Me and Dorothy strolled out of the restaurant, hand in hand. Dorothy, intrigued, couldn't help but ask, "How are you so powerful?" I responded proudly, "I am built differently," relishing in the newfound strength. Suddenly, the air buzzed, and a hand descended from the heavens, landing playfully at the back of my head. I feigned terror, looking at Dorothy with mock dismay, and exclaimed, "Why!?" Dorothy burst into laughter, teasing, "Yeah, you're built like a monkey, that's why. Now, tell me the truth." Embarrassed, I confessed, "I've started going to the gym. What do you expect?" Dorothy, undeterred, remarked, "Oh... but I don't see any changes in you. You still look like your old, chubby self," pinching my cheek. My patience waned, and I seized her arm, retorting, "Oh, now you've done it," and commenced tickling her. Amidst her laughter, she pleaded, "Stop... stop," conceding defeat. I released her, and we continued chatting as we walked. Suddenly, I changed the topic, asking, "
Albert stood respectfully in front of Danial and Dorothy. Breaking the silence, Danial questioned, "Do you have one of your lapdogs, Jeff, stationed at Sterling Technological Company in the role of a supervisor?" Albert's lips quivered as he replied, "Yes, his name is Jeff. I stationed him at Sterling for information gathering purposes." Danial, indifferent yet assertive, stated, "He did something he shouldn't have, and I need you to fix it." Albert bowed and promised, "Please order, and I will fix it immediately." Glancing at Dorothy, Danial informed, "Your lapdog, Jeff, framed her father, who was in charge of a project at Sterling Technology. Now her father is facing the company's wrath because of your lapdog's fault. Tell me, how do you want to fix it?" Albert, sweating, responded, "I will immediately send that man to the police, and he will face his charges. I will personally remove the frame from her father." "Good. Do it now," Danial commanded. Albert wasted no time, immed
I sat comfortably in Albert's Ferrari 488 GTB as he skillfully maneuvered through the town's streets. After a few minutes, I calmly instructed him to pull over at a secluded area near an abandoned factory. Following my command, Albert parked the car near an abandoned factory that had been left desolate for eight years. I turned to Albert, ready to delve into a more personal conversation. "So, Albert, how long have you held the title of the underground king in the Southerland district?" I inquired. Albert, with humility, shared his life's journey. "I've been in the Southerland district my whole life. Academic pursuits weren't my forte, so after finishing high school, I joined my father's steel business. Over time, I recognized the potential in the underground market, dealing in steel initially and eventually expanding into protection fees and control over mid-level companies. That's how I carved my place as the king of the underground world." Reflecting on Albert's extensive experie
Becoming the Master of the Bright Light Academy seemed like a daunting task, and I couldn't fathom why the system had chosen such a quest for me. Seeking clarity, I turned to Albert for insight. "Albert, who currently serves as the master of the Bright Light Academy?" I inquired. Albert's response was sobering. "Master Bowan holds that title. He's at the Early Master stage of Cultivation, but his methods are notorious for their cruelty. He's known to resort to torture if his students fail to meet his demands." Appalled by this revelation, I pressed further. "Why haven't the students lodged complaints against such barbarity? Surely the government would intervene." With a somber expression, Albert explained, "Unfortunately, the government turns a blind eye to such matters. Their priority lies in maintaining the academy's profitability and influence. Those who dared to speak out were swiftly silenced or removed from the equation." Concerned about the danger, I hesitated. Just as doub
The next morning, accompanied by Albert, I made my way to the imposing gates of the Bright Light Academy. The cool breeze of dawn whispered promises of new beginnings as we ventured into the heart of the academy. Before departing, I diligently completed my daily tasks, a routine ingrained in me by the ever-demanding System. As a reward, I acquired a newfound technique: the Water Flowing technique. This advanced mortal-level movement technique promised to enhance my agility with its focus on one-step leaping. Arriving at the academy bright and early, anticipation coursed through my veins. Albert and I stepped inside, greeted by the serene atmosphere of the academy grounds. We were met by a disciple, their demeanor formal yet welcoming. "Hello, gentlemen. What brings you to our humble abode?" the disciple inquired, extending a courteous handshake. Albert, always adept at navigating social interactions, took the lead. "We're here to enroll him as a student," he responded, gesturing to
Entering the expansive training hall with Albert by my side, I took in the sights of various training equipment and students engaged in different exercises. Wooden dummies lined one corner, intended for hand-to-hand combat training, while on the opposite side, there were bands and assorted equipment designed to strengthen different parts of the body. Observing the diverse group of individuals, some clad in traditional karate attire and others in casual wear, I noted at least 15 prospective students seeking admission. Positioning myself behind the crowd, I signaled for Albert to stay back, considering he wasn't a student of the academy. After a brief wait, a trainer strolled into the training hall, projecting an air of laziness. "Welcome to the Bright Light Academy," he declared indifferently. "On your right, you'll find wooden dummies for combat practice, and on your left, training machines to suit your needs. If you believe you're strong enough for the next level, step into this roo
The trainer's gloomy expression shifted to a begrudging acknowledgment. "Yes, you have passed the test. You may enter the next floor," he reluctantly declared. I acknowledged his response with a simple "Thank you" and proceeded to the second floor. As I ascended, the surroundings underwent a noticeable upgrade. The second floor appeared more refined and well-maintained compared to the relatively basic setting of the first floor. Upon reaching the second floor, a student named Brad welcomed me. He cupped his hands and greeted, "Welcome to the second floor. May I know your name?" I responded with a straightforward introduction, "Danial Crawford." Brad, showing polite curiosity, continued, "Since you are here, you must have passed the test on the first floor?" "Yes, that is correct," I affirmed. "Okay, please follow me," Brad said, gesturing for me to accompany him. Together, we entered the hall on the second floor, revealing the diverse training areas that were categorized into thr
A Practice fight was about to begin in the combat training hall. The fight was between two brothers named Pavan and Adren. Both are good at combat and are considered the strongest in the combat training hall. However, due to some conflict, they decided that only one could gain the title of the strongest in the training hall. Since the only way to settle the conflict was a fight, the trainer decided It would be best if the fight was observed by all of them. I noticed that Pavan's face was slightly pale and his breathing was uneven while Adren was smiling creepily. I immediately thought of something and went to Pavan. It's not that I fancied Pavan nor I wanted to gain any favour. It's just that I couldn't bear to see someone lose because of a trick and betrayal. I guess maybe my sense of justice was too strong. I went up to Pavan and greeted him "Hey Pavan " Pavan turned around looked at me and said "Hello, do I know you?" I said, "Actually I just entered the academy." "Oh ok
Crystal descended into the rocky arena, her icy-blue eyes scanning the terrain. The environment was filled with jagged hills, uneven terrain, and rocky outcroppings—an arena that would test movement and adaptability. Danial leaned against the railing, watching her with a small smile, fully confident in her victory.Just as the match was about to begin, Leonard approached from behind, patting Danial’s shoulder with a smug grin."Danial, did you see my match just now? The tricks I used had him completely baffled—haha!"Danial turned to look at him, blinking. "That was your match?"Leonard’s face fell. The excitement in his eyes flickered. "Yeah… you didn’t see it?"Danial quickly realized his mistake and tried to salvage the situation. "Leonard, I didn’t know your match was happening. I’m sorry."Leonard forced a smile, waving it off. "Alright, no worries." He turned and walked away, but as he did, the forced smile gradually faded.Danial sighed, feeling a little guilty, but his attenti
As the tournament progressed, the excitement in the air reached its peak. The crowd roared in anticipation as each match brought forth new surprises, showcasing the sheer talent and determination of the academy's young warriors. Danial sat with Crystal, both observing the ongoing battles with quiet interest.Crystal turned to him and asked, "You already won two matches. This guarantees your spot in the Final Stage tomorrow. Who do you think your final opponent will be?"Danial shrugged, his expression calm. "I don't know," he replied simply.Just as he finished speaking, movement from the side caught his attention. Pavan had returned from the infirmary, his head and shoulders wrapped in fresh bandages. His steps were steady, but the slight wince as he moved revealed that his injuries hadn’t fully healed.Danial immediately got up and walked over to him, his brows furrowed in concern. "Why are you out of the infirmary? Your body needs rest."Pavan groaned, waving his hand dismissively.
Tyler staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena, his legs trembling, his face pale. The match had been brief—too brief—but the experience had left a lasting impression on him. No, it wasn’t just the match itself; it was the gaze. That chilling, soul-crushing gaze that had locked onto him as if stripping away every ounce of his being. It was unlike anything he had ever faced before.His master approached, his eyes filled with concern as he placed a firm hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”Tyler did not answer immediately. He walked in silence, each step feeling heavier than the last. His master was about to repeat the question when Tyler finally spoke, his voice hollow.“I want to withdraw from the tournament.”The words were so unexpected that his master was momentarily stunned. Tyler was not one to give up easily. He had trained relentlessly, fought fiercely, and had dreams of proving himself. Yet now, standing before him, was not the same student who had entered thi
As Kyle Drakon stepped into the light, an almost ethereal presence seemed to radiate from him. For someone so young, he was nothing short of stunning—majestic in a way that defied mere good looks. His face, strikingly symmetrical with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, carried an air of effortless majesty. His nose was straight and refined, giving him a noble appearance, while his lips, neither too thin nor too full, were naturally set in a calm, unreadable expression. His skin was smooth, almost flawless, as if sculpted by the finest artisan, carrying a faint glow under the arena’s illumination.His jet-black hair, slightly messy yet undeniably stylish, fell in layered waves around his forehead and temples, enhancing the intensity of his features. Each step he took exuded confidence, his strides measured, unhurried—he moved like a sovereign who did not need to prove himself, yet commanded attention wherever he went.But it was his eyes that truly held everyone captive.A deep crims
The air inside the arena buzzed with excitement as the next match was announced. The announcer’s voice boomed across the coliseum.“Next match! Crystal Kirk of Somerland versus Zaria Dvornik of Krolea! The battle conditions—desert environment, no elemental abilities allowed!”Danial's expression hardened. He understood the gravity of this situation. Crystal’s greatest strength lay in her ice element, and now, she was being forced to fight in the most unfavourable terrain possible. A desert battlefield? There was no moisture in the air, no chance of manipulating frost, and worst of all—sweltering heat sapping her stamina.As Crystal stepped forward, she caught Danial’s expression and smirked. “Worried about me?”Danial folded his arms. “Just assessing the conditions. This isn’t exactly in your favour.”Crystal chuckled. “It never is.” With that, she strode toward the arena entrance, her icy confidence unwavering.Danial exhaled sharply, watching as she disappeared into the tunnel leadi
Danial and Crystal lingered in the infirmary for a while longer, chatting with Pavan, who continued to grumble about his forced diet while sneaking glances at the nurses, hoping one of them would take pity on him. When it became clear that none of them were willing to defy Abby’s orders, he slumped back onto the bed with a defeated sigh.“You guys better eat well while you still can,” Pavan muttered dramatically. “I might never taste good food again.”Danial rolled his eyes while Crystal smirked. “You’re acting like you’re being sent to prison,” she said. “It’s just a diet.”Pavan sat up and pointed at her with a solemn expression. “For a man like me, a diet is worse than prison.”Crystal laughed while Danial shook his head. “Just rest, Pavan. You’ll need your strength for the next rounds.”With that, Danial and Crystal left the infirmary, walking side by side through the long corridors. The scent of antiseptics and medicine slowly faded, replaced by the crisp air of the academy halls
Abby rushed into the arena, her heart pounding as she sprinted toward the fallen Pavan. She knelt beside him, her sharp eyes scanning his battered body. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him. But even in his injured state, Pavan had not lost his spirit."Pavan, you have done well," Abby said softly, her voice filled with both pride and concern.Pavan, barely conscious, managed a small hum in response before his body went completely limp. Abby’s expression darkened as she turned her gaze toward Egbert, who stood proudly in the arena, basking in the cheers of the crowd. His arrogance was evident as he waved at the audience as if he had just achieved a great victory. Abby scoffed, her grip on Pavan tightening as she walked away without sparing Egbert another glance.Egbert simply snorted, unimpressed by her reaction, before continuing to soak in the adoration of the spectators. Meanwhile, among the crowd, Danial frowned heavily. He had seen the entire match unfol
Egbert vanished from his position, appearing instantly before Pavan like a crimson blur. His sword whistled through the air as he delivered a deceptively simple horizontal slash, its force enough to ripple the atmosphere around them.Pavan barely had time to process what was happening. Instinctively, he raised his sword to defend himself, the blade trembling in his grip.CLANG!The clash reverberated through the arena like a thunderclap. The sheer force of the impact sent Pavan skidding back, his boots carving deep grooves into the arena floor as he was pushed a full ten meters before managing to stop. His arms trembled uncontrollably as he looked down, his face pale.His fingers tightened around his blade, but the sight before him made his stomach drop—his sword, forged from the academy's renowned ore, now bore a jagged chip near the centre. How is this possible? He thought. These swords weren’t ordinary; they were designed to withstand the harshest of battles. And yet, a single stri
The announcer’s voice echoed through the massive arena, amplifying the excitement of the crowd. “The next match is between Pavan from Somerland and Egbert Ray from Xeria!”The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, their enthusiasm palpable. Flags bearing the symbols of both academies waved in the air, and cheers filled every corner of the stadium. Pavan took a deep breath, trying to steel his nerves as the noise washed over him.Danial stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. His voice was calm but firm. “It’s alright, Pavan. You’ve got this.”Pavan turned to Danial, his lips forming a faint smile. “Thanks, Danial.” With a quick nod, he turned and made his way toward the arena, his footsteps steady but deliberate.As Pavan’s figure disappeared into the crowd, Crystal, who had been uncharacteristically silent, suddenly broke the quiet. “This is bad,” she said, her tone grave.Danial frowned, sensing the seriousness in her voice. “What do you mean?”Crystal’s eyes na