Calvin watched Lizzie carefully, noting the concern in her eyes. Despite the heavy fatigue weighing him down, he managed a small, reassuring smile. “Liz, I need some time alone,” he said gently. “I need to recharge, to get my strength back.”Lizzie hesitated, her eyes scanning his face as if searching for any signs of trouble. Finally, she nodded, though the worry in her expression didn’t fade. “Alright,” she agreed softly, her voice laced with reluctance. “But if you need anything—anything at all—just call me, okay?”Calvin nodded, his smile widening slightly. “I will, I promise. But… I’m probably going to be starving after this.”A hint of amusement flickered in Lizzie’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ve got the food situation under control,” she replied, her voice lighter now, the playful banter they often shared slipping back into place. “I’ll make sure you have enough to eat.”He chuckled, the sound low and tired but genuine. “Thanks, Liz. I knew I could count on you.”With one last linge
Calvin stepped out of his room, each step feeling strange yet filled with determination. Even though it had only been three days, it felt like a lifetime since he had last felt the hard, cold floor beneath his feet. The real world seemed almost alien now, different from the dream world that had ensnared him. The surroundings seemed sharper and more vivid, as if every detail was heightened after everything he had been through.He took a deep breath as he reached the door, bracing himself before opening it. The air outside felt fresher, almost as if each molecule was infused with new life. He knew there were many problems waiting for him now, issues that couldn’t be solved simply by sleeping or relying on the system. The people of Han Xin were after him, and not without reason. As the only one who might know the location of the Fountain of Health, Calvin realized he was the key to something much bigger.In his dream, when he had almost been pulled into the fountain, he had felt an immen
Calvin ate voraciously, his movements quick and steady as he shoveled food into his mouth, barely taking the time to chew before swallowing. He seemed to be trying to fill a void that had been empty for far too long, his body craving sustenance after three days of near starvation. Lizzie watched with a mixture of amusement and concern, her eyes flickering over the emptying plates in front of him.“Calvin, slow down,” she said softly, her voice carrying both affection and worry. “You’re going to choke if you keep eating like that.”Calvin glanced up briefly, his mouth still full, and gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t choke,” he mumbled around a mouthful of food. “I’m fine, Lizzie. Just… really hungry.”Lizzie sighed, shaking her head as she watched him devour everything in sight. She had made enough food to last him a couple of days, but it was disappearing rapidly. He moved from one dish to another with a relentless focus, like a man possessed. Despite her initial amu
The night sky hung heavy with clouds, concealing the moon and casting the city in shadows. The dim streetlights flickered sporadically, adding an eerie ambiance to the quiet neighborhood. Calvin took a deep breath as he stood by the back entrance of the safe house, feeling the cool air on his skin. He glanced around, making sure everyone was in position.“All set?” he whispered into the small earpiece hidden beneath his hair.“Ready when you are,” came the low, calm voice of one of his bodyguards. “We’ll leave in pairs, like we discussed.”“Good. Stick to the plan, and stay alert. We can’t afford any mistakes tonight,” Calvin replied, his voice steady despite the tension thrumming through his veins.He watched as the bodyguards began to move, each duo leaving the house in a staggered pattern, blending seamlessly into the sparse crowd that occupied the dimly lit streets. They wore ordinary clothes, jackets pulled tight against the chill, their faces obscured by caps and hoods. They loo
Calvin’s heart raced as he braced himself for a confrontation, his muscles coiled and ready. The footsteps were just around the corner now, each one bringing the figure closer. His eyes narrowed, every sense on high alert. He tightened his grip on the small device in his pocket, prepared to call for backup if things turned dangerous.But when the figure emerged from the shadows, Calvin froze, shock rippling through him. It was Christina.She was panting slightly, her cheeks flushed from the brisk pace she had kept to catch up with him. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Calvin standing there, poised as if ready to attack.“Christina?” Calvin’s voice was filled with disbelief. He lowered his hands, the tension draining from his body. “What are you doing here?”Christina took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I should be asking you the same thing,” she said, her tone laced with both concern and exasperation. “I came to your house, but you weren’t there. I saw you leaving an
Calvin moved swiftly through the winding streets, his steps echoing against the quiet buildings. His heart pounded in his chest as he navigated the labyrinthine alleys, eyes scanning every shadow for signs of movement. It all felt too easy. He hadn’t encountered anyone suspicious, no one following him or lurking in the darkness. This was not how things usually went. The Han Xin agents were relentless, and they didn’t let their prey go so easily.Arriving at the rendezvous point, Calvin spotted the sleek black car waiting in the shadows, its engine softly purring. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease gnawing at his gut. With one last glance over his shoulder, he opened the car door and slid inside, the soft interior lights briefly illuminating his tense expression before fading again.Lizzie was already seated in the back, her face a mixture of relief and concern as she looked at him. “You made it,” she said softly, her eyes scanning his face for any sign of trouble. “
Calvin sat in tense silence throughout the journey, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn't shake. Every instinct in him screamed that this was all wrong. His senses were heightened, his eyes darting toward every shadow, his ears straining to pick up even the slightest sound. It was too easy. Far too easy. Where were the usual obstacles, the ambushes, the pursuit?He leaned slightly forward, glancing at the driver’s reflection in the rearview mirror, but the man’s expression was as calm and focused as ever. Calvin exhaled slowly, his mind running through possibilities. Are we walking straight into a trap? he wondered, feeling the familiar pit of anxiety settle deeper into his stomach. But no matter how much he mulled it over, there was no other way. He had to find the Fountain of Health. It was the key to everything.It has to be done, he told himself, clenching his fists. His parents had died protecting the secret, and now, after all these years, it fell on him. There was no turnin
Calvin stepped out of the car as they arrived at the safe house, a nondescript building hidden on the outskirts of the city. The air was still, too still, as though the night itself was holding its breath. Calvin scanned the surroundings, his senses on high alert. Everything seemed quiet, almost unnervingly so. He motioned for the others to follow, and they entered the safe house one by one, moving silently like shadows.Inside, the air was thick with tension. Lizzie stayed close to Calvin, her eyes darting around the room, clearly sharing his unease. The bodyguards took their positions by the windows and doors, securing the perimeter while remaining as discreet as possible.Calvin gathered everyone in the main room, standing in the center as he faced his sister and the guards. His brow was furrowed, his mind still wrestling with the strange calm that had followed them the entire way here.“This doesn’t feel right,” Calvin said, his voice low but firm. “I don’t know what’s going on, b