Free Web NovelChapter 24: The One With Strength Is Righteous
The next few days inside the academy passed in a blur of intense suffocating silence.
True to her word, Hannah completely vanished from the dining hall and the training grounds. She locked herself away to push her C-Rank aperture to its absolute limit, aided by her new Qi Nourishing Blood Worm.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the dormitory block was quiet. Santiago and Evan were sitting on the edge of Santiago’s bunk, the room was empty as the rest of their cohort attended lectures. Resting on the worn blanket between them lay Santiago’s prized dagger.
Evan picked it up, his thumb slowly tracing the intricate golden dragon engraved into the handle. The deep, reptilian blue eyes of the guard seemed to shimmer under the gaslight of the room. He turned the weapon over, admiring the milky white blade forged from the durable bone of a person from the Bone Sect.
’This is a masterpiece, Santiago,’ Evan said softly, his eyes reflecting the pale sheen of the blade.
’The weight is perfectly balanced, and the bone material doesn’t resist Qi flow like normal iron does. To be honest, I’ve been thinking about getting one for myself. I want to buy a dagger just like this before I become an outer disciple.’
Santiago looked at Evan and then let out a short laugh, waving his hand dismissively.
’If you want it, then take it. It’s yours.’
Evan blinked, holding the weapon still.
’What? No, I can’t just take your weapon, Santiago, this is---’
’I said take it,’ Santiago insisted, leaning back against the wooden frame of the bed.
’Consider it a gift. Besides, my family has... resources.’
’I can easily order another one from the clan blacksmith before the week ends. It’s no hassle for me, but it’ll keep you alive out there.’
Before Evan could reply, a sudden rustle came from the corner of the room. A privacy curtain hanging around one of the upper beds was violently yanked back.
Hannah popped her head out, revealing herself.
’Look at you two, plotting and gifting weapons without me!’ she gasped, a massive, radiant smile breaking across her pale face.
’I’m finally at the peak stage!’
Santiago let out a loud laugh, that was his way of admiration.
’The Three Peak Stage Fledglings! You did prove your word.’
’Well, now that you’ve reached the peak, you owe us,’ Evan said
’Fine, fine!’ she laughed, hopping down from the bed.
’Put the dagger away, lets go out tonight, my treat!’
An hour later, the three of them stepped out of the academy gates and into the bustling streets of the sect.
They navigated through the winding, fog drenched alleys until they reached their destination, a grand, two-story establishment with large stained glass windows.
A polished brass sign hanging over the mahogany doors read, The Sea of Food.
Inside, the restaurant was alive with the clinking of crystal glasses and the heavy chatter of wealthy patrons. The air smelled rich and thick as the scent of melted butter, garlic, and sea salt entered their nose.
They were seated at a private booth, and soon, their table was piled high with silver platters steaming with fresh crabs and giant, red prawns.
’This is amazing,’ Santiago said.
They ate and laughed for an hour, enjoying the brief moment of peace outside the stressful walls of the academy. But the peaceful atmosphere shattered the moment the bill arrived.
A slender waiter in a crisp white apron and a black waistcoat walked over to their table. He took the silver platter holding Hannah’s money, but as he did, his eyes lingered on her face. With a smug, arrogant grin, the waiter gave Hannah a slow wink.
Santiago froze as his jaw tightened.
Before the waiter could even step back, Santiago shot forward across the table like a snake. His massive hand clamped around the waiter’s neck.
With a roar of fury, Santiago slammed the guy’s head down onto the table. The impact cracked the wood, shattering the empty wine glasses.
’Santiago, stop!’ Hannah shrieked, jumping back in shock.
’Hold on, don’t do this here!’ Evan shouted, reaching out to grab Santiago’s shoulder to pull him back.
But Santiago was completely blind with rage. He stood up, releasing the man’s neck only to drive a brutal, heavy punch straight into the side of the waiter’s head.
The punch echoed through the silent restaurant. The waiter staggered backward, his eyes rolling into his head as blood gushed from his nose.
Without a single drop of hesitation, Santiago drew the dagger.
He pierced the waiter straight through the center of his chest. The blade slid between the ribs effortlessly. The waiter’s body went completely rigid, his breath hitching in his throat, and a second later, he collapsed heavily onto the floor dead.
The entire restaurant erupted into screams. Within moments, a large, stout man in a tailored velvet suit burst through the kitchen doors. It was the restaurant manager, his face pale with fury.
’What is the meaning of this?!’ the manager roared, staring at the corpse on the floor.
’You reckless brats! Do you have any idea whose establishment this is? I’ll have the city guards throw you into the darkest dungeon to rot!’
Santiago didn’t flinch. He calmly wiped the blood off his blade with a napkin and looked up, releasing his aura as a cultivator.
The manager froze, his anger instantly faltering as he realized the young man before him was a peak fledgling.
In this world, the gap between a mortal civilian and a cultivator was absolute.
’He insulted my companion,’ Santiago said coldly, his voice dripping with arrogance.
’A mere mortal servant daring to disrespect a cultivator, hehehe.’
The manager swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly, though he still tried to maintain some dignity.
’Even... even if you are a cultivator, you cannot simply slaughter my staff without compensation. The laws of the lower city still apply---’
’My father is an Elder,’ Santiago interrupted, stepping closer.
’Do you still wish to speak to me about your mortal laws, manager?’
The moment the words Elder left Santiago’s mouth, the manager’s face drained of all color.
His knees buckled, and he instantly fell to his stones, bowing so deeply his forehead nearly touched the blood stained floor.
’Forgive me, young lord!’ the manager pleaded, his voice shaking violently.
’I was blind! I did not recognize your esteemed stature! The servant was a fool and deserved to die for his insolence. Please, accept my deepest apologies. Your meal tonight is entirely on the house. I will handle the guards myself!’
Santiago laughed and said
’This is the reality of this world, the one with strength is righteous no matter what he does...’ freeweɓnovel.cѳm
He gestured to Evan and Hannah and calmly walked out of the restaurant, leaving the bowing manager behind.
The journey back to the academy was silent, the three of them now knowing what to say.
However, the moment they stepped inside the courtyard, they realized something was wrong.
The students were gathered in massive dense crowds.
’What’s going on?’ Hannah muttered, straining her neck to see over the crowd.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out across the courtyard, instantly silencing the students.
At the stage present in the hall, a tall man in a crimson robe stepped forward. It was the Principal of the Academy, an Adept rank cultivator whose voice was amplified by a Sound Amplifying Blood Worm.
’Quiet!’ the Principal’s voice boomed like thunder, vibrating through the chests of every student present.
’I have a vital announcement to make, next week, the Academy will host the Grand Tournament. Every fledgling, regardless of stage, will participate. All Information about it will be given to you people after my speech.’
’The top performers will not only receive Blood Stones, but also the winner will be granted an Awakened level Blood Worm of their choice and an immediate promotion to an Outer Disciple.’
The crowd erupted into furious whispers and cheers.
Hannah’s crystal blue eyes lit up with intense excitement. She turned to Evan and Santiago, grabbing their arms with an energetic grip.
’A tournament next week! This is perfect! We just reached the peak stage right in time. I am so excited for this!’
Santiago smiled, his previous rage completely forgotten as his competitive spirit flared. Evan, however, merely nodded with a subtle smile.
’The tournament is perfect for me... now I can become an Outer Disciple and no one would be suspicious...’
