Inside the White Palace, the wolf sat down, watching Zixin carefully. Zixin took a deep breath and started to speak, "In our agreement, I shall 'Lend' a portion of my sub-ability Snowdrop. However, you may not use it."
The wolf narrowed its eyes and howled as Zixin translated it in his mind: "What do you mean by 'Lend'? And what are Snowdrop's effects?"
Zixin quickly thought and explained to the wolf.
"Since I've already explained, are you fine with the proposed conditions?" He asked, tilting his head.
The wolf shook its head as it responded: "The conditions could be better. You should always try to make the best of things, especially since you need to think more."
Zixin listened carefully and nodded, falling into deep thought. While he was thinking, he asked half-heartedly out of curiosity, "Anyway, how are you suddenly so intelligent?"
"When you were chasing me, I was consuming your thoughts to recover my strength. Unexpectedly, it ended up improving my intellect more than anything." The wolf explained.
After a few minutes, Zixin spoke out his draft, "...once the ability is 'Lent,' the wolf may only use it for four hours each day. If it tries to exceed this, terrible consequences may occur."
"That's better, but it's still lacking details and could use more work. I can help." The wolf gave feedback after being translated.
Zixin nodded, waving his hand as his thoughts reshaped themselves into pen and paper. With another wave, they began forming a table, but a wave of dizziness hit him, stopping his thoughts.
The wolf's expression shifted, but Zixin just waved his hand and said, "No need to bother. I'm just exhausted, that's all. I just haven't been under this much stress before."
The wolf took his words to heart and asked: "Then, what would happen if 'Lending' fails?"
"I would likely lose a portion of Snowdrop, weakening its effects, which on the bright side sounds better." Zixin regained his composure and answered.
But on the other hand, since Snowdrop is my only sub-ability, or just ability in general besides the Body Enhancements, any losses would be hard to recover. Zixin thought solemnly, pondering over the idea.
"In that case, why did you choose to 'Lend' to a corpse? I am dead, my body can no longer function." The wolf howled.
Zixin's gaze dropped, staring at the white expanse of the astral realm. A second later, he spoke, "When I first tried learning 'Lending,' I chose a cup, but I was told that it lacked enough will. So, I left, taking a stroll and heading down the mountain, when I noticed your group. I hid behind a tree, and the idea surfaced inside my mind. How about 'Lending' to a corpse–to your corpse?"
"A corpse was the most suitable object. 'Lending' to a living being might risk causing them to awaken, which would in turn cause a singularity that I cannot afford to deal with." He continued, letting out a sigh.
"Would you mind introducing yourself?" The wolf asked.
"Huh? Sure. My name is Zixin, Zixin of Longevity, a Holder and member of the Longevity Bloodline." Zixin said with confusion in his eyes.
Just as he was about to ask, the wolf howled: "I am a monster, a wolf."
Zixin's lips twitched upon hearing the wolf's introduction, thinking to himself: What did I expect? It's just a wolf.
After that, Zixin and the wolf continued to exchange ideas, further revising the conditions.
Soon enough, it was completed, and Zixin began reading it, "The Holder, Zixin of Longevity, and the stray wolf shall take part in an agreement where Zixin of Longevity 'Lends' a portion of his sub-ability Snowdrop to the stray wolf. Once the wolf gains this portion, it is prohibited from using it until it has been given permission. If it has been given permission, it shall be able to use it, using it shall be with costs, draining its body's remaining hints of life."
"It's better, but it still needs work," Zixin commented and fell into deep thought.
Sigh, "Lending" is such a pain. If only it were as easy as reading a book, then I wouldn't have to perfect it. Zixin scratched his head as a bright idea was born: Hmm? Wait a second, can't I apply that logic here too? Do I really need to create such a perfect agreement on my first try? Even a flawed one should do, no? After all, I'm still learning. Even if it fails, I could simply take back my ability; if it's lost, then I would cut the portion "Lent" even smaller. Zixin contemplated, his eyes flashing with excitement.
"Think simple before overthinking…" Zixin muttered, recalling a quote from his Mother.
I understand this line much better now. She was referring to the progression of thoughts and ideas. No wonder she always saw through me as a child. Zixin thought, reminiscing about the bygone past.
Noticing the subtle shifts in Zixin's expression, the wolf glanced at him, but Zixin's words shut it off, "Can we end today's sessions? I'm feeling quite tired."
The wolf remained silent, which Zixin took as a yes. Without hesitation, he left the White Palace, letting both his consciousnesses merge back into one.
Before he knew it, he had already fallen to the floor, his eyes staring straight at the ceiling as beads of sweat poured from his temples. A wave of dizziness hit him, causing his vision to blur, breaking his last sense of self before falling unconscious.
"Xinyin…" He mumbled right as he lost consciousness.
…
A few hours later, Zixin woke up in a cold sweat. Upon scanning his surroundings, he let out a sigh of relief and stood up, heading back to the cabin.
The moment he stepped out, he was met with a familiar figure–the black cat. It asked, "So, how well did it go?"
Zixin simply nodded, continuing to walk to the exit.
"You were inside for a day and a half." The cat added.
Zixin paused, his hands trembling and his eyes widening slightly from shock and exhaustion. He quickly shook his head, clenching his fist, and continued on his way.
Not long after, Zixin returned to the surface and continued heading back. Fortunately, the path he followed was wolf-free with no monster waiting to pounce on his exhausted body.
Roughly half an hour later, he arrived in front of Hope's humble abode. Hop,e who had been waiting, said, "Oh, welcome home. The bath's ready and so is dinner."
"Thank yo,." Zixin said, passing through and entering the bathroom.
After he finished, he ate dinner with her.
She asked, "You were out for a while. Did it turn out well?"
"Well enough." He answered plainly.
After dinner, he went to wash the dishes, although he really just felt like collapsing right then and there, but since it was his turn, he complied.
After which, he entered his bedroom and slept soundly without a care in the world.