Chapter 4: The Night Watchers in Academy
After wandering around the store, Night Star bought a few desired trinkets and left.
Luo Xiquan cheerfully proposed, “Can I ask, what else do you plan to do next?”
Night Star thought for a moment and shook his head.
“Probably nothing much, just take a walk.”
Upon hearing this, Luo Xiquan’s face lit up with joy.
“Then how about going to a nearby coffee shop with me and chatting? I want to talk to you all about stars.”
Upon hearing those words, Night Star, Kong Yu Bai, and Lianhua exchanged a glance, unable to read each other’s minds.
Night Star nodded in agreement.
“Okay, let’s go.”
“Great!”
With that, Luo Xiquan led Night Star and company to a nearby coffee shop.
The place was almost deserted, perfect for conversation.
“Do you guys want anything to drink? My treat!”
“Um… I’ll have cappuccino.”
“I’ll have the same as Night Star.”
“Me too.”
Kong Yu Bai and Lianhua chimed in, ordering drinks identical to Night Star’s.
Luo Xiquan also ordered her favorite, and their chat commenced.
“Uh, can I ask one thing? Since you’re all walking together and carrying stars, are you part of some organization?”
Without hesitation, Night Star answered, “No, we’re just regular folk who happen to be friends for ages. As for these stars, it’s just a coincidence.”
Which had several holes, but only if anyone were to scrutinize it hard enough. Which was unlikely since Luo Xiquan, being a student, wouldn’t really dig deep into it.
“Sooo, I get it.”
Thoughtfully nodding, Luo Xiquan added, “Actually, I’m a college student. In our esteemed academy, there are other star holders like me. We gathered by someone’s arrangement, want to know about it?”
Night Star tilted her head.
“The someone… who is it?”
Thinking back, Luo Xiquan mused. This someone had suggested revealing a bit of info if encountering unknown star holders. If they had no backing, one could trust them with identities; or even bring them directly to her. If unsure, saying her name could deter suspicious thoughts.
“No secrets need to be exposed.”
Then, she softly said, “Do you know about the Night Watchers?”
A sudden realization dawned on Night Star.
Hearing the term ‘Night Watcher’ confirmed who orchestrated the gathering in the academy.
“Should be those Night Watchers’ doing.”
Common knowledge among Night Watchers explained why more star holders in academies were clustered together. Compared to chaotic societies, it was easier for Night Watchers to manage a group in one place.
Many Night Watchers moonlighted as teachers at elite campuses, overseeing students with stars alongside teaching duties.
Students couldn’t visit night bases, and bases didn’t accept large numbers at once, so Night Watchers educated them within schools.
Students’ impulsive nature and susceptibility to negative influences were high during their academic phase. Hence, crime cases involving star holders included many students.
Thus, each academy housed a number of Night Watchers to guide such students properly.
Unexpectedly, Luo Xiquan’s mentioned Night Watcher matched Night Star’s suspicion.
Although having guessed it already, Night Star’s superb acting kept her neutral.
“Night Watcher? What’s that?”
“You don’t know?” Luo Xiquan was surprised.
She assumed these three would have some clue given she met them.
Light coughing, Luo Xiquan continued, “Well… Night Watchers wield magical powers, similar to us. But they’re stronger, official, almost like a police force.”
“Like the police then?” Night Star teased.
“Yes, you can think of it that way.”
Usually, Luo Xiquan wouldn’t explain so much. Yet, seeing these folks interested, she decided to elaborate.
“The organization constantly recruits newbies. Benefits are great. Interested?”
“Uh, not quite ready to join, can you give us the address? Later, when free, we might drop by.”
“Works for me, always open.”
Luo Xiquan handed over the college address, showing she was genuinely helpful.
Checking the time, she abruptly stood up.
“Oops, my friends and I are meeting soon. Must grab gifts too. Let’s part ways here. How’s that?”
“Mm-hm, don’t keep your friends waiting. Next time, we should catch up more.”
“Alright, see you later.”
Saying bye quickly, Luo Xiquan rushed off, leaving Night Star, Kong Yu Bai, and Lianhua behind.
Night Star had yet to finish his cappuccino, so he wasn’t in a hurry to leave.
Once Luo Xiquan was gone, Lianhua and Kong Yu Bai finally spoke up.
Kong Yu Bai whispered, “Night Star, will you reach out to the Night Watchers in this city?”
“Still unsure, Night Lan could handle it. But Night Star is a bit sensitive, exposure would be bad.”
Night Star leaned onto the table, completely relaxing.
It was only around trusted people that she let her guard down.
Lianhua touched the soft cheek of Night Star and said, “Yet, since we are here, sooner or later we will meet the Night Watchers. What then, Night Star?”
“Let it flow, I think it would be fine, acting as an audience performer. They won’t know my other identity, so no problem.”
Kong Yu Bai caressed the top of Night Star’s head, eyes full of warmth.
“Simple for you, right? You have one-third of the interference power. Keeping hidden isn’t a big deal, especially since you have your own star.”
“Hmm, using my star as little as possible. It tires me and might grow uncontrollably, and then—”
Night Star’s sensible side remained clear from [wish machine]’s allure.
Most people with easy wishing powers would make absurd wishes, yet Night Star preferred a laid-back life.
The [wish machine] felt wasted in her.
Maybe she would use it only when necessary. For now, she was content with her easygoing lifestyle.
