Esper Story: Li Ling

Li Ling, you alright? You don't look like yourself.

It's nothing, Master, really.

Don't push through it, Li Ling. If you are not feeling well, you should head to the Medical Division right away.

Even though we've unlocked the Pneuma, boosting our Sync Rate too quickly can be risky.

I said I'm fine... Nothing's wrong.

Then... is something on your mind?

...This morning, I tried trimming my hair, but these two arms just wouldn't cooperate.

Look! I even managed to mess this part up!

Haha!

Wait, that's why you've been so down?

C'mon, Li Ling, take your bad haircut in stride, just like you embraced our new powers!

Master, please stop teasing me.

It's just... very frustrating.

Back when I had six arms, I could do so much at once.

Now I'm down to two and even the easiest tasks feel tough, let alone fighting.

I know how you feel.

It feels like I'm always missing something. My whole body's out of sync.

You'll get used to it, don't worry.

Adjusting to new powers is always challenging, but it's just part of the journey. Adapting is training too.

Actually, having two arms again might be a blessing in disguise.

A blessing? How's that?

Haven't you noticed? You're not complaining about sleepless nights anymore.

Wait... you're right?!

I've been sleeping great without worrying about where to put my extra arms!

...See? That's what you call a twist of fortune.

Everything in life has its ups and downs; a struggle here might turn into an advantage elsewhere.

Sure, losing those extra arms made things tougher, but it also brought you peace in ways you didn't expect.

I see.

I was so caught up in my problems, I couldn't see any silver lining.

Thanks, Master, for helping me figure this out. But I do have one more question...

Master, how do you even sleep at night?

With your glowing hair and shimmering skin... doesn't it keep you up?

Huh... I've never really thought about it.

...I suppose I just sleep like I always have.

Master, you're incredible. You never get fazed, it's like nothing can throw you off.

Don't overthink it. The outside is just a façade... real strength comes from within.

If you keep at it, you'll reach this state too. Just rise above the outside noise and find your calm.

I understand, Master!

Has anyone seen where Master went?

Master Yun Chuan took the morning off. Apparently, he needed some rest.

Some rest?

Master is dedicated to his training... he'd never skip a day just to rest.

"Ultra-Thick Blackout Sleep Mask"...?

Hah! Really now?! So that glowing body of his does cause him problems. I knew it!

He lectures me like he's got it all figured out, but even Master has his struggles!

Li Ling, you've been spending a lot of time alone in the training facility lately. Is something troubling you?

No.

If anything's bothering you, talk to me. Don't keep it bottled up.

I'm fine. I just prefer training by myself lately.

Li Ling, I'm not feeling well today. Could you help me look after these new students at the training ground?

Me? Isn't there anyone else around?

Come on, you're the only one with some free time right now...

Hey, that's not fair...

...Okay, fine.

But just this once.

Why should we listen to you?

Because I'm the strongest, which makes me the boss!

What, don't want to follow orders? Are you asking for a beating?

So, you're the boss here? Well, now I'm the new boss. Got a problem with that?

Whatever.

Hah, smart choice. You all saw that, right? Even the teacher knows how to fall in line!

Does anyone else want to make trouble?

Stop!

A real leader earns loyalty with charisma, not brute force.

Hah! Like you get to tell me how to lead.

Maybe I don't, but you're not much of a boss right now.

Oh, you're asking for a punch too, huh?

How about we skip the fighting and compete in something you're actually good at? If I win, I'm the boss.

If you win, I'll be your follower. What do you say?

C-Compete? Fine! Let's play marbles!

Hah, I'll show you who the real boss is.

I... I can't believe I lost. I guess I'm not strong enough.

Thane, losing doesn't mean you're weak. There's always someone stronger out there, isn't there?

Don't try to act all nice now. I was supposed to be the boss!

So... you came to the Esper Academy just to be everyone's boss?

Of course! How can I protect my family unless I become the strongest Esper?

Wanting to protect others is admirable, but there's more to it than just being the strongest.

Strong or not, everyone has their own way of protecting others.

How do you do that?

Well... someone like me, for example, needs to first learn how to control their power.

Cool.

That includes... learning how to wield a weapon properly.

I see you're already bonding with the kids.

Ahem. No, not at all!

Alright, kids, the training ground tour is wrapping up. We've got more places to visit.

Li Ling, will you be leading the rest of the tour too?

Nope, I was just filling in for Lü Shang. He'll take over now.

Lü Shang, did you trick me into leading the kids today?

You caught me! Didn't you notice that kid, Thane, seems to really like you?

Really? Why? I wasn't very nice to him, and I embarrassed him with that competition.

Kids aren't that complicated. They just like whoever takes the time to play with them and make things fun.

Even though you beat him in the game, you gave him a fun challenge he'd never experienced before. That's what matters most.

Is that so...

The bonds between people work in mysterious ways. No matter how much you try to push others away, you can't cut those connections.

Are you trying to tell me not to push others away when they reach out to me?

Don't overthink it. Just let things flow and follow your heart... just like you did today.

...Uh-huh.