified butler. His simple appearance mirrored the feelings of insignificance and inadequacy that gnawed at him.
The surroundings outside the courtyard seemed to match his somber mood. The once inviting and elegant pathway now looked slightly weathered and overgrown, as if reflecting the passage of time and the forgotten memories it carried.
He found solace in the nearby book store, a cozy little place with a rustic charm. The familiar scent of old paper and ink greeted him as he stepped inside, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.
The bookshelves towered around him, filled with the wisdom and stories of countless authors, each waiting to be explored. Lee Jin found solace in the hushed atmosphere of the store, as if the pages of the books whispered understanding and acceptance.
He wandered through the aisles, running his fingers gently over the spines of the books as if seeking a connection. "This will do," he murmured to himself, showing the book, The Myth of the Shaman King, to the store's owner.
The store owner chuckled, "My, what a pleasure to have you in my shop." she continued. "May I ask why you are here?"
"I came to purchase this book," Lee Jin said, the fondness evident in his tone. "I've heard it's quite intriguing."
The woman's eyes lit up, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Why, of course, I've read it countless times. The author was a famous writer from a long time ago. Her works are a favorite of mine, and I recommend reading this one."
"That sounds like a good idea," Lee Jin agreed, a fondness in his tone, "I would like to purchase this book, please."
The woman smiled again as she bagged the book, offering him a polite goodbye. "Do come again, young man, and thank you for your patronage."
Lee Jin left the store with his purchase in hand. Glancing at the bag, a smile graced his lips. In his room, he sat at his desk, opened the book, and slowly started reading, savoring the captivating story.
As he read, the memories of the encounter with Ka-jin and the thoughts of the girl from the book intertwined within him. Closing the book gently, he took a deep breath, trying to ground himself in the present moment.
"I suppose it's time for me to practice cultivation," he murmured when he saw the sun soaring high in the sky through the window.
Sitting in front of the window, he closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing. He allowed the memories and emotions to settle like ripples in a pond, finding their place within his heart.
As he practiced, his body started to emanate a soft, blue glow. It was a gentle radiance, a manifestation of his inner energy that seemed to harmonize with the tranquility of the courtyard.
The glow grew stronger, encompassing him like a protective aura, shielding him from the tumultuous past.
"Urrrg!" Suddenly, Lee Jin groaned, doubling over in pain as if struck by an invisible force. Blood started to stream down his closed eyes, the pain tearing at him from the inside. It felt like a vicious beast gnawed on his insides, shredding his organs to bits and pieces.