Nodding City Soul Master Academy, which Old Jack mentioned, opens tomorrow.
In the early morning, Tang Sui, her spirit power replenished, woke up to the aroma of meat wafting through the air. She quickly washed up and then trotted to Tang San, who was busy by the stove. Raising her small face, she looked with bright eyes at her all-capable, golden-thighed brother, her voice cheerful, "Brother, did you catch prey! I smell meat!"
Tang San looked dotingly at the energetic Tang Sui. "Mm," he hummed, lifting the lid off the pot to reveal steaming meat buns. He picked one up with the wooden chopsticks beside him, placed it in a chipped earthenware bowl, and handed it to Tang Sui.
"Sui Sui, if you're hungry, eat first. Dad, breakfast!" Tang San raised his voice slightly, but there was no movement from Tang Hao's room.
Tang Sui placed the earthenware bowl on the wooden table. After washing her hands at the basin again, she picked it up and puffed her cheeks, blowing on the meat bun in her hand, trying to cool it down.
"Dad, eat!" Tang San called out again. This time, Tang Hao finally responded, but not from his room. He strode in from outside the door.
Tang Sui, who had just started to break open the bun and blow on it, stopped instinctively upon seeing Tang Hao. After he walked in and sat directly opposite her, Tang Sui lowered her head, looked at the meat bun in her hand, lifted it, and offered it to Tang Hao. "Dad, Brother just steamed these buns. Have one, I've already blown on it to cool it!"
Tang Hao lowered his head, meeting his little daughter's eyes, which held a hint of anxiety yet were still filled with boundless trust and moisture. He paused for a moment, and in Tang Sui's slightly widened eyes, a pair of rough, thick hands landed on her head, bringing a warm sensation. "Dad isn't hungry. You eat first."
Tang Sui stared unblinkingly at Tang Hao's noticeably aged face, a flicker of melancholy crossing her heart.
This was... a father's warmth.
Whether in her past life or this one, this was the first time she had experienced a father's head pat.
Tang Sui numbly put down the meat bun and took a distracted bite.
Meanwhile, Tang San had already tidily finished preparing breakfast and was walking over with the food.
Glancing at his elder son, Tang Hao lowered his hand and said, "Xiao San, you don't need to practice forging today. Pack your things with Sui Sui and go to Nodding City with Old Jack tomorrow."
Tang Sui, who was gnawing on her bun, suddenly lifted her head, making a muffled sound.
"Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm!" Is the Soul Master Academy opening!
"Sui Sui, have some water. Don't rush to speak when your mouth is full; be careful not to choke yourself." Tang San handed Tang Sui a cup of warm water before looking at Tang Hao. "Dad, why are Sui Sui and I going to Nodding City with Grandpa Jack?"
Tang Hao said indifferently, "Don't you two want to become Soul Masters and learn their abilities? Old Jack will take you to Nodding City Junior Soul Master Academy. There, you can learn what you desire."
After hearing this, Tang San was stunned for a few seconds. Tang Sui, who had finally swallowed her food, tugged at Tang San's sleeve and looked at her brother, who was half a head taller than her, with shining eyes. "Brother, let's be Soul Masters together!"
You level up and fight monsters, I'll assist and coast! That way, we can survive in this world!
Seeing Tang Sui's excited expression, Tang San was still somewhat conflicted, and Tang Hao also showed a look of helplessness. He said slowly, "This is, after all, the path you chose for yourselves. When you get to the academy, Xiao San can use the forging methods I taught you to apprentice at a blacksmith's shop. Sui Sui... just take care of yourself."
"Also, my requirement for you to go to Nodding City is this: no matter how you cultivate your spirit power in the future, you are not to attach any spirit rings to that hammer spirit. Unless absolutely necessary, do not let anyone see its appearance, nor let anyone know that you siblings are both twin spirits."
"Twin spirits are extremely rare on this continent, a phenomenon that occurs once in a millennium. I hope you can be vigilant and protect your trump cards. And... another individual requirement for Xiao San is what I told you that night. Can you do it?"
The siblings nodded in unison, their childish voices filled with unwavering resolve: "Yes!"