The Heart of Zero

As Shingin's figure disappeared into the morning light, his mother, Biyu, stood silently at the doorway, her gaze fixed on the direction he had taken, unmoving as if frozen in time. After a long moment, a young boy emerged from the shadows nearby—it was Rayl.

He quietly stepped beside Biyu, his expression solemn as he joined her in looking into the distance. After a pause, he broke the silence, his tone low and touched with surprise. "I didn't think you'd let him go so easily, Biyu."

Shingin's mother—Biyu—let out a soft sigh, her head bowing slightly as she replied, her voice tinged with the weariness of years and unshakable resolve. "From the night you first came to our home, I knew this day would come. I've always known that this peaceful little town was never truly his. Shingin was always meant to walk his father's path." Her eyes glimmered with pain, but there wasn't a trace of regret.

Rayl remained silent for a moment, nodding slightly. "You understand, don't you? The road ahead will be harder than you can imagine. He'll face dangers beyond the ordinary—decisions that hover on the edge of life and death."

But Biyu merely smiled faintly, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her arms, as though drawing strength from within. "I have no regrets, Rayl. I believe he'll grow stronger, even more resolute than his father. Shingin has never been one to retreat, and adversity will only forge his character further."

Rayl studied her for a moment, a flicker of admiration crossing his face. Taking a deep breath, he finally said, "I'll arrange for someone to watch over you from the shadows. You don't need to worry about your safety. Besides, you've been part of the Resistance long enough."

A glimmer of gratitude softened Biyu's expression as she shook her head gently. "Thank you, Rayl. But don't expend too much effort on me. I've grown used to being alone. Shingin's future is what matters most." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her inner fragility. "I only pray he'll return safely…"

Rayl nodded, his tone steady and assured. "He'll find allies and comrades. He'll complete his mission and return."

Biyu's face softened, her gaze filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. She reached out, straightening Rayl's collar with a motherly touch. "Take care of him. He's stubborn, too proud to ask for help when he needs it."

A faint smile tugged at Rayl's lips, his eyes reflecting a rare tenderness. "You have my word. He won't be alone. We'll give him the support he needs." Pausing briefly, he added, "You take care of yourself too, Biyu. His growth isn't just for us—it's for your peace of mind as well."

Her gaze lingered on Rayl for a moment, a bittersweet warmth suffusing her expression. Taking a deep breath, she spoke with quiet strength. "I know. Shingin will have to find his own path. It's just… as a mother, it's hard not to worry."

Rayl inclined his head slightly, his gaze heavy with understanding. He reached into his pocket, retrieving a small dove-shaped token, which he tossed into the air. The dove's wings unfurled, catching the wind as it flew off into the distance.

"This is the token I've prepared for Shingin," Rayl explained, his tone serious. "It carries the location of our Resistance base and key information. He'll receive it soon enough. The journey ahead will be harsh, but he won't be alone—provided he's strong enough to reach us."

Watching the dove disappear into the horizon, Rayl turned back to Biyu, his expression resolute yet compassionate. He bowed slightly and spoke in a voice full of respect. "I'll wait for him at the base. If he has the courage to take that step, it will become his sanctuary."

Biyu nodded slowly, her gaze affectionate yet filled with reluctant resolve. She reached out, gently straightening Rayl's collar again, her voice steady despite the ache beneath it. "Watch over him. He's proud and stubborn, but he's a good boy."

Rayl smiled faintly, his gaze tinged with sorrow. "Don't worry. We'll stand by him when the time comes."

With that, he turned and melted into the morning light. Biyu lingered at the doorway, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, silently praying for her son's safety.

In the quiet streets, Shingin walked on, his heart weighed down with unease and doubt. He stopped, looking up at the sky as his thoughts churned, the uncertainty and turmoil within him rising like a tide. Suddenly, a white dove descended, circling above before gently landing on his shoulder.

Shingin froze, startled. He carefully reached out, lifting the bird and noticing a small token tied to its leg. Unfastening it, he felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart.

The token was smooth and mirror-like, engraved with unfamiliar symbols. As he turned it over in his hand, he found a hidden compartment containing a tiny slip of paper. Unfolding it, he read the brief message written there: "The address is here. Come alone. Let no one else know."

His heart jolted, a mix of confusion and apprehension coursing through him. Muttering to himself, he said, "Is this… from the Resistance?"

Rayl's words about the shadowy group opposing the Watchers echoed in his mind. The token seemed to pull him towards an unseen destiny, but Shingin hesitated. The thought of joining the fight—of endless war and sacrifice—filled him with dread. Images of the crumbled walls, shattered debris, and his classmates' terrified faces flashed through his memory. He couldn't bear the thought of reliving such nightmares.

"Am I truly ready for this?" he whispered, doubt and struggle etched into his voice. He wasn't sure if he wanted to step into this conflict, but the weight of his responsibility and his thirst for truth left him no choice.

Carefully, Shingin tucked the token away, resolving not to follow the summons just yet. He needed time—to understand himself and find the courage to face what lay ahead.

Looking up, he saw the morning sun breaking through the clouds, its warmth brushing against his face. Taking a deep breath, he began walking again, his steps measured yet resolute. Whatever awaited him, he knew that eventually, he would forge his own path.