23.

                                    

                                          
Recap
"And the incident happened not long ago.. but there's no trace of having a core.."
"What?!"
He turned to Cale.
Cale looked away nervously.
"What does this mean?"
It sounded like it was directed to Cale..
"I believe it's time to tell me."
Cale sat up against the wall, having cold sweat.
"Ermm... would you believe me if I told you I don't belong in this world?"
Although he had a stoic face, his actions said otherwise.
•-•
"!!"
The two looked at Cale as if he was lying.
"What?"
Kartein didn't process that.
'What is happening?! I thought he was just a clueless awakener!- No.. maybe he could make me more powerful..!'
Kartein was starting to think about something deviously.
Kayden waited for him to elaborate.
"I came to this world by the request of a god."
"So..?"
Kayden was confused, more over, he was worried.
"It's called an ancient power in my place, you are either born with it from ancient times or obtained it through overcoming certain difficulties."
He left out a few important parts..
"Interesting.. it doesn't need a core to work?"
Kayden held his chin in a thinking position.
Kartein looked devastated,
'So I can't learn this so-called ancient power.'
"So, what's wrong with your body then?"
He almost forgot about the most important part.
Cale looked away, fidgeting his fingers.
"If one overuses it, there's a drawback. Don't worry though, i'll recover overtime."
Sigh..
"So, how did you take in my energy using force control then?"
'Why do I feel like I'm being integrated..'
"I guess it strengthens my plate, the 'core' of ancient powers..?"
Cale shrugged.
"Alright then, get well soon."
The two left the room.
"Wait— so is the deal canceled?"
Kartein bit his finger in frustration.
"Yeah."
"You can't do this when I came all the way here to Korea for this!?"
"Not my problem."
"Hey.. Why are you still following me?!"
Kayden made his way back to Cale's place with Kartein trailing along.
"I don't have anywhere to go. Anyways, is this where you've been staying this whole time?"
Kartein looked around the house,
"It's so small."
"Then go to a hotel or some—
Poof!
He suddenly turned back into a cat.
"!"
"Uh.."
Kayden stood there, awkwardly.
"..."
'What is that? No, how did he do that? To think one could change their appearance to that of an animals'! I must know how to do it too!'
He stared a hole into Kayden,
"Tell me."
"??"
"What?"
Kayden scratched himself with his kitty foot.
"Tell me how to transform into a cat too."
Kayden looked at him like he was insane.
'Is he really serious..? Or is he making fun of me?'
Kartein stared intensely.
'He's serious..'
Ding!
An idea popped inside his head,
'How should I scam this bastard now?'
Kayden wore a devil-like face.
"Alright, I'll show you how to change into a cat then."

Cale had recovered fully and set off back home.
"It's been so long since I've had a comfortable nap."
He walked inside the house.
"Welcome back."
Kayden sat on the couch as all the cats swarmed Cale.
"It's been awhile everyone.."
Cale noticed something different at the corner of his eye,
"who's that?"
He looked at a skinny white cat that sat on the couch in a weird, not animal like position.
"That's Kartein, you know, the guy from before."
Cale stared weirdly at the guy.
The guy wore an overly confident aura.
'Not only do you have the appearance of a cat, you feel like one too..'
Kartein was admiring his new form,
'I really am a genius to be able to master this in one go!'
"Cale!~"
You know who it is, the trio that always comes uninvited while calling out for Cale.
"We heard about your discharge from the hospital! We came right here after hearing about it!"
"I'll order food."
Jisuk whipped out his phone,
"Jjajangmyeon.."
Wooin's eyes sparkled.
"I know you obsessed loser."
Jisuk continued to order.
Subin sat down next to Cale,
"Did Mr. Kartein really personally heal you?! I heard he only treats people when he feels like it!"
Her eyes glistened.
"Yeah, even when offered a large sum, he would still declined."
Jisuk added on.
"I wonder if he would heal me too!"
"Keep dreaming."
Jisuk was done with her daydreaming.
Wooin watched innocently, happy for Cale's recovery.
"Also! Did you hear? The academy will open back up in one month."
"What.."
Cale didn't think it'll open up so soon, it wasn't even summer yet.
"I know right, it's way too early!"
'I guess there's a power struggle.'
Cale thought.


:]