Calvin realized Alana's true nature and resolved to sever all connections with her. Despite rejecting her offer of money, he acknowledged her past assistance and chose not to seek revenge. Instead, Calvin opted for a path of indifference towards Alana and Kevin, deciding to ignore them if they didn't provoke him further. He saw no benefit in prolonging any animosity and aimed to move forward without dwelling on past grievances. As Calvin moved to check on Lizzie's condition, a sharp knock echoed through the room, drawing his attention back to the door. With a heavy sigh, he approached and swung it open, revealing the imposing figures of Beatrice Perry, Alana's mother and her cunning sister, Giana. Their entrance was marked by an air of entitlement, their presence commanding attention. “What do you want?” Calvin asked. He felt so tired of facing this kind of people that he cannot be nice anymore. Beatrice wasted no time in getting to the point, her voice laced with steel as she add
“Whoever you are, don’t interfere with our business. You are just a child, go to a playground or whatever!” Beatrice said.However, her reprimand was swiftly interrupted by the arrival of a striking figure—a tall, imposing man who strode into the room with an air of authority."You have no right to speak to my niece in such a manner," the man declared sternly, his voice brooking no argument."Leave this place at once," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "You have overstepped your bounds."“You cannot make us leave!” Giana cried.“Bodyguards, you guys know what to do,” the girl said.The bodyguards walked toward Giana and her mother. Bob, their bodyguard, was also helpless.Enraged by the dismissal, Beatrice and Giana erupted in a flurry of protests.“Let us go! We can walk without your help!” Beatrice exclaimed.“Calvin, you will pay for this!” said Giana.“We will tell Alana about this! She and Kevin will surely avenge us!” Beatrice yelled again.However, Calvin
"Let's not delay any further. My grandfather's condition may worsen if we wait," Christina urged, her tone urgent as she glanced at the clock.Calvin hesitated, his brows furrowing with concern. "But what about Lizzie? She's still unconscious. I can't just leave her alone like this. She'll be bewildered when she wakes up," he expressed, his worry palpable in his voice.Christina nodded understandingly. "We'll call in the best nurses to look after her while we're away. And you can leave a note to reassure her," she suggested, her voice laced with reassurance.Terrance chimed in, his tone confident. "Absolutely. We'll ensure she receives the best care possible," he affirmed, his assurance aimed at easing Calvin's concerns.After a moment of contemplation, Calvin reluctantly agreed. "Alright, but please make sure we can trust the nurses," he requested, his tone cautious."I'll personally vet them," Terrance assured him, his tone resolute.Soon after, a team of nurses arrived at the apart
As Louis Johnson stepped into the room, his presence seemed to add another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere. His resemblance to Terrance was striking, underscoring their likely familial connection. His furrowed brow and concerned tone suggested he was trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before him."What's happening here?" he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine concern as his eyes swept across the room, taking in the unexpected sight. "And why is there an unfamiliar individual in Father's room?"Nancy wasted no time in offering her perspective, her voice dripping with disdain as she addressed her father. "Father, Christina has brought this dubious individual here, claiming he can heal Grandfather," she explained, her skepticism palpable in her tone. "But Grandfather isn't sick; he's merely fatigued from the trials of old age."Christina, undeterred by Nancy's skepticism, immediately jumped in to defend her position. Her voice resonated with conviction as
Daniel Johnson immediately expressed his gratitude towards Calvin.“I’ve been searching for you… for a long time…” he said.However, Nancy interjected hastily, attempting to dissuade her grandfather from placing his trust in Calvin. "Grandfather, don't be fooled by this man. How could the grandson of Bacca's greatest healer be so unkempt and impoverished? He must be a fraud," she insisted vehemently, her tone dripping with disdain as she gestured towards Calvin's disheveled appearance.Calvin, unperturbed by Nancy’s accusations, glanced at Nancy inadvertently, his diagnostic instincts kicking in. After a brief moment of observation, he spoke up, catching Nancy off guard. "You're also afflicted with an ailment," he stated matter-of-factly.Nancy immediately scoffed at Calvin's assertion, brushing it off as nonsense. "Here we go again with your nonsense," she retorted, her tone laced with contempt. "I feel perfectly fine, which proves you're nothing but a charlatan."Undeterred, Calvin
Calvin didn’t answer those questions. Before everyone can stop him, he did another blow on Daniel’s chest really hard. The room was plunged into a state of shock and disbelief as Calvin's actions unfolded before their eyes, leaving everyone frozen in place, unable to comprehend the scene before them.Louis's voice cut through the tumult, his words a desperate plea for order amidst the chaos. "Security! Get this lunatic out of here!" he shouted his tone a mix of alarm and outrage. Meanwhile, Terrance, his face contorted with a mixture of concern and disbelief, made a futile attempt to restrain Calvin, only to be stopped short by Daniel's unexpected declaration.“Stop it, Terrance! My breathing… I can breathe! Please, Mr. Hudson, continue,” Daniel said.The astonishment on Terrance and Christina's faces mirrored the disbelief that reverberated through the room. They exchanged incredulous glances, grappling with the sudden turn of events and the implications of Daniel's words. "Could it
Calvin regarded Christina with a mixture of appreciation and apprehension. "Christina, I truly appreciate the invitation, and I'm honored that you would consider me," he began, his tone sincere. "But I'm not sure I'm the right fit for such an extravagant event." Christina's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she waved off Calvin's concerns. "Nonsense, Calvin! You would be perfect," she insisted, her words laced with determination. "Besides, consider it a favor to me. I haven't found a dance partner yet, and I could really use your company." Calvin couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Christina's demeanor, sensing her growing interest in him. However, he hesitated, his recent heartbreak still fresh in his mind. "Christina, I...I appreciate your kindness," he began, his voice gentle. "But I'm not sure I'm ready for something like this. I am sure a girl as pretty as you could find a suitable man to dance with easily." Christina's expression softened with understanding, but she pe
Calvin set the last plate down in the sink. He opened the fridge and literally found nothing. The kitchen is empty and Lizzie needs a lot of nutritious food. He turned to Lizzie, who was sitting at the kitchen table, looking much better than earlier."I'm going to run to the grocery store, Lizzie. Is there anything specific you'd like me to pick up?"Lizzie shook her head, a small smile gracing her lips. "No, I trust your judgment. Just get whatever you think will help me get better."Calvin nodded, appreciating her trust in him. "Alright, I'll be back soon. You rest up while I'm gone." With that, he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.As Calvin stepped outside, he couldn't shake off the nagging worry about their safety. He glanced at the flimsy lock on the door and made a mental note to look into finding a more secure place for them to stay.The thought of their vulnerability preyed on his mind as he walked towards the grocery store. The recent turmoil in their lives had left
As Calvin navigated the quiet streets, the stillness of the city seemed to echo his own sense of exhaustion. His hands gripped the steering wheel loosely, his mind drifting between thoughts of Lizzie and the uncertain path ahead. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a soft chime.[Ding!]The familiar sound of the system’s notification brought him back to the present. A faint blue light flickered on the small device attached to his wrist.[New Notification,] the system intoned, its voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to Calvin’s restlessness.“What is it this time?” Calvin muttered under his breath, keeping one hand on the wheel while activating the holographic interface with a quick swipe.The system’s screen illuminated his face as it began its explanation.[Dr. Hudson,] it started, [your recent accomplishments have brought you closer to unlocking the final legacy of your family. Only a few more points are required to access it fully.]Calvin’s brows furrowed. “Inheritance?
When Calvin arrived home, the weight of the past days pressed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t bother turning on the lights as he entered, letting the darkness wrap around him like a familiar cloak. The house was silent, almost eerily so, but it offered the solitude he craved.His feet carried him automatically to the backyard. The moon cast a soft glow over the small garden, illuminating the simple headstone that marked Lizzie’s resting place.Calvin approached the grave and knelt down, his fingers brushing against the cool stone. For a moment, he simply sat there, the night air still and heavy around him.“I did it, Liz,” he said softly, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. “It’s over. San Wang is defeated, and the war is finished. Barrion can finally rebuild.”He paused, staring at the ground as memories of Lizzie flooded his mind. Her laughter, her courage, the way she always seemed to know the right thing to say.“I hope you’re proud of me,” Calvin whispered, h
Calvin’s journey back to Nooria was uneventful, but his mind was anything but calm. The weight of his actions in Bacca lingered heavily in his chest. Despite his victory, he felt no triumph—only exhaustion and the nagging thought that the peace he had brokered might be temporary.When the plane touched down in Nooria, the first thing Calvin noticed was the unusual bustle of activity at the airport. As he descended from the aircraft, he was met with silence—a heavy, anticipatory silence that made him pause.A crowd had gathered, and Calvin froze as he realized their eyes were fixed on him. Faces reflected a range of emotions: awe, gratitude, and disbelief. Some whispered to one another, others simply stared. Then, slowly, one person began clapping.The solitary applause rippled through the crowd like a spark igniting dry kindling. Within moments, the entire gathering erupted into cheers and applause, the sound filling the air with a roar of gratitude and admiration.“Calvin Hudson!” so
Calvin’s chest heaved as he faced San Wang once more, their weapons gleaming in the fading sunlight. The battlefield was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of San Wang’s blade and the rasp of Calvin’s labored breathing. The earlier clash had pushed both warriors to their limits, and the tension between them crackled like a storm on the brink of eruption.San Wang’s smirk returned as he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Calvin parried, but the force of the attack sent him stumbling back. San Wang pressed his advantage, raining down a series of blows that Calvin barely managed to block. Each strike forced Calvin closer to the edge of the helicopter platform, where the abyss below waited hungrily.“You’ve fought valiantly, Guardian,” San Wang sneered, his blade locking against Calvin’s air-forged sword. “But your strength wanes. This ends now!”With a sudden twist, San Wang disarmed Calvin, sending his shimmering blade shattering into the ether.
The moment San Wang’s mocking words faded into the air, Calvin’s fury exploded into action. With a burst of telekinetic energy, he propelled himself into the sky, soaring toward the massive helicopter where the self-proclaimed king of Han Xin stood. The wind howled around him as he ascended, his figure a blur of raw power and determination.“Stop him!” San Wang barked, his voice sharp as steel.Elite soldiers poured out of the helicopter, their movements precise and disciplined. Each was clad in advanced combat armor, bristling with cutting-edge weaponry designed to neutralize powerful foes. But Calvin was no ordinary foe.The first wave of soldiers descended on Calvin mid-air, unleashing energy blasts from their gauntlets. Calvin raised his hand, the air around him thickening into a shield that absorbed the attacks. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the shield outward, a concussive wave that knocked the soldiers off their trajectory, their bodies spiraling toward the ground.Another
The air in Bacca seemed to hold its breath as the operatives formed a semicircle around Calvin, their weapons gleaming under the pale morning light. Dust swirled in lazy spirals around their boots, stirred by the slowing rotors of the helicopter that had just landed. Every soldier’s gaze was fixed on Calvin, but there was an edge of hesitation—none of them had ever faced an enemy like him.From the helicopter emerged a man dressed in a dark, impeccably tailored uniform. His steps were measured, calculated, exuding an air of authority that made the surrounding soldiers snap to attention. The man—Commander Yuan—wore a faint smirk as if he believed the battle was already won.“Guardian Calvin Hudson,” Yuan announced, his voice echoing through the desolate streets. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. Though I must admit, I didn’t expect you to come here willingly.”Calvin said nothing, his dark eyes scanning the operatives with measured precision. He noticed how their fingers twitched on
The sun had yet to rise when Calvin Hudson stepped onto the cracked pavement of Bacca. The air was heavy with the scent of decay and charred remnants of what was once a bustling, prosperous city. His footsteps echoed in the desolate streets, the sound amplified by the eerie silence of the ruins. Bacca, a city once celebrated for its strength and innovation, now lay in ruins—a mere shadow of its former self. Skyscrapers stood like jagged tombstones, their glass facades shattered, and the streets were littered with debris, a haunting testament to the destruction wrought by time and war.Calvin's gaze swept over the devastation, his heart heavy. The memories of the city's past vibrancy were fresh in his mind, a stark contrast to its current state. He hadn't come to mourn, though. He was here for answers—answers that only Bacca might hold about the Fountain of Health and the mysterious blue gemstones tied to its power.As he moved deeper into the city, Calvin remained oblivious to the sil
Calvin turned back to the old man, intending to ask, "Who are you, really?" But the words caught in his throat when he realized the wheelchair was empty.His eyes widened, and he quickly scanned the area. “Where did he go?” Calvin muttered under his breath. The space around him was quiet, filled only with the murmurs of volunteers and the soft groans of patients in the makeshift medical camp.He stepped forward, his gaze darting between the rows of cots and supply tents. “Excuse me,” he called out to a nurse passing by, her arms full of medical supplies.The young woman turned, tilting her head in curiosity. “Yes, Doctor? How can I help?”Calvin pointed to where the old man had been sitting. “Did you see the man in the wheelchair? The older man—he was sitting right there with me a moment ago.”The nurse frowned, her brow knitting in confusion. She glanced at the spot Calvin indicated, then back at him. “I’m sorry, Doctor, but… I didn’t see anyone. You’ve been sitting alone since I pas
The plane’s wheels screeched against the cracked runway as it landed in Nooria, a stark reminder of how fragile Barrion had become. Calvin stirred, his fatigue momentarily dissipating as he looked out the window. The sky was a haunting shade of red, the setting sun blending with the smoke that billowed from the horizon. Somewhere out there was Bacca, a place that had once been his home, now reduced to ashes by the relentless brutality of Han Xin.As the passengers disembarked, the air was thick with tension and the faint stench of burning. Calvin stepped onto the tarmac, his boots crunching against the gravel. His gaze immediately swept over Nooria—a city that once bustled with life, now turned into a fortress of survival. Armed soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their faces grim. Makeshift tents sprawled across the area, serving as shelters for refugees and field hospitals for the wounded.Calvin clenched his fists as he caught sight of the distant plumes of smoke rising from Bacca. W