A gentle hand pressed softly on my shoulder. I stared into the endless darkness before me; the worst card was already in my hand.
I understood what John Chou meant. For the Blood Jade, the Immortality Society would even turn against the Corpse Realm and the Underworld—so holding the Blood Jade myself was even more dangerous.
Thinking back, it was because I possessed what they wanted that Rachel Lan made the decision in my place—she chose the worst possible outcome ahead of time.
Overwhelming power crushes hope—there is no best or worst in this world. I still remember what Earthly Soul once told me: I am not a savior.
John Chou placed his hand on the back of my head and patted it gently.
"Brother, it's time to make a decision again. That's reality—they'll keep watching you. Instead of taking your instinct for themselves, they'd rather let you find what they need and then snatch it from your hands."
I nodded and stood up. Heaven doesn't favor anyone without reason, nor does it give endless chances—there's no such thing as a free lunch.
John Chou gazed at me in silence for a moment, then he started to smile.
"Of course, brother. Maybe the worst hand you hold will become your strongest card—everything depends on your choice."
I said nothing, just thinking. The best way was to hand over the Blood Jade; giving it to anyone was safer than holding such a dangerous card myself. The enemy is cunning—they strike without warning, again and again, putting me in peril. Though I've survived, the cost has been devastating.
The fate of the Ghost Burial Squad is still unknown; Rachel Lan is dead. So many people have been dragged into disaster because of me.
"I'm not a savior."
After a while, I muttered to myself. John Chou, beside me, started laughing.
"Life is all about moving forward or retreating with every choice. When you hit a barrier you can't cross, you can only step back or find another way. Have you decided, brother?"
John Chou seemed to notice something. I nodded, heavy with emotion.
"It's your decision, then. Good, brother. There's little time left before The Dark Banquet begins. Use this time to strengthen yourself as much as you can."
I woke from my dream, drenched in sweat. Beside me, gentle breathing—when I turned, my eyes widened. Rachel Lan was already awake, her soft, watery eyes gazing at me quietly.
Daylight was breaking. I panicked and tried to get up, but a hand reached over and pressed against my forehead.
"Had a nightmare, Ethan Zhang?"
I gasped, gently holding Rachel Lan's hands. The smile at the corner of her mouth made my heart tremble and ache—a wave of bittersweet pain surged from deep within me. I gripped her hands tighter and tighter.