"And for your blindness," Lina said softly, her tone full of reassurance, "it's nothing to worry about, Shawn. At first, I thought it was just a disorder—something I could heal easily—but after several attempts, I realized something strange. There's an energy that keeps blocking the flow I try to pass through your eyes. It's as if a wall stands between your body and the healing process itself." She paused, her voice turning gentler. "But I've arranged for someone to help. He's an old friend, and I trust him completely."
Shawn's heart gave a small leap at her words. For days, he had struggled with his blindness—every small task had felt like climbing a mountain. Even something as simple as finding the washroom or pouring a drink required full concentration. His world had been reduced to sound, touch, and memory, and every moment reminded him of what he had lost. Now, at the possibility of change, relief flooded through him like a river breaking free after being held back too long.
Lina's voice remained calm, but there was a quiet determination in it. "You've told me you remember nothing about your past apart from your name," she said. "If you have a name, that means you've awakened something. Even if you don't realize it yet."
Shawn gave a faint smile, though inside, he felt the quiet sting of truth—the body he now inhabited had awakened nothing. The real Shawn, the one from another life, carried memories and secrets no one here could understand. Still, Lina's belief in him sparked something small but comforting inside his chest.
"Then, with time," Lina continued, her voice soft but certain, "you'll remember your Vitral. When that happens, and when you grow strong enough, your sight might just come back."
Before Shawn could respond, a gentle knock echoed through the room. The sound broke the quiet like a drop of water in still air. Lina rose gracefully, crossing the floor and opening the door. A man entered—a middle-aged figure with dark, slightly tousled hair and striking azure eyes that gleamed even in the dim light. He wore loose dark pants, simple sandals, and a black shirt that fit comfortably across his lean frame. Two silver rings glimmered faintly on his right hand.
"Alric!" Lina greeted warmly, her face lighting up with genuine relief. She stepped forward and wrapped him in a brief, heartfelt hug. "It's good to see you again."
Alric chuckled softly, his voice deep and calm. "I'm well, Lina. I came as soon as I got your message. I had nothing urgent to do, so I thought, why not lend a hand?"
He turned toward Shawn, his presence radiating kindness. When he spoke, his tone was patient and welcoming. "And who might our little guest be?"
"I'm Shawn," came the quiet reply. His voice trembled just slightly, polite but unsure.
Alric smiled and crouched a little to meet him at eye level. He reached out, taking Shawn's small hand into his own. His grip was warm and steady. "Nice to meet you, Shawn. I'm Alric—a friend of Lina's. We go way back. She used to be part of my team once upon a time, but after the group disbanded, she's the only one I still see."
Shawn tilted his head curiously. "What team?"
"She'll tell you when she feels like it," Alric replied with a light grin, casting a playful glance toward Lina.
Lina laughed softly, though her eyes hinted that the story behind that team carried more weight than either of them would admit now. "Alright, Alric, enough talk," she said, smiling. "You must be busy. Did you bring what I asked for from Xavier?"
"Of course," Alric said, a hint of pride in his voice. He lifted his hand, and with a small flicker of energy, a sleek black rod materialized from thin air. The metal shimmered faintly, reflecting a dim green hue as it caught the light.
"I did my best," he said, examining it briefly before handing it over. "I watched the process mostly, but Xavier handled the heavy work—the forging, the adjustments, the energy calibration. He's still as brilliant as ever."
He handed the rod carefully to Shawn. "Here," he said. "This is called Pathfinder. It's not just a walking aid—it's something designed to help you perceive your surroundings. I'm sure it'll help with your current predicament."
Shawn hesitated, holding the rod delicately in his hands. The metal felt smooth and cool against his skin, humming faintly with stored energy. "What… what should I do with it?" he asked, unsure.
"Press the button on the side and place it on the ground," Alric instructed. "Then, if you can, give it a drop of your blood. That will mark it as yours."
Nodding slowly, Shawn followed his directions. He pressed the small button, feeling a vibration through his fingertips, then placed the rod on the floor. A faint click followed as he pricked his finger and let a single drop of blood fall onto the rod.
The moment it touched, the Pathfinder came alive.
A soft green light glowed along its length, and a wave of energy rippled outward, spreading through the room. The air seemed to hum faintly in response.
Shawn gasped as his mind suddenly filled with faint impressions—vague outlines and ghostly shapes forming within his consciousness. The desk before him took shape, followed by two standing figures. One was tall and steady—Alric—and the other, graceful and familiar—Lina. The forms were colorless and blurred, but they moved in time with reality, responding to sound and motion.
He tapped the rod again as instructed, and another pulse rippled outward. The shapes grew sharper, their edges clearer, and Shawn's breath hitched in disbelief.
"This device," Alric explained, smiling at the boy's reaction, "was created by an old friend of mine—Xavier. We based it on an ancient principle of sound as perception. It's similar to echolocation, used by certain creatures we studied long ago. Sound becomes energy, and energy becomes sight, in a way."
Shawn couldn't speak. Tears welled in his sightless eyes, and before he knew it, they began to roll down his cheeks. For the first time in what felt like forever, he could see—not perfectly, not in color, but enough to perceive the world around him. The sheer wonder of it hit him like a storm.
He turned his head slowly, testing the range, the sensitivity. Every motion brought a new pulse of awareness. He could sense the walls, the chairs, even the faint movement of Lina's hair as she stepped closer.
He wiped his tears quickly, embarrassed, but his joy was too raw to hide. "It's… it's amazing," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Alric chuckled softly, clearly pleased. "That's enough for now, little one. It'll take time to get used to it. Don't strain yourself too much." He straightened and turned toward Lina. "I have a few errands to run, so I'll leave the rest to you. Lina, thank you again for giving me an excuse to see old friends."
"Of course," Lina replied warmly. "You know you're always welcome here. And Shawn… take your time with it. The Pathfinder is delicate. Once you get used to how it responds to your energy, it'll feel like an extension of yourself."
Alric gave a small nod and waved before stepping out, his footsteps fading down the corridor.
For a long moment, silence filled the room again, broken only by the faint hum of the Pathfinder in Shawn's hands. He held it tightly, his fingers tracing the smooth surface as though afraid it might vanish. His chest swelled with gratitude, awe, and something he hadn't felt in a long time—hope.
Lina watched him quietly, her smile gentle, the firelight reflecting softly in her eyes. In that silence, without needing to say a word, Shawn knew that he wasn't alone—not anymore.