"I was practicing in seclusion," Ethan said, flashing a sheepish smile as he saw Elder Azel approach.
"I'm sorry for troubling Elder, for searching for me so many times."
Azel's look was equal parts amused and shrewd.
"And you erased the spiritual mark I had placed on you, didn't you?"
Ethan hesitated for a moment, mind spinning.
"Actually, an old senior helped me erase it some time ago. I only realized later how useful it was… Mr. Burn himself did it for me."
He was careful—even with Azel, it didn't pay to show all his cards.
Azel's laughter was full-bodied. "Senior, Mr. Burn, right? Of course I recognize him. In fact, if I hadn't spoken for you, would you have received this opportunity in the first place?"
Ethan blinked, piecing it together for real now.
"So Elder Azel is the reason I was noticed?"
"I just put your name forward, that's all," Azel said, waving off the notion.
"If anything, you should thank your talent. But if you ever want to repay it, someday you can."
