Back in the camp, the atmosphere transformed completely.

They had grabbed Christmas lights from the mall, hooked them up to what looked like a solar-powered battery, and decorated the tavern, turning it into a glowing Christmas tree.

"Amanda, you said electronics from outside stops working here after a while. So why is this still working?" I asked, showing how little I understood.

"Not all," she said with a small shake of her head. "Simple ones like this still work. But advanced devices like computers or phones shut down because of the interference."

I nodded in understanding, but it still bothered me. "Is this why no one tries to build cities inside the tower?"

"Mostly, yes. Long exposure to the tower has side effects. I was worried Hai‑Min would get sick from the energy, but she looks fine, which surprised me."

My mouth fell open. "So you're telling me her lasting this long isn't normal?"

I worried about it before, but when nothing happened to her, the thought slipped out of my mind.

"Yes, boss."

"Why didn't you say that sooner?" I rubbed my temple. To think she had been in constant danger just by breathing.

"Boss… this stays between us. But I think Hai‑Min is a Seeker too, and she's been hiding her ability."

"Why would she hide it?"

Silence hung between us before she answered. "Maybe because it's a low‑rank one… and she didn't want people comparing her to her sister even more."

Those were bold claims, but Hai‑Min did have many insecurities about her sister. It wasn't completely impossible.

Just as we were about to continue talking, one of the Seekers broke a glass, and the others laughed at him. Hai‑Min also came over, so I decided to put the conversation on hold.

The alcohol made everyone even merrier—they laughed, sang, and started dancing without a care.

As for me, I sat on the roof, savoring the taste of wine. I was never a heavy drinker, mainly because I didn't like the taste of hard alcohol.

Hai-Min rested on my lap, sipping her own drink. It was cold, of course, thanks to one of the seekers who had an ice-related ability.

"What do you think?" I started conversing with her.

She arched her back, pressing against my chest. "I still can't believe I almost lost my life before. Big Brother, you're amazing. You made all of this possible."

My hand twitched, and I pulled her into a hug—okay, fine, that was a little intentional. Some physical contact was allowed, right?

She didn't resist and let me hold her.

As we sat like that, I asked carefully, "Hai‑Min… can I ask something? Why… why do you always hesitate when it comes to talking about your sister?"

She stiffened slightly, and I thought she wouldn't answer. But after a long pause, she whispered,

"I… I guess I didn't want you to compare me to her. I'll be honest, Big Brother… our family used to be so poor. When my sister awakened, everyone's eyes turned to her, and I… I was left invisible."

Her voice trembled, and tears slipped down her cheeks. "I worked so hard in school… I became the perfect student, tried to make them proud, but no one… no one ever saw me. It felt like I didn't matter at all."

I wiped her tears and pulled her closer. For some reason, what she said hit close. I knew that feeling of being invisible from my past life.

The difference was that I never tried to be somebody, so the sting was softer for me than it was for her.

"Then, what will you do if you somehow awaken a supernatural ability?"

Her eyes widened for a moment. Then she shook her head quickly. "Nothing… I'm not brave like my sister. I don't like violence either."

The way she said it sounded more like admitting defeat than stating a fact. I started to realize this wasn't just about comparisons. Her sister must have said plenty of cruel things to crush her confidence this deeply.

"Once we're out, I'll visit your school," I joked.

She grabbed my arm and smiled. "Yeah… I'd like that."

Before long, she grew tired and drifted to sleep in my lap. I carried her to her room like a gentleman and covered her with one of the newly scavenged blankets.

Then I placed my hand on her abdomen and sent a gentle flow of Qi through her.

My eyes narrowed as I focused on it. Something was there—small, hidden—and it pulsed deep inside her brain region.

It made me curious, so I stepped out and checked Amanda. I placed my hand on her arm and let a thread of Qi flow through her

A pulse of warm energy settled in her lungs. That fit with her being a physical type.

But when I scanned Hai‑Min, the pulse came from her brain. I needed to conduct more test.

"Amanda, call Adam," I instructed .

When he arrived, I traced his energy and felt the pulse in his chest near the diaphragm. He was also a semi- physical type, and most of his power came from shouting to taunt enemies and boost himself.

Next, I checked a caster—the one who used ice. Her energy felt cold, and the strange pulse sat in her heart.

My shadow energy rested in the same place, so that placed us in the same category: creation‑type Seekers.

"Boss, do you need me to call anyone else?" Amanda inquired.

"No need," I waved her off.

Hai‑Min being a mental type intrigued me. I wondered what her true power could be.

Amanda, noticing my deep thoughts, asked, "Did you figure it out? Is she really hiding her abilities?"

"No." I shook my head. She didn't need to know this; it would only raise create unnecessary distrust.

The best course of action was to let her open up to me slowly.

With that matter temporarily set aside, I headed to my makeshift wooden house and began cultivating. My priority was still gaining more power.

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