True strength lies within the soul
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The arena looked like it had been modeled after a football field. Sa shape, sa vibe—except instead of grass, the entire field was a padded, raised platform built for combat.
It was big. Big enough to hold dozens of fighters going at it all at once.
A quick glance told the stadium could seat at least ten thousand people, with VIP sections high up for academy officials. But what stood out most was the mirrored ceiling—reflecting stars and constellations like the night sky.
It wasn’t my first ti seeing it. The academy had an odd obsession with space—stars, galaxies, the universe. I kept wondering if it had sothing to do with the collapsing universe.
We stepped onto the platform, and I paused, feeling small against its sheer size.
"Combat training and talent control," Pala said as I walked ahead of her. "That’s what you’ll be focusing on this month."
I kept moving, slowly taking it all in.
"Combat training won’t be necessary." I stopped and looked over my shoulder. "This body might be weak, but I’m not."
Ever since I reincarnated into this world, I’d t people who could make the average person shrink in fear. But not .
Whether it was Blade or Agents Johnson and Ray, I never felt like the prey.
I always felt like the predator.
Once I recover my mories...
"This body might be weak, but I’m not..." Pala echoed, almost under her breath.
Then her lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Right. The weird kid who stood by while his friends got bullied in high school is secretly a martial arts master?" she scoffed. "Hiding all that talent for so unknown reason? That’s what you want to believe?"
I frowned and turned to face her. So she did a background check. Fair enough. Adam Black had never been exceptional. Even now, my physical stats were below average.
But I’m not Adam Black.
What I lacked in strength, I could make up for in technique.
"Since we’re already here," I said, "I might as well clear your doubts before we move on."
Pala’s smirk faded as her eyes locked onto mine. She saw sothing there—sothing that made her hesitate. Confidence like mine doesn’t co from nowhere. It’s either born from years of victory... or total delusion.
A sparring match was the fastest way to find out which.
______ Pala’s POV ______
For over a decade, I’ve worked at this academy—tutoring hundreds of Limitless. But never have I t soone like this kid.
We have all the information on Adam Black. He’s never stood out. We even have recorded footage—private and public. Nothing remarkable.
So how does a timid boy suddenly beco a wise sage with martial arts strong enough to challenge his teacher on his second day?
There are only two possibilities. Either his power gave him mories or a whole new personality—just like my Child’s Play talent.
Or... he’s just a loser with an overinflated ego after awakening his Talent.
"Okay," I nodded thoughtfully. "Let’s do that."
I could get my answers here and now. Why hesitate?
I approached. Surprisingly, he didn’t flinch or step back. The calm confidence in his eyes... it was the kind only charismatic leaders had.
Stopping a few ters away, a grin crept up my face as a fun thought crossed my mind.
"Let’s make this more interesting," I said.
He raised a brow. "What do you an?"
I didn’t answer right away. I tiptoed around him playfully, a mischievous smile on my face. But he didn’t react. He stayed calm—unbothered.
This boy’s ntal fortitude is top-tier, I thought.
"If you can hit once in ten minutes, I’ll let you decide how to prepare for the expedition," I offered.
He agreed instantly, without hesitation.
Was he underestimating ? Did he think I was harmless?
If so, I’d enjoy showing him the sa lesson I taught all the other fools who underestimated .
"What do you get if you win?" he asked suddenly, snapping out of my thoughts.
"Uhh..." I blinked, glancing around like the answer might be written on the padded floor or hanging in the air.
I never thought of it, probably because I didn’t consider him my equal.
His brows furrowed slightly at my reaction, then relaxed just as quickly. Calm, as always.
My eyes caught a subtle movent—his grip on Rai’ki tightened. He shifted into a fighting stance.
Feeble.
That was the only word that ca to mind looking at his fra. Even with the mind of a grandmaster, weak muscles won’t get you far.
"Your ti starts after your first move," I said coolly, refusing to take a stance myself.
But then, he chuckled.
A low, unsettling laugh.
His dull expression twisted into a crazed grin that sent a chill down my spine.
"Don’t bother starting the tir," he said. "You’ve already lost."
What?
I opened my mouth to speak—but froze. A firm hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder.
Buzz!
A strange jolt ran through . I yelped and spun around—only to see an arm reaching out from a palm-sized tear in space.
My heart raced.
I snapped my gaze back to Adam—only to find him smiling mockingly.
"When...?" I whispered, eyes wide as the realization hit .
His grip on Rai’ki. The stance. It was all a distraction.
His real attack ca from his free hand—hidden behind him. He used my own curiosity to catch off guard. He tricked and teleported only his hand through a spatial tear.
A perfect hit.
"As promised," Adam said, his voice calm yet commanding. "I’ll decide how I train for the rest of the month."
He slowly withdrew his hand. The spatial tear sealed itself behind him.
For the first ti in a long while... I felt a hint of fear.
This kid... he isn’t normal.
"With that said, today’s training is over." He began walking away. "I’ll be in the library if you need ."
I stood there frozen, watching him leave—eyes wide, chest tight.
What... just happened?
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