Self Blame

Emily could shape light into deadly weapons. But in the past, she had never properly trained her ability She lacked control. Every attack she launched was a burst of power, powerful but inefficient, draining her completely. And on that day— She had pushed herself too far. She had kept firing, attack after attack, until she collapsed. By the time she woke up, It was too late. "You don't need to change the subject," Emily murmured. "I know it's my fault."

Alex's expression darkened. "I love you, Emily, but this attitude of yours pisses me off." His voice was calm, but firm. "Enough with the self-blame. If you really want to start pointing fingers, we could blame everyone involved. But so what? Does it change anything?"

Emily stayed silent. Alex exhaled sharply. "Even if we knew exactly who to blame, would it bring Dad back? Would it undo the past? No. So drop it already." He had tried everything to comfort her before, Speaking gently. Patting her head. Listening to all of her endless self-loathing. But nothing changed. The only thing that could truly pull her out of it, Would be a miracle. If their father somehow returned.

Emily's lips pressed together. For a brief second, her eyes turned glossy— But she blinked the tears away. She took a slow breath. Alex sighed. 'Even as a two-star hunter, Emily was still like this.' He worried about what would happen if she ever fell for the wrong guy? 'Would she get all emotional over that, too? Then again… Not my problem. It was her life. She wasn't a kid anymore.' …Still, if worst came to worst, he'd remove the guy. Alex pushed the thought away. "Alright," he said, watching her closely. "Have you calmed down? Can you answer me now?"

Emily took another deep breath before nodding. "If the cultivation system is as complete as you claim," she said, her voice steadier, "And if we can prove it works—if we can show real people succeeding, Then we can negotiate to keep it private." Her gaze sharpened. "The ability to make anyone an Awakener is too big for the Hunter Association to ignore."

Alex's lips curled into a smirk. "That's all I needed to hear." He leaned back. "Alright, then. You make the guild, Emily. And if you need anything, just let me know." Then, his gaze softened. "But don't push yourself, okay?"

Emily blinked. "I mean it," Alex continued. "I don't want anyone else disappearing from this family." His voice dropped slightly. "And… if you can, meet up with Mom and fix things already."

Emily's expression tensed. "You know why she's so against this," Alex continued. "But it's been five years .Just… don't bring up anything about hunters or guilds when you see her."

Emily's jaw tightened. She wanted to make up with their mother. But she knew how it would end. "You know what Mom will say," she muttered. "It's not like I'm the one who keeps bringing it up."

Alex sighed. "I'll talk to her too. Just don't be so stubborn." His eyes flickered with amusement. "Honestly, you take after her more than you think. Both of you are ridiculously hardheaded when you set your mind on something."

Emily humphed and crossed her arms. "You talk like you're not like that, brother." Her lips twitched into a pout.

Alex snorted. "At least I'm not stubborn about pointless things."

Emily rolled her eyes. "You both know acting like this will only hurt each other—but you keep doing it anyway."

He waved a hand dismissively. "Whatever. Forget it When can you get me the weapon?"

Emily tilted her head. "I can get it by tomorrow," she said. "Unless you really need it now—" She smirked. "—because I do have some here."

Alex shook his head, knowing his sister had probably offered up the gun she was currently using. "No need, just get me a new one tomorrow. Not the one you use." Then, he added, "And set up a meeting with the three-star hunter. I'll meet them directly."

At first, he had wanted to let Emily handle the Hunter's Association entirely, but with everything happening in the world, he felt the need to step in and see their intentions for himself. "Sure, bro," Emily said with a smirk. "But I also want to meet the woman who made you do all this."

"You can't meet her, Emily."

"Eh? Why not?" Emily's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Don't tell me she comes from a poor background? Are you afraid I'll bully her?"

Alex laughed. "No. You just can't meet her right now—she's somewhere far away."

"Far away?" Emily raised a brow. "How far? We can just take the jet." Her suspicion only grew. "Then how is she supposed to be your head scientist? Don't tell me it's that Faerith woman you were talking about?"

"No." Alex shook his head. "I already told you, my relationship with Faerith is just work. I do have someone I like now, and she's part of the reason I'm doing this. But you really can't meet her right now, Emily."

Emily crossed her arms. "Who is she then? What does she look like?" She was genuinely curious. Even after graduation, she remembered how their mom had tried setting Alex up with different women—beautiful, gentle, accomplished. But no matter how perfect they seemed, Alex had rejected every single one. And Emily knew why. For Alex, none of those women ever really looked at him. They saw his wealth, his family background, the power he held. That wasn't what he wanted.

"Mingyue," Alex finally said. "She has amber eyes, long black hair." He continued describing her, and Emily couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh wow, you're really gone for this woman, huh?" Alex didn't respond, but his expression said it all. "So, where does she live?"

Alex hesitated for a moment before answering, "Like I said—somewhere far. I really don't want to lie to you, Emily. Just be patient. One day, I'll bring her to meet you and Mom."

Emily stared at him, trying to read between the lines. In the end, she let out a sigh. "Fine, fine." She leaned back. "But now I'm even more curious." Her eyes flickered with thought. 'Then why did he build all this? How is it tied to that woman? What is his real goal now? I don't believe it's just for the family.' She wanted to ask outright, but Alex just shrugged it off with a lazy smile. And that only made her curiosity grow even more.