Cover Story(1)

After a second or so, Lance couldn't help but hug back this man who he had met only an hour or so ago. Although he knew his parents were safe and weren't missing him, he did miss them at times. His mother, always encouraging and never pushing him. His father, standing with him as his sturdy foundation no matter what he did. These had been the people who had given him a great life and made him into who he was now.

Ever since he had gotten onto the station, life in IE had been a series of extreme emotions. Whether it was the grit to endure the training or the desperation to pass the mission, Lance's mind had almost always been at its limit, never having enough time to rest.

For the first time since coming on board, he took a step back and relaxed. He evaluated everything that had happened so far and told himself that there was still a long way to go. A few tears even left his eyes as an intense relaxation swept over him.

This was his home now. These people were his family. The earth was his responsibility. He needed to plow onwards regardless of the difficulties. He needed to uncover all of the past that was presently hidden.

It felt as if the man he was hugging was a magnet which attracted all the negative feelings in him. All his fears and worries were sucked away and he felt himself brimming with confidence and looking forward to what he would face and learn next.

The Castellan ended the hug after a few seconds but still held him by his shoulders.

"You are my 15th personal disciple of this generation. In my tutelage, we do not follow any hierarchy. So, all the rest will be your brothers and sisters who will guide you and grow stronger with you. For all of my disciples, I have only one wish: Always remember your roots. That is all. Now, let us get about planning your cover story.", he said before releasing him.

Lance sat back down with a calm look in his eyes. He nodded, humbly waiting for the Castellan to continue.

"Your cover IN will be "Strength". You have already activated your wishing powers for that purpose twice before, even if it was unknowingly. Thus, it will be easier to train in it. Having infinite potential does not mean that you can be a jack of all trades: it only means that you have more options. As your master, this is my suggestion. Do you accept?"

Lance hesitated as he wondered whether to speak his mind. It had not even been 5 minutes since he had accepted his master and he already had a contradiction to make.

"What is it? Feel free to say whatever you want, Lance. As your master, I can only show you the best paths. The final option is always up to you. Differences in opinion will only serve to increase your understanding about the magnificent path of cultivation. Thus, the more you have to say, the better."

Lance smiled hearing this. He had never prided himself on being an incredible judge of character, but at least in this case, he felt that he had indeed made the best decision to be accepted.

"Besides, when you have something to say, you look like a monkey deciding whether to eat a banana or save it for later."

The calm look was replaced by bewilderment as this eccentric phrase came from the Castellan's mouth who had an expression as if he had cracked the biggest joke of the century.