Chapter 21: Truth’s Reward

"Was it worth taking his Mark so soon? You really should have let him grow before that," a woman said as she watched a man read a book with a title she couldn't read.

"There are a thousand eager soldiers out there. A hundred of them will be able to pass. I'm also not interested in using my Divine Ability like that."

"I get that, but to be fair here, who expects somebody to just swing like that? If someone did that to me I'd go mental."

"Yes, but you're devoted to the cause. That man wasn't."

Closing the book the man stood up and looked at the woman.

"I left a message for the Marked who threw the punch. I don't really expect him to understand it."

"Oh, that's neat. An invitation?"

"No, a warning. It should hopefully stir him into being alert."

"Why?" said the woman as she titled her head.

"I could tell he came from the slums. That's not who we want to target. It's better for us if people like that get a clue."

"Make sense," the woman said nodding her head.

"If only all this world made sense. Then there would be no need for my senselessness."

"I don't think you're senselessness, I think you're smart. It's part of your charm!" the woman said seeing the man growing morose.

"No, I'm just resorting to the same tired tactics from those who preceded me in station and function. You made a mistake as well, in that context, it would be senseless not senselessness."

"As if I'll remember that," the woman said throwing her hands up in the air.

"I'm sure you will, you're surprisingly smart."

"Well, they told me I'd be getting punished for going outside the compound without official permission. Don't worry by the way I kept you out of the story," Hunter said as he strolled in on a near-sleep Feng Biao.

"Anything else?"

"Nope, they wouldn't even tell me why that guy targeted us," Hunter said shaking his head.

"Then you basically got into trouble for nothing?" Feng Biao said rubbing his eyes.

"I'd like to think whatever they put me through tomorrow will hopefully save someone's life."

"Very noble, now can we please go to sleep?"

"Sure, but wish me luck?"

"Good luck Hunter, and good night."

Waking up the next morning Feng Biao was greeted with the sight of an absent Hunter. Looking at the time he realized he had awoken only minutes before the wake-up call. So he chose to get dressed beforehand.

After confirming that he was indeed awake he took note Hunter's name had not been called. Apparently, his punishment was underway. Making his way out into the early morning sun Feng Biao saw that the stone which composed the buildings had changed color.

It had once been black but it was now grey.

"It changes color, huh?"

While neat Feng Biao was still more interested in Hunter's whereabouts.

"Well, whatever it is hopefully it really isn't too much."

Making his way towards Fang Zhang's training Feng Biao realized he might need to inform them that his Rank had changed. Walking up to the instructor to inform him Feng Biao found out otherwise.

"I was informed earlier you completed your Rank Up Quest. You can join the Tempered Mortals today."

"Thank you Instructor Fang, but how?"

"You linked your Contract to the DCN, any updates to it are given to the HCF."

Falling back in line with the rest Feng Biao thought about that. From now on the HCF would be well aware of any growth he had. He was effectively tied to them.

"I guess it's not so bad."

Yes, for now, Feng Biao couldn't find a reason to fault that idea.

"Today I have something interesting to demonstrate. I will be sparring against one of our students, and then later another sparring match will be held."

"First up is Hunter Jackson," clapping his hands Fang Zhang began stretching.

Looking around Feng Biao saw Hunter being escorted to the training ground. He didn't look great, but when he saw Feng Biao he weakly gave a smile and a thumbs up.

"Alright Jackson the rules will be simple. You may use Divine Abilities, I may not. Now begin."

With that Fang Zhang leaped at Hunter who attempted to flee into the sky. Grabbing hold of his legs Fang Zhang scrambled onto Hunter in seconds. He then locked him into a chokehold mid-air and quickly disabled him, releasing the moment Hunter lost consciousness.

"He had the right idea there. Fleeing was the right choice, but he was too slow, so I won," Fang Zhang said as he dusted himself off.

"Next Song Zhilan will be demonstrating her power in a Sanctioned Duel vs Feng Biao."

Slightly shocked for a second Feng Biao realized immediately what had happened.

"They must have checked if Hunter went out alone…"

Whether the guards had ratted him out or he was simply seen on a camera Feng Biao wasn't sure, but it didn't matter. What mattered was that his punishment was clearly a tad more severe than Hunter's.

Stepping forward Feng Biao locked eyes with Song Zhilan who looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Humiliation."

That was what Feng Biao judged the punishment was. Hunter had been quickly dispatched by Fang Zhang while Feng Biao would be killed in the Sanctioned Duel. All in front of their peers.

Sighing Feng Biao followed Fang Zhang's direction and entered the circle, and Song Zhilan did the same. Immediately the scary face appeared on the ground and their fight officially began.