The trainer sensed the tension immediately and raised his voice.
"That's enough," he said sternly. "Stop arguing over meaningless things and help me get him to the infirmary."
Adren fell silent at once.
I helped Pavan walk toward the infirmary.
Inside, the doctor examined him carefully before giving the diagnosis."It's an infection in his stomach," he said. "Caused by unknown elements."
That explanation only made Pavan more suspicious.
After treatment, Pavan came out looking weak, though much better than before. His face still lacked color, but at least he could stand properly. He walked over to me and said quietly,
"Thank you, Danial. If you hadn't warned me, I might not have even survived."
"You don't have to thank me," I replied. "I just did what anyone should."
As we spoke, Adren walked over, his arrogance completely unchanged.
"Brother," he said mockingly, "you're still so weak. Look at you. On one side, there's you—pathetic and sick. On the other, there's me—strong, confident, and holding the title of the strongest martial artist in the combat hall."
I looked at him coldly."You really think that pitiful title of yours will last?"
Adren glared at me. "Boy, don't you think you talk too much? Do you even know how to fight?"
"Oh," I replied calmly, "I know how to fight—and how to break teeth."
His jaw tightened. "Then let me show you what real fighting looks like."
He stepped toward me, cracking his knuckles.
I walked toward him as well.
Behind me, Pavan spoke anxiously. "Danial, don't fight him. He's strong—and cruel."
I nodded without turning back.
When we were about three meters apart, Adren suddenly threw a punch.
It carried the strength of a beginner-level mortal cultivator—powerful enough to knock a hole through a cow.
I raised my arm and blocked it effortlessly.
Adren's eyes widened as he stared at his fist trapped against my arm.
I sneered and twisted my wrist, completely locking his arm in place. He struggled, but my grip felt like iron.
Panicking, he tried to kick me with his left leg.
I slapped it away.
I didn't mean to use so much force—but the sound of cracking bone followed instantly.
Adren screamed as his leg fractured.
He dropped to one knee, still held by the arm. I looked down at him and smiled coldly.
"So this is the strongest in the combat hall?" I scoffed. "Pathetic. I think you're the one who needs treatment."
I glanced at Pavan."That's your brother? Weak and despicable. Aren't you ashamed?"
Pavan didn't answer. He simply smiled faintly.
I released Adren's arm and turned to Pavan."Didn't you say you wanted to vent your anger?"
Pavan raised an eyebrow. "Now that you mention it… yes, I did."
"Then go ahead," I said, stepping aside.
Adren collapsed to the ground, clutching his leg and groaning.
Pavan walked up to him slowly.
"I tried," he said quietly. "I tried to protect our bond as brothers. I endured everything and never fought back."
Adren relaxed slightly, thinking he was safe.
"…But this is what I got in return," Pavan continued. "So now—you deserve it."
Adren's eyes widened.
Slap.
The sound echoed through the infirmary.
Adren stared at Pavan in shock."You— you slapped me?! How dare you! If Father finds out, you're finished!"
Pavan hesitated, his hand lowering.
Taking advantage of that moment, Adren stood up with difficulty and pointed at him."You'll pay for this, Pavan."
Then he pointed at me."And you—I won't forget you."
Limping badly, he left the infirmary.
I watched Pavan, but he avoided my gaze and walked away silently.
I didn't stop him.
Something about his family felt deeply wrong.
I called Don Albert and asked him to pick me up.
By the time I reached home, it was already late. I tried to sneak quietly toward my room.
That's when I saw my mother standing at my door.
She was holding a shoe.
I knew immediately—I was doomed.
Putting on my most innocent face, I said softly,"Hiiiii Mom… I know I'm late, but please spare me just this once. I promise I'll tell you next time."
She smiled—dangerously.
"Oh no," she said. "You're not getting that chance today. Not today, boy."
As she stepped toward me, I backed against the wall.
Deep in my heart, I knew—
Tonight, I would not survive.