Calvin swiftly retrieved his grocery bags and declared, "I must head home now. Take care of your grandson." With a nod to Albert, he turned on his heels and left without further ado, leaving Albert intrigued by the encounter.Calvin's departure left a lingering air of intrigue, his abrupt exit prompting Albert's mind to churn with questions. His gaze lingered on the spot where Calvin had stood moments ago, pondering the enigmatic stranger who had dared to challenge convention.Meanwhile, Jenkins's indignation simmered beneath the surface, his loyalty to Mr. Finch fueling his disdain for Calvin's perceived audacity. "That man lacks respect! Mr. Finch is among the wealthiest and most influential figures in the country. He must be some ignorant fool who doesn't comprehend the gravity of his words," Jenkins scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.As they made their way towards the awaiting car, Albert, now clad in his jacket, reflected on the passage of time. "I retired many years ago, J
Calvin trudged through the chill of the evening, his clothes clinging damply to his skin from his recent dive into the lake. Despite the biting cold, he harnessed his inner reserves to generate warmth, his determination outweighing the discomfort. Amidst the serene backdrop of the approaching snowfall, a notification pinged on his system, breaking the tranquility.Ding![User Calvin Hudson has successfully saved a life: a drowning patient. Congratulations! User Calvin Hudson has unlocked 1 point to enhance martial arts skills.]Recalling his earlier aspiration to impart self-defense skills to Lizzie, Calvin's mind buzzed with renewed determination. The thought of empowering his sister with the ability to protect herself spurred him onward.As Calvin stepped into the warmth of their humble abode, Lizzie's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of her brother's drenched form. The flickering light from the nearby lamp illuminated the droplets of water clinging to his hair and clothes, ca
Calvin listened to Lizzie's insistence with a thoughtful expression, considering her words carefully. "You may have a point, Lizzie. Using a taxi might not be the most... dignified option," he conceded, a hint of reluctance in his voice.Lizzie's eyes sparkled with determination as she seized upon Calvin's moment of wavering. "Exactly! You need to make a grand entrance, Calvin. And that means arriving in style," she declared, her tone firm and resolute.Calvin sighed, realizing the validity of Lizzie's argument. "Alright, alright, I'll consider getting a car," he relented, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips."But first things first," Calvin continued, his tone turning more serious. "I have to go tomorrow morning. After that, I might head straight to the event and return late at night," he explained, outlining his plans for the following day.Lizzie nodded in understanding, her expression softening with empathy for her brother's busy schedule. "That sounds like a plan. I'
As tension crackled in the air, Calvin's resolve remained steadfast, his voice cutting through the chaos with a commanding edge. "Let's put your skills to the test," he challenged, his demeanor exuding confidence as he braced himself for the impending confrontation.With a sudden surge of aggression, the assailants lunged at Calvin with knives drawn, their movements fueled by malice and intent. Yet Calvin, fueled by determination and honed reflexes, met their onslaught with a seamless blend of speed and precision. In a flurry of motion, he deftly disarmed each attacker, swiftly neutralizing the threat they posed and leaving them scrambling in defeat.“Damn it! Run!” one of them cried.The would-be assailants, their bravado shattered, hastily retreated into the shadows, their footsteps echoing into the night as they slunk away.Turning his attention to the woman, Calvin's concern was palpable as he approached her with a reassuring presence. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice tinged
Calvin stood on the bustling sidewalk, his gaze scanning the rows of vehicles passing by until he spotted an available taxi. Raising his hand, he signaled for the cab to stop, its yellow exterior gleaming under the city lights. As the vehicle pulled up to the curb, Calvin opened the door and slid into the backseat, greeted by the familiar scent of leather and air freshener."Where to, sir?" the driver inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity as he adjusted the rearview mirror to catch Calvin's reflection.Calvin glanced at the driver through the partition, offering a polite smile. "To the suit boutique downtown, please," he replied, his tone decisive yet courteous."Are you sure? Those stores are hell expensive," the driver looked at Calvin with doubt.“Just drive me there,” Calvin said.“Alright then,” the taxi driver answered.Calvin nodded in agreement, settling back into the seat as the cityscape whizzed by outside the window. The rhythmic hum of the engine provided a s
As Noven's patience dwindled, his frustration with Calvin's defiance bubbled to the surface, manifesting in his threatening tone. "Leave right now! Or I’ll kick you out," he barked, his voice laced with irritation and impatience, his eyes flashing with annoyance.Just as the tension between Noven and Calvin reached its peak, the gentle chime of the doorbell heralded the arrival of a new customer. Nancy's entrance into the store was like a breath of fresh air, her poised demeanor contrasting sharply with the charged atmosphere. Her keen eyes swept across the lavish boutique, momentarily pausing on Calvin before fixing on Noven with a furrowed brow."You! Why are you here? Why is this rude person here in this upscale boutique?" Nancy's voice dripped with disdain as she directed her pointed questions at Noven, her displeasure evident in her piercing gaze.Noven's demeanor underwent a sudden transformation in the presence of the new arrival, his hostility melting away to be replaced by a
After Nancy's departure, Calvin proceeded to browse the store, selecting all the items he needed and paying for them with his black card. He carefully chose a variety of outfits, ensuring each piece reflected his impeccable taste and style. Additionally, he picked out some exquisite jewelry as a special gift for Lizzie, knowing she would appreciate the gesture.“Please wrap those jeweleries because I want to give it to someone as a gift,” Calvin said.“Of course, Sir,” Noven said.As he finalized his purchases, Calvin couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Despite the initial confrontation, he had emerged victorious, asserting his presence and refusing to be intimidated. With his shopping completed, Calvin realized he couldn't take everything back to his current apartment, knowing it wasn't safe. There are so many shopping bags and boxes. It will not only draws attentions, but also will not be fit into his room.“Is there anything else we can help you with, Sir?” Noven asked
Calvin strode down the sidewalk, his pace quickening as he spotted Lizzie sitting forlornly on a nearby bench, her head bowed in dejection. As he drew closer, he could see the anguish etched upon her face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears."Lizzie," Calvin's voice was soft but filled with concern as he approached his sister, "are you okay?"Without preamble, Lizzie launched into her account, her words tumbling out in a rush of frustration. She recounted how she had been unceremoniously ejected from the real estate office, pointing towards the building behind her as she spoke."They told me to leave," Lizzie's voice trembled with indignation, "just because I don't fit their idea of who belongs here."Calvin's jaw clenched with anger at the injustice of it all. "You have every right to be here, Lizzie," he assured her firmly, his voice unwavering. "Let's go back inside and sort this out."With firm resolve guiding his every step, Calvin ushered Lizzie back into the real estate offi
Calvin stepped out of Miranda’s house, relieved that one heavy task was finally done. The cool evening air brushed against his face as he walked toward his car. Today had been exhausting, and his mind began to shift toward his clinic—a place that had always been his refuge from life’s chaos. However, his steps halted when he heard a woman’s voice calling his name.“Calvin!”He turned around, his eyes widening at the sight of the person standing there. Alana. His ex-wife, a figure from the past he had worked so hard to leave behind. Reality struck him like a blow—he had completely forgotten about the agreement he had signed to marry her again. That agreement had been in exchange for the immense help Alana provided during a tough time, but now it felt like a weight lurking in the back of his mind.Before Calvin could say anything, Alana ran toward him. In a flash, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly, leaving Calvin frozen in place.“Calvin,” she said with relief, her voic
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