Chapter 71: An Old Leader
Elias took a single step back for a moment and put his hands above his chest and stated "Woah; of course not, we’re just looking for someone that has been effected by something... that’s... Ugh; screw it, has a shard that’s exposed out of there body.
Elias furrowed his brow, stepping forward slightly. "And what do you mean ’too’?" he asked. "Who else has tried to hurt your kid? I’m sorry to hear that, by the way. No one should have to go through that." His tone was genuine, but he remained cautious. "And, if you don’t mind me asking—who exactly are you?"
He extended a hand, offering a firm shake. "My name’s Elias Kael."
The man hesitated, as if debating whether to accept the gesture. Up close, Elias could see him better—late thirties, maybe even early forties. His face was worn, dark circles carving deep under his tired eyes, as if sleep had been a luxury long out of reach.
Finally, he stepped forward, clasping Elias’s hand with a surprisingly steady grip. "Joji Qiáozh."
The moment the name left his lips, Yui’s posture shifted. His head snapped up, his eyes narrowing in silent recognition. But he held his tongue, watching the man carefully.
Joji continued, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "A group of rogue bandits or thieves drove us from our homeland. We were in the middle of rebuilding when my son, Ānbè Rinkān, was attacked by a shard—or crystal, whatever it is." He let out a slow breath, rubbing his temple. "I thought he died from the wound, but then... he healed. And after that, he started talking to himself. At first, I thought my young son had lost his mind."
Elias’s chest tightened slightly at the words. It was a story he had heard before, different faces, different places—but the same underlying tragedy. Joji shook his head, voice dipping lower.
"Then the powers came. And the attacks started. People feared him for showing them. We were hunted, forced to flee. We came here hoping to find someone who could rid my son of this—this curse. I called in aid, someone who might be able to remove it entirely. But..." He glanced around, as if watching for unseen pursuers. "Some of them followed me here. We were forced into hiding."