"I've always lived in the mountains; this is my first time in a big city…"
"I was born in an insignificant country; I just arrived in this country…"
Drake, startled by the old man, jumped up. He considered how to answer.
Suddenly, Drake felt a slight weight, like wearing an extra layer of clothing. He knew it wasn't an illusion.
He didn't sense magic or energy fluctuations, but whatever happened was related to the old man.
Forgetting about fabricating a story, Drake looked at the old man seriously. "Did you do something just now?"
The old man seemed unsurprised. He smiled. "Don't be nervous!"
He patted the bench. "I just wanted you to sit calmly. You're a being outside of fate; I apologize for testing you without explanation."
Drake sensed the old man's goodwill and sat down. "What did you mean by 'outside of fate'?"
Drake was more interested in the old man's words than his identity or intentions.
The old man replied, "I'll tell you. People like us transcend fate and reach its outer limits; we can manipulate causality. Other countries call us Desperados.
For example, if you were an ordinary person, when I thought of you sitting down, causality would lead to you sitting down!"
Drake was astonished; he'd never heard of such power. If the old man wanted to kill someone, they'd die just by thinking it.
The old man, sensing Drake's shock, explained, "This ability isn't convenient. Causality or fate is inevitable. I could force you to sit; that's why your fate led to you sitting down. Secondly, this ability is ineffective against those who've also transcended fate."
Drake understood; the ability wasn't as overpowered as it seemed. It was somewhat useless. Against defeatable enemies, it only skipped the process; personal strength still mattered.
But Drake realized this ability was cultivated through transcending fate; those who achieved it were strong.
Luckily, Drake had the same qualities; he wouldn't be suppressed, at least judging by the old man's reaction. Perhaps it was because Drake was a time traveler, his fate outside the world.
The old man looked at Drake seriously. "You're special! Leaving you uninformed is dangerous. Would you train with me for a while? I swear I won't harm you. You can leave anytime after understanding this world."
Drake felt the old man's sincerity and couldn't refuse. He could resist fate's influence, but the old man could still make him sit. Strength determines fate.
Drake wanted to understand this world. The old man, with his strength, held a high position and could solve Drake's identity issue.
Drake said, "I'll accept your offer. May I ask your name…?"
The old man stroked his beard. "I'm the Great Teacher of the Shinryuu Temple ; call me that."
"Understood, Great Teacher! I'm Drake. I'll trouble you."
The Great Teacher led Drake to a luxurious car. Drake sensed powerful individuals inside—at least Captain-level mages. He noticed others nearby—also strong.
The Great Teacher explained, "Don't misunderstand; they're cautious because they don't know you."
Drake nodded. "Understandable. I admire those who protect others despite the danger."
The Great Teacher nodded; Drake's words aligned with Shinryuu Temple's principles.
A man in a black suit approached. "Those words convinced me you're not dangerous."
He bowed to the Great Teacher. "Have you discussed this with him?"
The Great Teacher nodded. "Yes, he'll come to Shinryuu Temple. Please handle his identity."
The black suit said, "No problem. Your willingness to communicate is a great help."
Drake saw the Great Teacher's high status and looked forward to Shinryuu Temple.
Drake paled. "I have a question… can I not take the car?"
The Great Teacher advised against using his abilities; Drake reluctantly got in. He saw buildings rapidly receding; they were heading towards the mountains.
Temples in the mountains were normal. Drake worried about adapting to temple life.
The black suit left. Drake, refreshed, examined Shinryuu Temple. The vermilion gate had large door studs; a sign reading "Shinryuu Temple" hung on the frame.
He felt the writer's power. Stone lions stood below the steps, adding majesty.
It was like a temple; after living in another world, he felt a sense of familiarity.
The gate opened; the Great Teacher entered; Drake followed.
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