Watching John, Brian, and McCaul's eyes light up, Jason smiled.
He had felt the same way when he first encountered the "Mystical Side."
Even more intensely, in fact.
Back then, he had the sensation of biting into a stuffed pancake filled with roast chicken, straight out of the oven with two eggs, lettuce, and sauce, where even if his tongue got burnt, he didn't want to stop eating.
It hurt, yet his mouth watered uncontrollably.
He understood that feeling.
But a necessary reminder was still essential.
"A Dharma Seal is a form that doesn't require the Dufol Language, rituals, or mediums; it only needs the aid of one's own spirit and hand gestures, which is perfect for beginners," he said.
"Of course, it's not easy."
"At least a certain Talent is required."
After Jason finished speaking, he began to explain the "Roeld Seal," "Gnyei Seal," and "Kaya Seal."
"These three Dharma Seals are the advanced skills of the 'Silver's Glory' Hunters and recognition of being a formal Hunter. Simply put, mastering one of these is to become a true Hunter," he explained.
"As for which one to choose?"
"There are no requirements; you're free to choose any one of the three to start with."
As Jason spoke, he pointed his hand towards the target set up on the open space beside him.
An invisible force suddenly surged out, striking the target specially set up for the trio to practice their swordsmanship.
The target, covered in various sword marks, was instantly shattered upon impact with the invisible shockwave, with wooden splinters flying all around. Jason opened the palm of the hand he had raised.
A conical blaze erupted and rolled fiercely.
The wooden splinters turned directly into ashes.
Then, the ashes did not drift away with the wind.
They were frozen in place.
Or more accurately, they were bound in mid-air.
A moment later, as the binding force dissipated, the ashes scattered.
John, Brian, and McCaul had seen the power of the "Mystical Side" before, but none of those times were as vividly remembered as they were now, almost gaping at Jason's every move.
Naturally, this included his subsequent explanations.
"This is the power of the 'Roeld Seal,' 'Gnyei Seal,' and 'Kaya Seal'; their learning is..."
After providing detailed instructions, Jason looked towards John, Brian, and McCaul.
The trio displayed different expressions and behaviors.
John silently walked to a corner of the courtyard, his face expressionless as he pondered deeply.
Brian, however, sat on the steps at the entrance, gazing out thoughtfully.
McCaul paced around the entire courtyard, murmuring to himself.
Jason did not disturb them.
Everyone has their own way of thinking, their habits, just like he habitually propped his chin with the thumb of his left hand, the remaining fingers clenched into a fist, index finger resting below his nose, when he was deep in thought.
Moving quietly, Jason walked to a table and chair in the courtyard, and the moment he sat down, Kemi and Telly tiptoed out from a side door, directly across from Jason.
"Jason, can we learn what you just taught?" Telly asked expectantly.
After carefully recalling his meeting with Leviah, and thinking of the other's incredibly whimsical words, Jason nodded decisively, "Yes, you can."
Immediately, Telly was about to cheer excitedly.
But Kemi quickly covered her friend's mouth with her hand.
Kemi raised her right index finger to her lips, making a silencing gesture.
"A little quieter," Kemi suggested, letting go of Telly's mouth.
Coming back to her senses, Telly immediately covered her mouth and nodded.
"Sorry, I got a bit too excited," Telly apologized and then, the lively girl asked with worry, "Can I really learn it? I feel like I don't have any Talent."
"Most people don't have Talent," Jason stated truthfully.
He would not comfort her with lies.
Because such lies were easily exposed.
Temporary comfort followed by greater disappointment only deepens the hurt.
Hearing Jason's words, Telly became even more nervous and uneasy.
"Don't worry, Telly. You can definitely do it," Kemi reassured softly, her eyes involuntarily glancing at Jason.
She had told herself to act normal, to stay calm, and not to be nervous when she came out of the house. But upon seeing Jason, all her prior thoughts flew out the window.
All that remained was nervousness.
She wanted to say something to Jason, but her mind was blank, not knowing what to say.
Just like at that moment.
Her best effort was only to silently gaze at Jason.
Telly, sensitive to her friend's nerves, took Kemi's hand into hers, warming it with the warmth of her palm to help ease Kemi's tension. Meanwhile, she brought up another topic.
"The newspaper says you're not married.
"Are you part of the no-marriage group?" Telly asked.
"I don't know," Jason replied with a smile, shaking his head.
Telly smacked her lips, dissatisfied with such a response, thinking Jason was being evasive.
"Yeah, who knows about the future?" Jason answered.
"Haven't you ever met a lady that made your heart beat, where you've felt the desire to commit for a lifetime?" Telly persisted.
"That's... a luxury," Jason sighed.
Yes, that was a luxury.