Duolou: Reborn with reality Pen

Dugu Bo hesitated. If it were only about him, the choice would have been easy. But he had his little Yanyan to think of. He couldn't let her future be ruined because of his decision.

And this so-called Black Lotus… it felt even more shady than Spirit Hall. At least Spirit Hall was straightforward in its ambitions. This organization was shrouded in mystery, and the unknown was far more terrifying.

Eren's calm voice broke the silence.

"Do not worry," he said slowly. "We won't implicate your granddaughter. Unless you choose to bring her. If you do, she will be treated with respect and given resources even Spirit Hall could never provide."

Dugu Bo sneered in his heart. Such confidence… this group is definitely shady. More shady than the Yin Yang Well itself. At least I know what happens if I fall into that. But joining them? That's a leap into darkness.

Eren didn't seem to mind his silence.

"You don't need to decide now," he continued. "I only came today to extend my invitation. I will return tomorrow for your answer."

Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes. "And what if I refuse?"

Eren's lips curved in a faint smile. His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words made Dugu Bo's heart tighten.

"If you refuse, then we remain strangers. If you join, we welcome you. But…" His voice dropped slightly. "Your granddaughter may have to suffer the consequences of your choice."

The old Douluo's expression stiffened. The boy knew. He knew everything.

Grinding his teeth, Dugu Bo asked, "Are you an evil organization?"

Eren didn't answer directly. Instead, his crimson eyes gleamed faintly.

"If you want my answer," he said softly, "then tell me this, what is evil in your eyes?"

The poisonous mist swirled in silence. Finally, Dugu Bo let out a slow breath.

"…Give me time. My granddaughter's future isn't something I can decide lightly. I'll think it over."

Eren nodded slightly.

"Very well," he said, his voice as calm as still water. "We will meet tomorrow, the same time."

Eren didn't press the matter further. Forcing someone to join was never his way. If he wanted, his pen could turn every Titled Douluo on the continent into his loyal servant. But that wasn't what he sought. Power without will was meaningless. He wasn't insane enough to do something so inhuman.

With a faint smile, Eren flicked his fingers, leaving behind a phantom mark only he could sense. Then his figure blurred and vanished into the night.

Dugu Bo blinked. One moment the strange youth had been standing before him, the next he was gone, without a sound, without a trace. He looked around in disbelief, the silent garden feeling eerily empty. For a moment, he wondered if it had all been an illusion.

Will my decision harm my Yanyan…?

His weathered face tightened as he stared up at the starry sky. The question weighed on his heart like a mountain.

Meanwhile, Eren reappeared silently in front of Dorm Seven's door. With a slight push, he stepped inside.

The room was dimly lit. A few of the kids were whispering to each other, exchanging idle chatter before sleep. Xīrán sat cross-legged on her bed, eyes closed, her breathing steady, focused on her meditation.

A hardworking girl, Eren thought, a flicker of appreciation in his calm eyes.

Tang San was already asleep, his face peaceful, while Xiao Wu was sprawled across a bed, rolling lazily from side to side and nibbling on a carrot.

Eren's gaze froze. Wait… that's my bed.

His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.

"Hey, stupid rabbit," his voice was quiet but carried a chilling calm. "Get off my bed before I turn you into roasted rabbit."

With a sharp kick, he sent Xiao Wu tumbling to the floor.

"Ah!" Xiao Wu let out a startled cry as she landed, clutching her carrot in shock. She blinked rapidly, confused. She had been eating silently, how did she suddenly get kicked?

Her first instinct was to explode and curse the kicker's entire ancestry. But when she looked up and saw who it was, her anger melted faster than snow in summer.

"Eren…" Her voice turned soft, almost pitiful. She blinked her big rabbit-like eyes and clasped her carrot as if for comfort. Acting cute, she stammered, "I-I didn't see you there! I was just… um… making sure your bed was comfortable. You know, so you can sleep well."

Eren's mouth twitched. Without a word, he raised his hand and flicked a sharp chop onto Xiao Wu's head.

"Don't act cute in front of me," his voice was flat, devoid of amusement. "That trick won't work on me. My preference lies with mature women, not some spoiled loli rabbit."

"Eh…?" Xiao Wu froze, her big eyes glistening like wet gems. Her lips trembled as if she had been wronged by the heavens themselves.

Eren ignored the pitiful act entirely. "Now, get back to your own bed. And keep quiet, Xīrán is meditating."

Hearing this, Xiao Wu puffed up her cheeks, her eyes full of grievance. Still, she dared not talk back. With a soft huff, she stuck out her tongue at him like a sulky child before hopping onto her own bed. She hugged her carrot tightly and buried her face into the quilt, pouting all the while.

Eren paid her no further attention. With a lazy stretch, he tossed himself onto his bed. His translucent blue eyes stared at the ceiling for a brief moment, then closed. Within seconds, his breathing steadied as he drifted into a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Across from him, Xīrán slowly opened her eyes from meditation. She cast a silent glance at Eren, a faint smile curling on her lips, gentle and found a new goal.