Chapter 107 - Former

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The sudden crash of thunder startled the young boy from his sleep, jolting him upright. His heart raced as he instinctively summoned Celestial Harmony, the blade shimmering in his hand as he swung it toward the unseen threat.

“Haa…!!” Wan gasped, his eyes scanning the empty air, finding nothing but the stillness of the night.

He stood there for a moment, panting heavily, his body tense as he slowly came to his senses. The sound of rain began to echo around him, the drops landing softly on his skin. He wiped the water from his forehead, shaking his head as he lowered the sword

"False alarm…" he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to examine his body, the memory of the pain from his wounds flashing through his mind.

But when he touched his skin, he realized they had already healed.

His brow furrowed in confusion as he looked up at the darkened sky, noticing for the first time the storm that swirled overhead. Black clouds covered the horizon, rumbling ominously.

"I don't remember the sky being like this," Wan whispered, the unease creeping into his voice.

Slowly, he stood, dismissing Celestial Harmony with a flick of his wrist. He dusted off his blue jacket, his movements slow and deliberate, though his body felt strangely foreign to him. He ran his hand through his hair, grimacing at the mess—he hadn't showered in half a year, and the grime had taken its toll.

Pulling his hood over his head, he started to move, each step careful and measured as a sharp pain shot through his body. He grunted, clenching his fists as he tried to push past the discomfort.

“Kergh…!” A harsh breath escaped his lips, the pain more intense than before. He pressed a hand to his side, his face contorted in frustration.

Wan paused at the edge of the alleyway, looking out at the bustling city just beyond the corner. The streets were alive, people going about their business, completely unaware of the turmoil that gripped him.

"I need a bathroom," he muttered to himself, his voice tight. He knew he had to inspect his body—something felt wrong, and he needed to figure it out.

Every move felt like a struggle, his muscles aching, his senses dulled. He couldn't explain it, but ever since he’d woken up, something inside him had shifted. His strength had been drained, and he could feel his control slipping.

At this rate, he wouldn’t be able to fight properly. He wouldn't be able to find Kiana. And that thought alone made the pain harder to bear.

Taking a deep breath, Wan steeled himself, pushing forward. He couldn't afford to fall apart now.

As Wan made his way through the crowded streets, his steps slow and deliberate, he passed by groups of pedestrians who barely gave him a second glance—until they caught a whiff of him.

He noticed a couple walking ahead, their conversation stopping as they passed by him. The man subtly wrinkled his nose, pulling his partner closer as she glanced back, her face scrunched in disgust. A group of teenagers nearby exchanged glances before one of them waved a hand in front of their face, stifling a laugh.

Wan tugged his hood lower, his eyes focused on the ground as he kept moving, pretending not to notice the reactions around him. The people weren't hostile, but their silent judgments were unmistakable.

"Just keep walking," he muttered to himself, pushing through the discomfort. His body still ached, his steps uneven, but he kept moving forward.

Another pedestrian, a middle-aged woman, hurriedly stepped aside as he passed, pulling her jacket collar over her nose. Her reaction stung more than it should have, and Wan's grip tightened on his jacket as he quickened his pace.

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