I couldn't bear to watch the student being tortured any longer.
Without realising it, a surge of killing intent leaked out from my body.
The temperature in the hall dropped by several degrees. A suffocating chill spread outward as my killing intent rolled through the crowd like a silent wave. Conversations died instantly. People instinctively took steps back, their eyes widening as they turned toward me.
Pavan looked at me in shock. In his eyes, I wasn't his friend anymore—I looked like a monster on the verge of breaking free.
The sound of the whip grew louder. Each strike echoed like thunder against flesh, every crack digging deeper into my chest. My fists clenched so tightly that my nails cut into my palms.
Just then—
BOOM!
The massive doors of the hall blasted open.
The explosion of sound snapped everyone out of their fear. Even Bowan halted mid-motion and turned toward the entrance.
A man dressed in pristine white robes walked in, his presence commanding absolute silence. A crown-shaped badge rested on his shoulder, gleaming faintly under the hall's lights. Two students followed closely behind him.
I narrowed my eyes.
Both students radiated powerful auras—Peak Mid-Level Mortal Realm.
But the man in white…
His aura was heavy. Majestic. Like the blazing sun itself pressing down on the world.
Beside me, Pavan shivered. His voice trembled as he whispered,"T-th-that's… the Master of the Sun Lion Academy. Master Ronald."
At those words, the killing intent raging inside me finally calmed. I took a slow breath, forcing myself back under control.
Bowan's expression darkened. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the platform and reappeared directly in front of Master Ronald.
With a stiff smile, Bowan said,"Master Ronald… you honor us with your presence."
Master Ronald snorted coldly."Don't try to sweet-talk me, Bowan. I know all of your filthy secrets. It would be best if we talked in private—unless you want your academy to fall apart right here. I'd be more than happy to reveal everything in front of everyone."
Bowan's face twisted with anger."You dare come into my academy and threaten me in front of all these people?"
Ronald's gaze sharpened."Don't even think about intimidating me. You know very well you can't defeat me. So shut your mouth—and lead the way."
Bowan clenched his fists but didn't dare respond. A moment later, he vanished again. Master Ronald followed, disappearing just as abruptly.
The two students accompanying him remained behind, standing motionless like statues, clearly awaiting their master's return.
I turned to Pavan."What the hell is going on?"
Pavan hesitated, then sighed."It's an old grudge… between Master Bowan and Master Ronald."
He continued quietly,"They started their martial journey together. Best friends. Brothers in everything but blood. But somewhere along the way… they both fell in love with the same woman."
My brows furrowed as I listened.
"They pursued her separately. She rejected Bowan… and chose Ronald instead. One day, Bowan saw Ronald with her in a public mall. He lost control. They started fighting right there."
Pavan swallowed."They were both geniuses—Peak Advanced Mortal Realm at the time. You can imagine the chaos."
My stomach tightened.
"Bowan couldn't accept losing her," Pavan said bitterly. "In the middle of the fight… he killed her."
My breath caught.
"That drove Ronald insane. During the battle itself, he broke through and ascended to the Master Realm. He defeated Bowan—but didn't kill him. Only because of their past friendship."
I stood there in silence, disgust boiling in my chest. I already knew Bowan was cruel—but this went far beyond cruelty.
This was monstrous.
"And the people in the mall?" I asked coldly. "The damage? The casualties?"
Pavan let out a hollow laugh."Do you really think anyone cared? When the authorities found out two Advanced-level martial artists were fighting, they were practically celebrating. Martial artists are the backbone of every nation. They'd rather gain favor than seek justice."
His words sank deep.
In this world, strength wasn't just power—it was authority, law, and privilege.
After some time, both Masters returned and headed toward the exit.
Bowan's face was darker than a storm cloud. Master Ronald, on the other hand, looked relaxed—almost amused. Bowan didn't even bother escorting him and stormed straight toward his office.
As Master Ronald approached the exit, he suddenly stopped.
He turned.
His eyes locked onto mine.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face—just for an instant—before he turned away and left.
Pavan exhaled shakily."I don't know what you did… but staring a Master eye-to-eye like that? You've got guts, Danial."
I said nothing. My gaze lingered on the doorway long after Ronald was gone.
That evening, I returned home—but my mind refused to rest.
So much had happened in such a short time.
I had saved a stranger who turned out to be the CEO of Sterling Technology, and was rewarded with a six-star hotel, The Golden Leaf.I had been attacked by an assassin on my way home and subdued him.The assassin now sat locked inside Albert's warehouse, waiting to be interrogated.I had met a mysterious girl named Maria, who tried to probe my body with strange energy, only for the System to block it completely.
And now… I had seen the true ugliness of power.
My life was spiralling into chaos.
If I wanted answers—if I wanted control—there was only one path forward.
I needed to become stronger.
(Where are the Votes? Where are the Collections?? Shower me with power Stones!!!!)