Deviant: No Longer Human

The Temple Altar!

In the heart of Xianthera, a solitary temple graced the outskirts of Silvertide city, a sanctum atop a majestic hill.

Monks, clad in robes that draped elegantly over their heads like mystical hoodies, stood sentinel at its entrance.

The air was imbued with a serene anticipation as a patient multitude awaited their turn.

"Group A, forge ahead!" declared the fifth monk, his voice cutting through the hushed murmurs of the crowd.

Like a well-choreographed dance, five individuals swiftly emerged, their steps guided by an unspoken rhythm.

As the massive wooden doors creaked open, revealing the temple's sacred interior, a aura of reverence enveloped those who passed through.

The architecture whispered tales of centuries, and the fragrance of incense hung in the air like a timeless hymn.

Observing from his vantage point, the crowd conductor monk spoke again,"Patience, for within these hallowed halls, tranquility awaits. Group B, prepare yourselves for the sacred journey."

__________

"So, he is Shin?"

Wang Xiao ventured into the sacred space, met at the threshold by a figure whose silver tresses cascaded like a cascade of moonlight.

Positioned before the gate, the enigmatic man halted their advance. "Proceed one by one," he directed, his voice weaving through the air with a subtle, almost ethereal femininity that sent an involuntary shiver down Wang Xiao's spine.

Shin, the acclaimed pinnacle of strength in Xianthera, his renown unchallenged save for the unknown Bing Xueli.

Whispers spoke of his might, tales woven with the belief that his very strength could cleave the earth itself.

Yet, veiled behind a mask, Shin presented as an unremarkable figure, a cipher lacking any distinct features.

Despite the mundane appearance, Wang Xiao understood the wisdom of caution, refraining from any reckless engagement. Before challenging the unassuming visage, one had to stare beneath the layers that concealed the true essence of Shin.

Emma, the vanguard of their group, gracefully entered the sanctum, marking the initiation of the graduation ceremony. Following in her wake, Chris found himself detained by Shin. The guardian's gaze, sharp and discerning, bore into Chris, an exchange of unspoken language transpiring before permission was granted for him to proceed.

As Wang Xiao observed this peculiar interaction, a furrow creased his brow, and a singular thought echoed in his mind: 'Telepathy?' The realization struck him, for despite knowing Chris as the prodigious talent destined to assume Shin's mantle, the revelation of telepathic prowess was a revelation beyond expectation.

In this mystical realm where even Bing Xueli's capabilities hadn't unveiled such depths, the concept of telepathy seemed like an arcane secret, hidden from Wang Xiao until this moment.

Following Chris, Seth and Ray traversed the sacred threshold, leaving Wang Xiao standing at the last spot.

In the classroom, students divided into groups of five, their collective dynamic forming a unique diversity.

Among them stood a group composed of four boys and a lone girl, Emma.

The quartet of boys comprised Chris, Seth, Ray, and the enigmatic Wang Xiao.

However, Wang Xiao, despite harboring remarkable talents, had been subtly advised by Bing Xueli to conceal his prowess, assuming the guise of averageness.

Consequently, he operated in the periphery, drawing limited attention—except from Emma and Ray, each drawn for distinct reasons.

Emma, the ever-friendly presence, seamlessly connected with everyone in the group, fostering a camaraderie that transcended boundaries.

On the other hand, Ray, an outlier, held an air of isolation.

His disdain for Chris and Seth cast shadows over their interactions, prompting him to linger on the fringes.

In this social ecosystem, Ray and Wang Xiao occasionally found common ground, their connection on the common ground of hate against the world.

"You're Wang Xiao?" Shin halted Wang Xiao, an unexpected pause that sent a jolt through him; after all, no one else had been stopped by Shin except for Chris.

"Yes, I am Wang Xiao," Wang Xiao replied, attempting to lock eyes with Shin. However, Shin's eyes remained shut, shrouded in perpetual darkness.

Shin's voice, though calm, carried a subtle sternness. "It's your graduation ceremony today. Why are you wearing dirty clothes?"

Wang Xiao furrowed his brows. Having arrived directly from training with Victoria, he considered his attire presentable. The notion of being questioned by someone unfamiliar with his training routine sparked a subtle inward amusement.

"Were clean clothes a requirement for the graduation ceremony...? We didn't receive any instructions," Wang Xiao advocated.

"..."

A momentary silence filled the air, the four monks ahead casting disapproving frowns at Wang Xiao's perceived audacity.

Shin, however, took a moment to contemplate before nodding, "It indeed isn't a requirement. You can go ahead."

A sigh of relief escaped Wang Xiao as he moved forward, though this particular place was not high on his list of preferences.

As he entered, his four classmates seemed to have vanished, replaced by a congregation of monks.

The temple priest, a figure draped in ceremonial robes, motioned for Wang Xiao to take a seat in front of the radiant altar.

"Take a seat!"

Wang Xiao complied, settling before the blazing altar as directed by the temple priest.

As he settled, the warm glow of the flickering flames danced on the temple walls, casting ethereal patterns that seemed to intertwine with the sanctity of the moment.

The air was charged with a mysterious energy, and the temple priest began a chant, the rhythmic cadence filling the sacred space.

Wang Xiao, though curious, maintained a composed demeanor, his gaze shifting between the dancing flames and the temple priest, who seemed to channel ancient wisdom with every uttered syllable.

In a moment of profound solemnity, the temple priest ceremoniously tossed a small doll fashioned from earth-toned cloth into the air, suspending it with an otherworldly grace directly above the altar.

"Henceforth, all your powers shall be yours and yours alone! Any misuse shall strip you of the sacred arts, and the ancestral spirits shall arbitrate your destiny!"

A spectral energy enveloped the scene as five ethereal needles materialized, piercing the cloth doll in a dance of sacred precision before it disintegrated into ephemeral embers.

As the needles completed their celestial choreography, the temple priest continued, "Remember, this ceremony marks the beginning of a journey that transcends the physical realm. Your powers, though yours to wield, must align with the sacred purpose of this temple."

Wang Xiao felt a fleeting, tingling sensation coursing through him, a symbolic resonance of the hypnotic ritual.

He remained stoic, cognizant that this ceremonial act was a hypnosis ritual, and nothing else.