Chapter 14

Qin Li looked at Frank, who remained silent. Deciding to take a more direct approach, he continued, "Nick is still in school. I'll make sure he goes. He's already lost his mother, and I'm just his uncle. When he needs family, I won't be able to help him much."

Hearing this, Frank slowly lifted his head, and Qin Li could see tears in his eyes. He spoke through gritted teeth, "I don't know how to face him. I wasn't there when they needed me most. I've been running away. I'm afraid of seeing Nick; I'm scared he'll lash out at me."

Qin Li sighed in relief. At least Frank hadn't completely turned into a killing machine, and there was still hope. He stared into Frank's eyes and said firmly, "Nick was raised by his mother, your late wife. She always believed you were a national hero. The fact that you're here, in front of him, is the greatest encouragement and comfort you can give."

Frank trembled, unsure, "Really…? Is that true?"

Seeing the tough man in front of him, who had sacrificed everything for his country, now too scared to even face his son, Qin Li felt a deep fatigue. If it weren't for the war, Frank wouldn't have ended up like this—a man who gave up his family for his country.

Qin Li said firmly, "It's absolutely true." Then he added, "As for your revenge, Fury took the burden for you, using your honor as the price. I have to admit, I have a new respect for that black-hearted guy. I never thought he'd have any personal feelings."

"That bastard only has that much use. He betrayed my trust!" Frank said, regaining his composure.

"Because I saved Nick, the gang thought I was behind the massacre. Their leader came to speak with me. This will be the last one tonight," Qin Li said coldly.

"Thank you for everything you've done for Nick. As for the ones who hurt him, only the gang I informed tonight remains," Frank replied.

"No need to thank me. Thank Nick instead. Without him, I wouldn't have bothered asking Fury about these matters. Let's get started—once it's over, we can go back and have some late-night snacks with Nick," Qin Li shrugged.

"Wait here for a moment. I need to prepare and then I'll be right with you," Frank said seriously. Frank was no longer the man who didn't care about death for the sake of revenge—he now had a reason to live: his son. He couldn't die now. He had to prepare.

Qin Li noticed the change in Frank, his tension easing. "Go ahead, I'll be with you soon. After all, Nick is staying with me, so I might as well do something for him."

Frank nodded and went upstairs. A few minutes later, he came back down, carrying an M16 rifle on his chest with a selectable firing mode, a 9mm Browning handgun at his waist, a combat knife at the back of his waist, an RPG launcher slung over his shoulder, various magazines strapped around his body, and a bag in hand.

Looking at Frank's transformation, Qin Li's face darkened. No wonder Jin Bing said the Raven Gang's headquarters looked like it had been hit by artillery. He had thought it was an exaggeration, but seeing Frank now, Qin Li was convinced.

"Alright, let's go. By the way... how should I address you?" Frank asked as he walked toward the garage, signaling Qin Li to follow.

"I'm Chinese, my name's Qin Li. You can call me Li, but it's better to stick with Qin Li," Qin Li replied, looking at the high-tech setup as Frank pressed a few buttons on the garage wall. The floor opened, revealing a modified Humvee on a lift. As he observed the technology, he continued, "Looks like a military operation in here."

"Alright, Qin Li, let's go," Frank said, getting into the vehicle. Qin Li followed suit.

After about ten minutes, the vehicle stopped. Frank pointed to a five-story building. "That's the place," he said, getting out and grabbing his gear. He waved for Qin Li to follow him behind the building for a tactical briefing.

"Qin Li, we're going to..." Frank started, but was interrupted by Qin Li.

"No need for all that. You go straight in. I'll buff you up, and you can take them head-on," Qin Li said nonchalantly. Frank was about to respond but stopped when he saw Qin Li raise his hand toward him.

"Guardian Emblem! Holy Light Shield! Vengeance of Light!" As Qin Li spoke, silver light suddenly surrounded Frank. It gathered into a large silver European-style shield that flew into his body. Frank immediately felt the change—his strength felt like he was younger and even stronger. His mind was clearer, realizing this blessing was extraordinary.

As the silver shield merged into his body, a translucent, faintly glowing halo expanded around Frank, with a two-meter diameter. Three sapphire-blue diamonds appeared around him before bursting into rings of lightning that surrounded him.

Frank, astonished by the miraculous changes happening to him, looked at Qin Li and asked, "Qin Li, are you a mutant? No, even mutants couldn't grant such abilities!"

"I'm just an ordinary psion," Qin Li replied casually. "Why don't you try cutting yourself with a knife?"

Frank, seeing the signs, didn't think Qin Li would deceive him. Without hesitation, he drew the combat knife from his waist and slashed at his arm. To his surprise, there was no pain—just a slight sensation, and when he looked, there was no mark left. He immediately understood why Qin Li told him to go straight into battle.

Qin Li spoke as Frank took in the changes. "The Guardian Emblem will boost your strength, stamina, and defense. The Holy Light Shield will protect you as long as it's intact. As for the Vengeance of Light, you'll understand once you're in battle." Qin Li paused, then added with a grin, "Go ahead. You need to vent. Don't worry about the duration of the effects; they'll wear off once the fight's over. Afterward, go home, take a shower, and give me a call before you head to see Nick. I'll join you."

Frank nodded in acknowledgment, then set off alone toward the five-story building. Qin Li used teleportation to return to the church entrance. He wasn't worried about Frank—after all, the Holy Light Shield alone would make it impossible for those gangsters to harm him. Breaking through with Barrett rifles would take five at once aiming at the same spot, and even then, they would only be able to break it temporarily. Frank only had to decide how to kill them now.