Chapter 66: Finding a Tutor for Number Eleven

"Cooperation? How do you propose we cooperate?" Lin Shaw asked, his curiosity piqued. The beautiful witch had finally revealed her intentions.

Zoe put down her teacup and replied unhurriedly, "Not with you, but with your sister, Eleven."

Lin Shaw’s expression changed slightly. So this witch had her eyes on Number Eleven. It was likely she gave Barbara the love potion to control him, and then approach Eleven. Quite a clever plan.

"You are very cautious, Mr. Byers. I understand your concerns. Wariness toward other supernatural beings is almost a universal trait among us. But I truly have no intention of harming you, nor do I harbor any ill will. My only aim is to prevent Melissa from breaking free, lest she unleash destruction and tarnish the reputation of our Witch Assembly.

I've been observing Eleven for a long time. She possesses extraordinary talent—a prodigy among the supernatural, a seed of the Supreme Witch who appears only once in a millennium. If she remains with you, her potential will be wasted; your ability to nurture her is far too slow. Only in the hands of professionals like us can her abilities be fully developed, and perhaps one day she may even lead the entire Witch Assembly."

Zoe’s tone shifted subtly, clearly revealing that she had been planning this for quite some time and was finally able to bring it up.

Lin Shaw pondered. Eleven's ability and growth had always troubled him; he did wish to find her a tutor of sorts. The crucial question was: Could this witch be trusted?

"What exactly is the Witch Assembly? What is a Supreme Witch? Why should I trust you?"

Upon hearing Lin Shaw’s barrage of questions, Zoe calmed herself and explained, "The Witch Assembly is a branch of the Magical Federation—a collective of witches that has existed since ancient times, playing vital roles throughout human history.

The Supreme Witch is the most powerful among witches, even beyond the rank of Super Witch—a legendary figure who has touched upon the divine realm. In the history of the Assembly, only two Supreme Witches have ever existed: Circe of ancient Greece, and Princess Medea of Colchis, both of whom crossed into the domain of gods.

Your sister is a rare prodigy with such potential—a rising star."

Lin Shaw never doubted Eleven’s abilities. Her psychic wandering through the void and her power to tear open dimensional rifts were far from ordinary.

"I know you have doubts, worrying that we might harm your sister. I can come to your home to teach her, help her awaken her full potential and grow rapidly.

Our previous Super Witch once divined the future and foresaw a catastrophe that will sweep across the human world, threatening its very existence. The key to salvation will arise from the Great Lakes region—a figure who will tear open the world’s barriers, traverse the river of time, and save this world. I am certain that person is your sister."

Zoe spoke freely now, her gaze fixed on Lin Shaw, anxious that he might not believe her.

"Save the world?" Lin Shaw was perplexed. Wasn’t this burden supposed to fall on him? So, after all this, he was merely a supporting character; Eleven was the true protagonist. What a cruel twist.

With the conversation at this point, he had no grounds to refuse. Lin Shaw thought it over—home tutoring was indeed a good solution. Zoe appeared gentle, but her strength was unmistakably formidable, perhaps even greater than his own.

Her humble approach was not for his sake, but to avoid angering Eleven. She was proceeding cautiously, starting with him as her entry point.

Will and Barbara listened in confusion, unable to grasp the conversation, though it was clearly about Eleven.

"Since you say so, I’ll trust you for now. You’ll be Eleven’s tutor, coming to our home. What about compensation?"

Lin Shaw made up his mind. If Zoe harbored any sinister intentions, even if he wasn’t her equal, he would fight back fiercely. He needed time to grow; once he reached level ten and became an Exorcist, unlocking his new abilities, he would not fear any schemes. Moreover, the stronger Eleven became, the safer they all would be.

"I need no compensation. Human money means nothing to us supernatural beings. I am simply fulfilling my duty, planning for the future of the Witch Assembly. Mr. Byers, you are exceedingly cautious, which is why I hesitated to approach you directly. Please forgive my discourtesy."

Zoe stood, bowing gracefully in apology.

Lin Shaw glanced at Barbara, who lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.

He paused, sensing the moment was right to resolve things with Barbara, so she would not do anything rash for his sake.

"Barbara, come with me. I have a few words to say to you."

He rose and walked to the door. Barbara hurried after him, head bowed.

They stopped about thirty meters from the cabin. Lin Shaw turned to face her, his heart heavy. He exhaled deeply before speaking.

"Barbara, I am grateful for what you’ve done for me and for saving my life. But I cannot accept your feelings.

Love is equal, never humble. It’s not about one side giving more and the other accepting everything. Your actions have only brought me discomfort, not moved me, and may even destroy our friendship.

Go find someone who truly loves you. The world is vast; there are people who cherish and love you—you simply haven’t met them yet."

Barbara sobbed softly, lifting her head to meet Lin Shaw’s gaze. She understood his meaning: if she continued to cling to him, even friendship would be lost—a result she could not bear.

Lin Shaw raised his hand. Sacred, radiant light blossomed in his palm, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the forest in a dream-like scene.

"You see, we are not from the same world. Mine is filled with darkness and danger, flooding toward me like a tide, threatening to engulf me, my family, and friends—including you.

I must use all my strength to protect them, and sometimes I can’t even protect myself. I truly lack the energy to protect anyone else.

Barbara, you are a good girl. If not for all these events, or for my supernatural powers, perhaps I might have accepted your feelings.

But now, forgive me—I cannot afford to play the game of love. I cannot play, nor can I afford to lose."

Barbara was shaken to her core, finally understanding the unbridgeable distance between them—unless she too could enter his world and wield supernatural powers.

Yet, she had already pleaded with the witch, who told her she lacked the potential for such powers and could never become supernatural. That’s why she begged for the love potion, hoping it might change his heart.

With nothing left to say, Lin Shaw fell silent. Barbara was no child; she didn’t need lengthy explanations. If she couldn’t grasp this, their friendship would simply run aground.

Returning to the cabin, he greeted Zoe. They exchanged phone numbers and agreed that she would come to tutor Eleven the next day.

Lin Shaw then left with Will, while Zoe saw Barbara home, unwilling to entangle himself further.