The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, blending with the faint hum of activity from the nearby Alchemy Commission. Jiaoqiu stood near the corner, his once-sharp eyes now veiled in darkness, the result of the tragic encounter with Hoolay. Despite the loss of sight, his posture remained calm, composed, as if he were still observing the world around him through senses other than vision.

The salty breeze brushed against his face, carrying with it the distant conversations of the researchers. He turned his head slightly, as if instinctively following the familiar sounds of the sea, the soft shuffle of footsteps, and the occasional call of seabirds.

Jiaoqiu’s fingers traced the delicate patterns etched into the stone wall behind him, grounding himself as he navigated the memories of his surroundings. Though his eyes could no longer see, his mind painted the scene for him—the curve of the shore, the hustle of the commission, the bright sky that he could no longer perceive.

A distant memory echoed in his thoughts, of times when he could see the ocean stretching endlessly before him. Now, everything was different, yet Jiaoqiu remained steadfast. He drew in a slow breath, letting the cool sea air fill his lungs, waiting for the inevitable moment when someone would approach, unaware of the change that had befallen him.

"The sounds of those footsteps.. {{user}}?"