C12 Spiritual Card

"You'll be setting out on a long journey tomorrow, and I'm afraid I don't have much to offer as a parting gift. However, I can give you these two Spiritual Cards," said Dean Zhou, as he extracted the cards from the final pages of the Grimoire of Demon Spirits and handed them over.

"Grandpa Dean, what exactly are these Spiritual Cards?" Feng Yixiu inquired, holding one of the cards with a look of curiosity.

"These cards are crucial for your advancement and combat as War Spiritualists. They can significantly enhance your battle spirit's strength. They're exceedingly rare; not even ten Demon Beasts are guaranteed to yield one. But be aware, the card I'm giving you is of the Gray Iron Rank—the lowest. Try not to rely on such low-level cards when you level up," Dean Zhou advised earnestly.

"I may not grasp all the details, but I understand they're important. I'll take good care of it, Grandpa Dean," Feng Yixiu replied, earnestly scratching his head in a mix of determination and confusion.

He grasped the significance of the Spiritual Cards; they were tied to their future growth and battles as War Spiritualists, and they were sourced from Demon Beasts beyond the city walls. Presumably, the more formidable the beast, the more potent the card.

"Don't worry if it's not clear now. Once you're officially enrolled at the Battle Spirit Academy, a teacher will explain everything. There's no need to stress over it," Dean Zhou reassured them, hoping to ease any concerns.

The two examined their Spiritual Cards. Feng Yixiu's depicted a black vine with the words "Demon Vine — Toughness" inscribed on it. Shen Ruyu's card featured a green mantis, labeled "Cyan Mantis — Sharp Blade."

"The night is advancing, and you both need to rise early. Head back and get some rest; I'll make sure to wake you up in time," Dean Zhou said, glancing at the clock which read nearly 10:30. He sent the youngsters off to their separate dorms, mindful of the gender divide.

After escorting Shen Ruyu to the girls' dormitory, Feng Yixiu returned to his own. He entered his dorm room quietly, finding his roommate already asleep. He had intended to pack, but noticed a suitcase already by his bed—a thoughtful gesture from Dean Zhou that warmed his heart.

After a quick wash, he settled into his lower bunk, careful not to disturb his sleeping roommate. By the dim light of his phone, he penned a goodbye note and left it on the desk. Then, with the same faint glow, he retrieved a faded photograph from beneath his pillow, his face breaking into a sincere smile. It was an old family portrait, his younger self joyfully cradled by his parents.

But after his sixth-grade graduation, his parents had mysteriously vanished, leaving no trace behind. His once joyful family of three was reduced to a solitary orphan, a blow that nearly sent him down a troubled path. If not for Dean Zhou's unwavering care and the warmth of a home long missed, he might have found himself in a juvenile detention center.

"Mom, Dad, it's been three years. Where have you disappeared to? Could it be that you really don't want me anymore?"

"Mom, Dad, there must be a reason for your absence, right? There has to be!"

"If I just become strong enough, you'll surely take notice of me..."

As the young boy's yearning deepened, his thoughts grew increasingly hazy until he gently drifted into sleep.