Back at the Reed Residence, Dean and Leonel were standing with the boys at the gate. It was ti for them to leave for the final round of the tournant. The theoretical exam had been conducted online, so they hadn’t needed to leave earlier.
On the surface, it didn’t seem that much had changed for the boys, but even Dean couldn’t be sure. Three months was enough ti for them to get custom clothes. Their shirts and T-shirts had four sleeves and a pair of slits on the back for their wings. They kept them inside because it was just easier that way. Cass had cut his hair short, while Zeke had a ponytail; he’d gotten used to having long hair in Murim.
Katherine, Alexi, and even Alessio were there to see the boys off. Alessio said, "Rosaria is waiting for you guys at the Academy. And I haven’t told her you’re joining this year, so do take a picture of her shocked face. I want to add it to her photo album."
Zeke asked, "So, you want us to betray our friend and help you capture an extrely embarrassing mont for eternity?"
Just as Alessio thought Zeke would refuse, Zeke said, "You should have told sooner. I would have kept a nice cara with . Forget photos; I’ll even make a video."
Alessio just laughed in reply. Then Zeke took out a huge egg... of Faith. He handed it over to Leonel.
Leonel asked, "What’s this?"
Zeke said, "Well, it was supposed to be your birthday gift, but I don’t know when that is, and honestly, we don’t have much ti." He snapped his fingers, and the Faith shell disappeared. Everyone’s eyes widened as they suddenly slled an intense irony scent—the sll of blood.
Leonel asked, "What is this, and why are you giving it to ?"
Zeke replied, "This is the genetic material of humans from Murim."
Leonel muttered, "That’s one way of putting it."
Zeke looked at him with a blank expression and said, "Alright, it’s corpses. Just analyze them and see if the DNA responsible for ridians can be replicated in normal Neo-Humans. Because if it’s possible, the Human Race will evolve again. For the better."
Leonel quickly put the barrel inside his space ring to avoid contaminating the corpses. He didn’t even ask how Zeke had preserved them. But Zeke wasn’t done yet; he handed Leonel a book and a chip.
He said, "A cultivation technique created by yours truly and a 3D ridian chart. Enjoy."
Leonel was supposed to accompany them, but this sudden project took priority. He didn’t say anything and just ran to the lab.
Dean said, "We should really leave now."
He opened a portal, and the three of them were about to step through when Katherine said, "Boys, give them hell."
Dean, Alexi, Alessio, and Cass smacked their foreheads at the sa ti. They stared at Katherine with eyes that scread, Woman, are you crazy?
Zeke chuckled and said, "Oh, trust , I plan to do just that." Then he stepped through the portal without waiting for anybody. Dean and Cass shook their heads and stepped through as well. Katherine had a realization.
She said, "I shouldn’t have said that, right?"
Alexi put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Yeah."
Even Alessio chid in, "That was a dumb move."
Katherine shrugged and said, "Oh well, it’s not as if Zeke would change his plans just because I said sothing."
The two n were silent for a second before they nodded in agreent. There was nothing they could do except pray for the poor kids who ca across Zeke.
On the other side of the portal, the trio appeared in a room. Dean sent a ssage to the Academy confirming the boys’ arrival. The boys received an acknowledgnt and the schedule for the Finals.
Dean said, "Zeke, I won’t say much. Just don’t traumatize the kids too much."
Zeke said, "You say that as if I’m so big bad villain."
Cass interjected, "Are you not just that? Traumatizing others is your specialty."
Zeke said, "Lies! It’s not trauma; it’s character developnt."
Dean just shook his head again and said, "Well, I’m free today. So, what do you wanna do?"
The three of them had nothing to do that day, so they talked about various things. Of course, if a certain soone were to hear that Dean was not busy, he would probably attack Dean regardless of his status and strength. Zeke told them stories from Murim, Dean asked for his opinions on so laws, and so on. They had fun.
That night, the boys and every other contestant received more details about how the Finals would proceed. After reading the ssage, Zeke had a smile on his face that could only be described as unhinged.
Cass said, "This is like the worst possible format."
Dean said, "Why? You guys aren’t weak, so it shouldn’t be a problem."
Cass replied, "You misunderstand. I was talking about our opponents. It is the worst possible outco for them."
Zeke said, "What do you an by ’our’? You do realize that we are also opponents, don’t you, brother?"
Cass paused and then slowly turned to face Zeke. A frightening smile also appeared on his face. Dean, seeing this, started sweating.
He said, "Boys..."
When they didn’t respond, he realized it was already too late. These battle maniacs were truly excited now. He seriously considered using his authority to change the Finals’ format to a team match.
But he knew it wasn’t possible. If he did that, the Finals would have to be postponed, and that was just a minor issue compared to the complications that would arise. All he could do was warn the judges so they didn’t have a heart attack the next day.
He said, "Boys, you go to sleep now. I’ll et you in the morning."
The boys nodded and said, "Good night, Uncle Dean."
Dean said, "Good night, boys."
Then he left.
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