“So… how did you end up resolving Nia’s ability?”

“I believe I mentioned it in class today,” Moran’s expression grew distant. “The vessel of the Corruption Artifact is the Shatterborn’s own blood…”

Ming Yi recalled the girl—unnaturally pale, not a trace of color in her skin—and couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang of shock.

“You don’t mean—”

Moran nodded heavily, guilt etched deep into his features. “I pulled every connection I had within the Liberation Syndicate. No one had a better solution. This… is what I regret most about Thousand.”

“Just when I was at my wit’s end—”

—

—

Fifteen years ago. North Asia Branch of the Liberation Syndicate. Inside a plain, low-rise office building.

Moran watched anxiously as Nia floated in the nutrient tank, her already slender frame pierced by thick tubes, looking unbearably fragile.

“Will this… really work?”

Behind him, a narrow-eyed young man in a white lab coat stood hands in pockets, gaze fixed on the tank.

“This is the only solution our current knowledge allows,” the youth sighed. “We don’t yet know about side effects, but theoretically, with sufficient Blood Essence, she can remain active in this state.”

“Still… draining all the blood from a five-year-old girl… it’s cruel.”

Moran’s heart clenched.

As blood was steadily extracted, Nia’s skin turned paper-white. Her hair, eyebrows, even her eyes faded into flawless, pure white—like a snowflake that would shatter at a touch.

When the last drop was drawn, the nutrient fluid drained. Moran opened the chamber, removed the tubes, and cradled her gently.

“Forget the name Nia. Forget the painful memories.” His eyes softened. “From today on… your name is Thousand.”

—

—

Indeed.

The first time Ming Yi saw Thousand, her extreme pallor struck him as unnatural. Such perfection often hides tragedy.

But he never imagined the truth would be this heartbreaking—even as an onlooker, he felt pulled into her sorrow.

“After that day, Thousand grew silent. She withdrew completely, locked in her frozen world… for fifteen years.”

Ming Yi glanced at Moran again.

For fifteen years, this man must have lived every moment drowning in regret.

“I’ve always wanted to give Thousand all the love she lacked. But one person’s effort is never enough. Now… it’s different.”

“She finally has her first friend.” Moran’s eyes lit up as he looked at Ming Yi.

“Don’t worry, Teacher Moran,” Ming Yi said sincerely, heart aching for the lonely, beautiful girl. “I’ll stay by her side as much as I can.”

“Mm. I believe you.”

—

—

“By the way… may I ask another question, Teacher?”

“Hmm?”

“You said the Corruption Artifact manifests through a physical object to grant abilities…” Ming Yi hesitated. “But since my awakening… I haven’t seemed to—”

“Miriam already briefed me,” Moran stroked his chin. “No named artifact, no fixed form—just the ability to freely manipulate and reshape blood, correct?” Ming Yi noticed Teacher Moran had mentioned Branch Chief Miriam without the usual honorific. A slip?

“Yes…”

Moran’s eyes widened slightly. “In my view, your condition sits between Shatterborn and ordinary human. As if your Corruption Artifact… hasn’t fully awakened. Or hasn’t awakened at all.”

*Not awakened?* Ming Yi froze. It made sense. Blood control confirmed his Shatterborn nature—but no name, no defined power, that eerie sense of dormancy…

Third-generation Shatterborn normally awaken the moment blood meets air. He was different. His mind flashed involuntarily to the memory of his heart being pierced.

“So… how should I train?”

“Focus on physical conditioning,” Moran smiled gently. “Don’t pressure yourself. Maybe your body simply isn’t ready to support the Artifact yet.”

“Keep training. One day, it might awaken suddenly.”

True. It was the only path forward.

Moran sipped tea. “And even if it never awakens—your current ability holds immense potential.” He gave a knowing smile. “Freely shaping blood? That flexibility alone holds endless possibilities. Wielded cleverly… it’s a terrifying weapon.”

Ming Yi’s eyes brightened.

This talk had cleared his confusion completely. Gratitude warmed his chest as he looked at Teacher Moran.

“Ah! I forgot—I still have student council duties!” Ming Yi shot up, remembering he’d left Xiao Chengcheng and Chu Tong behind.

“Go on. Visit again when you’re free,” Moran waved warmly at the door.

—

—

“You’re late.” Chu Tong shot him a cold glare. “What’s the point of coming back now? It’s dinnertime.”

“Seriously,” Xiao Chengcheng huffed. “You ditch us to chase girls while we ‘work’? Not very bro-like of you!”

Ming Yi stood stiffly, enduring the scolding without a hint of protest.

*But… there was zero actual work. You two just ate sweets and drank tea all afternoon—the trash is stuffed with wrappers!*

*Why am I the only one getting yelled at?* He felt utterly dejected.

“Ahem… Classmate Chu Tong, would you like to join us for dinner? We’re all new here… barely know anyone.” Ming Yi asked tentatively.

Chu Tong’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

*No! I didn’t mean anything! Just being polite—it’s dinnertime, and we’re the only three in the council!*

Xiao Chengcheng gave him a “you’re-my-little-brother” look. “I can’t even listen to that. ‘No friends, so eat together’? Remember—” She suddenly struck a gentlemanly pose, bowing slightly with hands behind her back toward Chu Tong. “A gentleman invites a lady to dine for one reason only: to be captivated by her beauty and intellect.”

*Wait—now you sound even more suspicious! Isn’t this making her uncomfortable?!*

To Ming Yi’s shock, Chu Tong’s expression softened. She gave a small nod.

Ming Yi felt his entire worldview—painstakingly built over twenty years—shatter into dust.