I dropped Dorothy off safely and began heading toward my own home.
As I walked, my senses sharpened. I could clearly feel several martial artists following me from the shadows. Among them, the highest cultivation was at Beginner Master level, or so I thought. I deliberately started moving in circles through the streets, testing them.
They didn't retreat.
They kept following.
I frowned inwardly.If I go home like this, they'll discover where I live.
I abruptly stopped.
Turning toward the dark corners of the street, I spoke coldly,"Show yourselves. I know all of you are following me. Let's settle this here and now."
For a brief moment, silence reigned.
Then five figures emerged from the shadows, spreading out and forming a loose circle around me.
Instantly, my energy began to circulate violently. I prepared for the worst.
Just as my aura surged, one of them calmly raised his hand."Slow down, kid," he said evenly. "We're not here to harm you."
I suppressed my energy slightly, but I didn't relax. My gaze stayed locked on every single one of them.
The man who spoke stepped forward."My name is Marshal Barns. We are from the Somerland Law Enforcers."
"Somerland Law Enforcers?" I repeated, frowning. "I've never heard of you. From the looks of it… you're a martial arts organization?"
Barns nodded and explained,"We are a government-funded organization. Our purpose is to prevent conflicts between martial artists like you and to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens."
A wave of embarrassment hit me.
I already knew why they were here.Dragon Roar… I destroyed way too much public property.
Marshal Barns continued, his tone firm,"You violated the rules set by the Somerland Law Enforcers. For that reason, we require your cooperation. You will come with us."
I stiffened."I acted in self-defense," I replied. "I didn't initiate the fight."
Barns frowned, his voice turning stern."You will still need to come with us for investigation. Two reasons."
He raised two fingers.
"First, you used a high-level technique openly—one that could have seriously injured or killed civilians."
His eyes narrowed.
"Second, at such a young age, you were able to use that technique effortlessly. More importantly… I cannot read your cultivation level."
I frowned deeply."And what if I refuse?"
Barns didn't hesitate."Then we will be forced to take you."
I stepped forward and took my stance.
This time, I released all of my energy.
The aura of a Peak Third Stage Mortal-Level Cultivator erupted outward like a storm.
The pressure slammed into them instantly.
One by one, Barns' subordinates were forced to their knees, then collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. Only Marshal Barns remained standing, though even he had to brace himself.
I wasn't surprised.He's already at Master level.
But something felt off.
When I looked at Barns' face, confusion struck me.
He wasn't angry.
He wasn't defensive.
He looked… excited.
Why does he look happy?That doesn't make any sense.
Barns' eyes gleamed as his smile widened dangerously."The absolute peak of Mortal-Level Cultivation…" he muttered in awe."No… this isn't amazing."
His gaze locked onto me.
"He's a freak. A monster."
I was still processing his reaction when I prepared to strike—
"Enough," Barns said suddenly. "No need to attack. You're free to go—for now."
I froze.
"What?" I asked, stunned. "Why the sudden change in attitude?"
Barns ignored my question and instead asked sharply,"Who is your Master, boy? And where does he live?"
I hesitated.
After a moment, I answered honestly,"I don't have a Master."
The words hit him like lightning.
Barns' face turned pale."Impossible," he whispered. "How did you reach this level without a Master?"
"I just trained," I said carefully. "And it happened. I don't know."
Of course, I couldn't tell him about the System.
Barns stared at me as if he were looking at a divine treasure. His jaw dropped, and then he burst into excitement.
"Incredible!" he exclaimed."We could use talent like yours. Would you like to join our organization?"
I blinked."…Join your organization?"
Barns nodded enthusiastically."We will train you properly. With us, you could become the strongest martial artist there is."
The words tempted me deeply.
The strongest.
In a world where strength outweighed everything else, that title was paradise itself.
"I'm not sure," I said slowly. "I need time to think."
Barns nodded vigorously."Fine. We'll give you one week. No more than that."
I nodded in return.
Without another word, I turned and left. Barns and his subordinates soon disappeared into the night as well.
When I finally reached home, a deep sense of dread washed over me.
What's about to happen… is far worse than anything tonight.
I gulped and entered the house.
To my surprise, no one was waiting for me.
Relief surged through me.
Taking the opportunity, I quietly slipped into my room and gently closed the door.
Then I turned around.
And saw something that would haunt me for the rest of my life.
My mother was sitting calmly on my bed.
A belt rested neatly in her hand.
She stared at me as if she could see straight through my soul.
In a soft, terrifying voice, she asked,"Care to explain where you were, Danial… my love?"
My blood ran cold.
"Mom—wait—please—I can explain—"
She stood up slowly.
"Oops," she said sweetly. "Time's up."
She walked toward me.
I backed away instinctively until my back slammed against the door.
In that moment, only one thought echoed in my mind:
I should have come home sooner.