Chapter 292 Steven's Choice
"Walker, with your abilities, you can start as an intern in our unit, but these courses are still a must. There will be a lecture every three days."
After leading them out of the classroom, Wes said, "It's not all Professor Strong's classes. Even though you are Soulmancers, you still need to be familiar with some modern technologies. Your lecturers will also include professors from physics, chemistry, and even literature and language departments."
"Of course! I have no objections," Walker said. "Living in the mountains before, I never had the chance to learn these things."
"Ha! Well, we at the 13th Bureau are fortunate to have these professors. Other places might not even manage to get them," Wes laughed. "In their classes, you really can learn a lot. Listen well."
As Wes was speaking, Steven arrived with Zoey.
"Director Garcia!" Wes greeted Steven, then introduced, "This is our new colleague, Walker."
"Hello!" Steven shook Walker's hand somewhat distractedly, his eyes occasionally glancing at William.
"This is our former Director, Director Garcia."
"Director Garcia, hello! I've heard about you from my master," Walker said, not being foolish. This Director Garcia was an elite among mid-level Soulmancers. Although he seemed approachable, he was definitely not to be trifled with.
"Hmm, young man, study hard," Steven nodded, then said, "I need to speak with William for a moment. You carry on."
Walker looked a bit stunned.
Did he just mention his master?
Normally, shouldn't Director Garcia have inquired about his master?
And perhaps tried to establish some common ground?
That was not the usual protocol!
"Me?" William's face carried a faint smile. Perhaps Steven had noticed something – that look in his eyes, small though they were, had not escaped William's notice.
"Um… come with me, I have something to talk to you about," Steven said, clearly under a lot of pressure, which he couldn't let others know about – a truly indescribable burden.
William followed Steven to another office.
Once inside, Steven gestured for William to enter first, then followed, closing the door and pulling down the blinds.
William glanced at him and asked, "Director Garcia, what did you want to talk about?"
"Uh… this…" Steven was genuinely conflicted. William probably didn't want others to know his identity, being one of those reclusive super-powerful individuals.
But having guessed it already, could he continue to act as if he knew nothing and command William around?
Probably not.
But what would William do if he confronted him with the truth?
"You're not worried I'll kill you to keep you quiet, are you?" William laughed.
At this, Steven shuddered, almost ready to kneel.
"You jest," Steven decided to lay his cards on the table, thinking this might even be an extraordinary opportunity for him. After all, he had been stuck at the peak of mid-level Soulmancer for years. Without a breakthrough, life seemed to lack direction. Even as a mid-level Soulmancer, his lifespan was limited, and he felt his life nearing its end, which is why he had stepped down.
William said, "It seems you really have guessed something. Impressive."
"I've worked in the FBI for several decades…" Steven paused, then changed the direction of the conversation, "Mainly, it was the replicas you made. Under the instrument, their true nature could be seen. I deduced that those replicas must be releasing high-level illusions. Since even I couldn't see through this illusion, your strength is obviously extraordinary."
"Anything else?" William asked.
"There's also Alice's rapid progression in power, which only began after she met you."
"People have told me that Anthony Carter and Charles Turner were seen together on East 62nd Street, buying a property – your residence."
"But rest assured, this information about your identity will absolutely not be leaked!!"
Steven left out a few things. Travis had disappeared after meeting William, and the 'demigods' in Maplewood Town vanished after attempting to assassinate Alice.
Also, William alone managed to make Evelyn concede. While Evelyn still controls most of New York City's market, she no longer conducts ruthless purges.
It surely couldn't be said that William used his charm to negotiate with Evelyn.
Everything pointed to the fact that William was not just a simple newbie Soulmancer.
Hearing about today's incident where William's punch caused a system malfunction, and the psychic power testing device exploded during his test, all these coincidences together surely spoke volumes.
William nodded slightly and said, "I actually just want to live a normal life. You don't have to be so nervous about my matters., and it's better not to talk about my matters to others."
"Of course!" Steven nodded. "You can rest assured on that point. But now that you are assisting the 13th Bureau, I can also rest easy."
"Alright then! If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
"Master!" Steven's voice suddenly rose in excitement.
"Hmm?" William looked at him.
"I dare to ask, what realm are you in?"
William calmly said, "I have no realm."
No realm? What does that mean?
Steven's cheeks trembled as he mustered the courage to ask, "The divine medicine Alice gave to Lucien, did it also come from you?"
"Yes, I gave it to her," William replied. "Do you want it?"
Steven hurriedly said, "I don't want to hide from you. I know my life is nearing its end. If you would grant me the medicine, I would be immensely grateful. But if you don't wish to give it, that's also fine. I only ask that you bless this world!"
At this point, Steven actually bent over and respectfully bowed three times to William.
William looked down at Steven and said, "I do have more of the medicine, but let me be frank with you. Those whose fate I alter often face greater challenges later. This is something I've only recently realized. Are you sure you still want it?"
Overjoyed, Steven bowed deeply three times again and exclaimed, "Please, Master, grant me the medicine!"
"I've made it clear to you," William said, not stingy with the divine medicine, but uncertain if extending Steven's life might lead to other unforeseen incidents.
He had given the medicine to Lucien because Lucien's injury was caused by him, a matter of cause and effect. William believed Lucien wouldn't face negative consequences, but Steven's case was different.
In the end, whether it was a blessing or a curse, only Steven himself could bear it.
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