The experts immediately activated various instruments to measure the temperature, intensity, and energy fluctuations of the flames. Throughout the process, no one inquired about Nezha's feelings; no one cared about his dignity as a person. Everything felt cold and mechanical.
By the end of the first day of evaluation, Nezha was utterly exhausted. He lay alone on the bed in the Observation Room, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, feeling an unprecedented sense of loneliness and confusion.
"I should send a message to Ao Bing," he thought, "but he's at the Dragon Palace now and might not receive it."
Nezha attempted to activate the Time-Space Bracelet on his wrist, but due to the special structure of the Observation Room, the bracelet seemed to be interfered with; the ruby only flickered weakly a few times before fading into darkness.
"Even in dreams, we can't meet..." Nezha painfully closed his eyes.
The second day's evaluation was even stricter. The experts not only required Nezha to demonstrate stronger flame control but also tested his reactions under different emotional states. A psychologist joined the team, trying various methods to provoke Nezha's emotional fluctuations to see how they affected his abilities.
"Please imagine a scene that makes you very angry," the psychologist said calmly, "and then try to control your abilities so they don't manifest."
Nezha closed his eyes and envisioned those students who mocked him as the "Demon Orb," picturing their fearful and disgusted gazes. Anger surged within him like a tide, and he felt the energy inside him begin to churn restlessly.
"Very good," the psychologist recorded data. "Now please control this energy fluctuation."
Nezha took a deep breath, striving to calm his emotions. It was difficult, especially under the pressure of being observed and evaluated. After several attempts, he barely managed to keep the energy fluctuations within an acceptable range.
"Well, your control is decent," the psychologist commented, "but emotional fluctuations clearly affect your ability's stability. I recommend systematic emotional management training."
Hearing these cold evaluations filled Nezha with a deep sense of helplessness. He never intended to possess these abilities nor had he ever thought of using them to harm anyone. Why was he viewed as a potential danger? Why was he forced to undergo these uncomfortable tests?
In the evening, Aunt Taiyi came to visit Nezha with dinner. Seeing his exhausted state, she sighed with concern:
"I'm sorry for what you're going through, my child. Just hold on for a few more days; I'm trying to find a way to change this situation."
Nezha forced a smile. "I'm fine, Taiyi Senior. It's just..."
"Just what?"
"Just afraid I might never return to a normal life," Nezha's voice fell low. "Now everyone at school knows I'm the Magic Orb Reincarnation; they all fear me and hate me. Even if the evaluation proves I'm not dangerous, will they accept me?"
Aunt Taiyi paused for a moment before gently holding Nezha's hand. "Child, remember that labels are merely others' perceptions, not who you are. You are not a Demon Orb; you are Nezha—a young man with flesh and blood, dreams and warmth. Don't let others' prejudices define your life."
Though her words comforted Nezha, the confusion and fear within him lingered. He began to doubt whether he truly belonged in normal school life or if he should continue staying here. Perhaps quietly leaving and finding a place where no one knew his identity would be a better choice for a fresh start?
That night, Nezha received a text from an unknown number: "Exposure of your identity is just the beginning; more trials await you. —Shen Gongbao"
Nezha's heart tightened. What did Shen Gongbao want? Why send such a message? Was it a threat or a warning?
Comment 0 Comment Count