chapter 30 Devour ability

"If you won't accompany me at noon, where should I go?" Hiroko still insisted on this issue as they left the house. "When I'm not around, what have you been doing all this time? You can't have become this dependent on me," Canyn said with a look of surprise. "Can't you be less narcissistic?" Hiroko was a bit speechless. "Then why do you insist on following me?" Canyn asked. "I'm trying to increase your working hours, so you can earn more money," Hiroko muttered, "And you're still ungrateful." "Then I thank you for that." Canyn said earnestly, "You should go to Emmiline's club at noon." "Why shouldn't I go?" Hiroko pouted. "You should try to learn more about your mother's situation. Even just a little clue can help us in our search," Canyn said seriously, "You know very well, even if the photo is made, it's like finding a needle in a haystack." "But…" "There are no buts, your performance yesterday was very good. As long as you keep showing goodwill, there will definitely be gains. Don't you want to uncover the truth soon?" Canyn looked at Hiroko seriously. Hiroko was moved. Now was the time when Hiroko most eagerly sought the historical truth. Because it was different from the past when she just thought about it, now she had started taking action. "I'm afraid I…" "Don't be afraid, you also saw how Emmiline behaved yesterday. Your change will make her very happy. And when a person is happy, they often say things they wouldn't normally say. Just a little mention of your childhood might yield something," Canyn said with a smile, "I believe in you, you can do it." "I'll try," Hiroko thought carefully and finally nodded after a while. "You'll definitely do well," Hiroko needed encouragement at the moment. "Where exactly are you going at noon?" Hiroko suddenly asked, blinking her eyes. Canyn was helpless, why was she still worried about this matter? "Mr. Canyn, Miss Hiroko." At the bridal shop, Life’s Destiny, Nissa greeted Canyn and Hiroko very warmly. "Manager Nissa, are the photos we requested ready?" Hiroko didn't like Nissa, she thought this woman was a seductress. "Miss Hiroko, although your request wasn't very difficult, to achieve the most realistic effect, it still takes some time to perfect," Nissa was very professional. "Didn't you say we could pick them up this morning?" Hiroko frowned. "Our best image analyst had an urgent matter yesterday and was delayed, so the photos will only be ready this afternoon. Miss Hiroko, this is already the fastest speed," Nissa said apologetically, "I know this has delayed your time, and we are willing to compensate financially." "No need for compensation, I'll come back in the afternoon," Hiroko said reluctantly. "Miss Hiroko, how about this, why don't you stay and communicate with our analyst, give some suggestions? This way, regardless of speed, I believe there will definitely be an improvement in accuracy. If I'm not mistaken, the photo you left is of your mother, right? Having you for comparison will definitely help in deducing the other two people's appearances," Nissa suggested. Hiroko was tempted. If the accuracy could be improved, it would undoubtedly be more helpful in the search. So, Hiroko looked at Canyn, wanting to hear his opinion. After all, he was her home tutor, and his advice would be meaningful. "Manager Nissa's suggestion is very professional, and it's good. If the accuracy increases, it will benefit us," Canyn said with a smile. "Alright then." Hiroko nodded to Nissa. "Mr. Canyn, Miss Hiroko, please follow me," Nissa led Canyn and Hiroko into the studio inside. The place was bustling, with many staff members busy in front of their computers. Nissa led Canyn and Hiroko to a private studio and introduced their top image analyst. This analyst was very professional and soon started asking Hiroko some questions. He even suggested taking photos of Hiroko for further detailed comparison and to deduce growth possibilities. Canyn was confused by all this, and so was Hiroko. However, it sounded very professional. After Hiroko sought Canyn's opinion again, Canyn nodded, and then Hiroko began to actively cooperate with the top analyst. "Mr. Canyn, how about we wait outside?" Nissa smiled and invited Canyn. "Sure," Canyn nodded in agreement. "I have some fine Green tea in my office, would you like to try some?" Nissa winked and moved closer to Canyn. Canyn's eyes flashed with a mesmerized look, and he quickly nodded, "Wouldn't that be troubling Manager Nissa?" "No trouble at all, what's troubling about this?" Nissa's eyes flashed with a triumphant look, swaying her hips as she led Canyn to her office. Canyn followed closely, his eyes fixated on the swaying hips of Nissa, completely absorbed in them. A smile of satisfaction appeared on Nissa's lips, her pride growing even more. "Mr. Canyn, please have a seat." Upon reaching the office, Nissa gently pulled Canyn inside and softly closed the door. "Manager Nissa." "Mr. Canyn, do you think I'm pretty?" Nissa suddenly placed her hand in front of Canyn's mouth, staring at him with her beautiful big eyes, her voice a whisper. "They’re pretty." "Do you like me?" Nissa's voice became even softer. "Yes I do." "Close your eyes, I have a gift for you," Nissa said, gesturing lightly. Canyn's eyes began to look dazed, as if he had instantly lost his rationality. A dazzling light shone in Nissa's eyes, and she subconsciously licked her lips, looking at Canyn as if he was the most delicious dish she had ever seen. Then, a red light gradually appeared in Nissa's eyes, and a force emerged, attempting to absorb the energy within Canyn. But at that moment, Canyn, who had closed his eyes, suddenly opened them. A golden light burst forth as he did so, directly shooting into Nissa's eyes. "Ah!" Nissa screamed. But the sound didn't escape the room as it was silenced by a wave of Canyn's hand. Canyn looked sternly at Nissa, who was now crouching on the ground, covering her eyes, and said gravely, "You've chosen the wrong target. A devourer of abilities as spoken of in legends." Nissa, now unable to see and feeling dizzy, heard Canyn's words clearly. "You weren't hypnotized by me?" Nissa, slightly recovering, still couldn't believe she hadn't succeeded. "With your little proficiency in hypnosis, you dare to show off," Canyn scoffed coldly. "You're not just a simple cultivator," Nissa slowly opened her eyes, looking at Canyn in horror. Canyn's aura grew increasingly powerful, changing from a faint spiritual fluctuation to a vast, boundless ocean-like presence. Nissa retreated back to the wall, leaning weakly against it to keep herself upright. "Please, spare me," Nissa begged. Under Canyn's imposing aura, Nissa felt extremely insignificant. She was certain that Canyn could easily crush her. She regretted provoking Canyn. Previously, she thought he was just a cultivator below the third level of Qi cultivation, especially given his youth. Her judgment seemed even more certain then. But who could have imagined that Canyn was so powerful? All of this had been an act by Canyn. Realizing this, Nissa felt extremely bitter. She had always been careful, never encountering any issues, but this time she truly met her downfall. "Spare you?" Canyn said coldly. The ability to devour others' powers was terrifying. Although its growth had significant limitations, if nurtured, it could turn one into a formidable opponent. Throughout history, such an ability had only appeared once, causing a massive catastrophe in the martial world, leading to countless casualties among cultivators, martial artists, and ability users, and stirring up endless bloodshed. Thus, it was universally acknowledged that those with the ability to devour others' powers were ominous and should be eliminated in their infancy. Nissa knelt before Canyn, pleading, "Please spare me. I'll do anything for you, even become your slave." Canyn's expression remained unyielding, offering no response. "Mr. Canyn, I... I had no choice. If you know about the devouring ability, you must understand its nature. If I don't seek out energy to devour, I'll be consumed by my own power. I don't want to die," Nissa cried bitterly. "If I could choose, I wouldn't want any abilities. I would rather be an ordinary person, just an ordinary person." Canyn's gaze softened slightly. Initially, the devouring ability came with various restrictions. It might not even reach the innate ability user's level, hanging over one's head like a sword, ready to claim one's life at any moment. "When did your ability awaken?" Canyn finally spoke. According to Canyn's knowledge, both domestically and globally, abilities were strictly monitored. If someone manifested an ability, it would definitely be discovered and they would be absorbed into various organizations. But Nissa seemed to be alone. If she had been part of an organization, they wouldn't have killed her but rather nurtured her. She wouldn't have needed to risk hunting for food alone. "Three years ago, when I was twenty-one," Nissa replied, not daring to hide anything. "Nobody discovered your ability?" Canyn frowned. "I've always been careful. I found some information and knew what my ability was. So, I didn't dare let anyone know," Nissa said miserably. "I was afraid, afraid of being killed accidentally."