A quiet street.
Roy Zhang looked utterly bewildered, able only to stare blankly at the exuberant Gavin King and the smiling Andrew Han. His mind was in chaos, unable to sort through his thoughts.
The more you see, the more you understand the significance of it all.
"Andrew."
"Is he also a martial artist of the Upper Three Ranks? But he's still just a senior in high school." Roy Zhang swallowed his dry saliva, exhaling with difficulty.
On the other side.
Gavin King apologized profusely, "Ken is young and immature. Please, Andrew, don't take it to heart. I hope you can forgive him."
Now that he had reached Third Rank in martial arts, his admission to the Academy was assured. He felt confident and had nothing left to fear.
If you want to ask, just ask. There's no need to hold back.
He had spent less than three months here. Besides, most of his training took place in secluded corners of the school, various spots around the city, and his own bedroom.
He felt only a faint sense of nostalgia.
Step. Step.
Step. Step.
The sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
The spacious training hall was now empty, the temperature seeming to drop. Only the round arena and Mr. Newman remained.
Occasionally, the chirping of birds from outside could be heard.
He frowned and whispered, "Andrew... I'm afraid you don't truly know Mr. Newman. But since you've reached Third Rank, you'll surely meet him in the future. Let me give you a word of advice—remember this phrase—"
A strange, oppressive silence slowly filled the space, as if a fierce and powerful beast was awakening.
"Interesting. Truly interesting."
"In just a short time, you've grown stronger. Incredible."
Mr. Newman raised his drooping eyelids, the corners of his mouth lifting. His eyes seemed to flicker with intense flames, distorting the air.
Hiss.
He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.
Sss.
The freshly lit cigarette seemed to be consumed by a whirlwind, burning away instantly. The intact cylinder of ash, still glowing faintly red, dropped and scattered.
——
May 13th, evening.
After school, Andrew Han hurried out of the classroom, his heart full of excitement and joy—so much so that he didn't even hear Gavin King's shout.
"Andrew?"
Gavin King stood by his seat, hugging his backpack in confusion. "You forgot your backpack! Going home without it? Aren't you worried your dad will break your legs?"
Then, reconsidering,
he shook his head and laughed, "My deskmate is a martial arts student—his dad probably couldn't beat him even if he tried."
But still,
"Andrew Han, usually so steady, actually got so excited he forgot his backpack. Something good must have happened." Gavin King shook his head as he packed up.
......
Downstairs at his apartment building.
Pant.
Andrew Han caught his breath and grinned.
He'd run all the way home. What usually took twenty minutes, today took just three or four.
He couldn't contain his excitement and couldn't wait to tell his parents about reaching Third Rank, letting them know their son was about to enter a top academy.
It was a perfect score.
He eagerly imagined his parents' reactions. His father, who already had trouble sleeping, would surely be too happy to sleep tonight.
Andrew Han opened the building door and suddenly froze.
"Huh?"
"I actually forgot my backpack... Oh well, now that I've reached Third Rank and will enter a top academy, even skipping school wouldn't matter."
Andrew Han couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.
Of course he would still go to school. With his future at the academy set, these last precious days of high school were worth savoring.
Thinking this, he headed up the stairs.
His Third Rank physique made him as agile as a leopard, and he raced up the stairs.
His heart overflowed with joyful anticipation and pride, like a cresting wave about to crash.
But in an instant, all of it collapsed.
Step.
Andrew Han stopped abruptly, his face contorting as he stood at the stairwell. He could clearly hear suppressed sobs coming from his home.
It was his mother!
That was his mother's voice!
What happened? What on earth happened?!
Bang!
He felt as if a fire exploded inside him, roaring through his heart and soul.
For seventy-nine days and nights since his rebirth, he'd struggled and fought relentlessly, driven by a vow to never slacken for a moment.
Crack!
Andrew Han's fists clenched so tightly they cracked. He rushed to the security door, but froze again, like a statue, unable to move.
"Why is Wenzhi being detained? Not just held for questioning? Thank you, at least detention has a twenty-four hour limit..."
"Andrew will be home soon... He still has school tomorrow, he can't miss it..."
"But... but why?"
His mother, Chen Shu, sounded exhausted and frail. Her words crashed down on Andrew Han like thunder from the heavens.
He stood there, stunned and dazed, unable to believe it.
Andrew Han stood frozen at the door, nearly suffocating. His anger subsided, leaving his mind blank.
His father, Han Wenzhi, had been detained.
The sky had collapsed.
Andrew Han glanced three times at Mr. Newman leaning on the arena, inwardly curious about Gavin King's strange warning.
Yet,
If Gavin King was so afraid, Mr. Newman's true identity must be terrifying. Andrew decided not to investigate for now, lest he cause trouble.
The most important thing right now was the Martial Arts Entrance Exam in eight days.
......
Time slipped by.
Before anyone realized, the final practice was over. The students happily took a group photo, lingered in the hall, and some even touched the martial arts equipment one last time.
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After a long while, the martial arts students finally left one by one.
Of all the martial arts students, Andrew Han was probably the calmest.