Chapter 3 - Second Chance

He didn’t know how much time had passed within this endless darkness, but it felt like an eternity.

The crazy “masters” took turns teaching him the many mysteries and meanings of the world. From their lectures, they truly sounded like masters. However, their battle demonstrations were pathetic, and whenever Fang wanted to give up, the old madmen came up with new, more creative threats to keep him going. He constantly hoped they would fade away soon.

Although this place defied common sense, it still required sleep, and that was the only respite Fang could get.

One day, when he woke up, the old lunatics didn’t immediately crowd around him to impart their teachings; instead, they stared at him seriously.

“Boy, we have to go.”

When Fang heard Kaesar say this, he was surprised. Ever since their first meeting, it had been forced, grueling practice all the time, and he had been looking forward to this moment. However, now that it had finally arrived, he couldn’t muster any sense of relief.

Although the dead souls were crazy and severe with their training, they had also tried their best to teach him and help him understand their arts. When he didn’t grasp something, they were patient. They congratulated him when he succeeded and encouraged him to give his best effort. He hadn’t felt this warmth or care since his parents died. Disappointed, he asked, “Why? Are you going to dissipate and move on to a better place?”

“You really are an idiot,” Kaesar said. Despite the scolding tone, his voice carried a concealed hint of warmth. “You actually think you’re dead?”

Stunned, Fang replied, “Aren’t I?”

“Of course not! This is your spiritual world, not the afterlife. You didn’t die. You may not believe it now, but soon, you’ll understand.”

“Remember everything we taught you. It’ll surely be useful.”

“Even if we disappear, don’t you dare slack off!”

“Boy, we’re reluctant to part, but our time is running out!”

As the masters said their farewells, their shapes began to fade. Fang shouted, “Wait! You haven’t explained anything yet! Don’t go!”

But no matter how much he cried, the dead souls continued to fade away, leaving behind a whisper: “There are things you don’t yet know, but when you’ve gained enough power, the soul bracelet will reveal them to you. Don’t listen to others—you have talent! Your body had a slight defect, but we’ve used the last of our power to fix it. In this world, many people possess strength, but remember, with effort, you will surpass them. Fang, we won’t be by your side, but inside this bracelet, let us witness you become the strongest, even surpassing the gods! Farewell!”

“Wait!”

The void around him began to swirl and vanish. With a jolt, Fang woke up in a bed.

*I’m… not dead?*

He looked at his body and felt his heartbeat pulsing through him with a powerful rhythm. He also sensed energy coursing through him, surprising him.

*Novice!*

Power was divided into different ranks, and when enough strength was accumulated, one would advance to the next stage. Right now, at the novice rank, his aura was detectable to others—a sign that other fighters could perceive.

The ranks of power ranged from apprentice, novice, intermediate, advanced, expert, master, lord, king, to supreme. Within each rank, there were nine grades of mastery. In the past, Fang had been stuck as an apprentice, unable to break through the restriction that had kept him from advancing.

But now, the bottleneck that had bested him for so long had finally been broken!

And he could feel it wasn’t just the 1st-grade novice—his aura covered most of his body, indicating he was at least an 8th-grade novice.

*I’m… an 8th-grade novice!*

Fang was ecstatic. To jump from the lowest stage to the 8th grade was enough to drive anyone mad with happiness.

More importantly, it wasn’t without reason.

*The dream wasn’t a dream!*

*Were those old madmen actually supreme masters?*

On his right arm was a thin, black armband coiled tightly around it. Fang was sure he hadn’t worn any accessories before.

Before the dead disappeared, they had mentioned a bracelet. Could this be it?

Fang tried to remove it, but the bracelet was rooted deeply into his skin. No matter how hard he pulled, it wouldn’t come off.

*Forget it, I’ll just keep wearing it. They said that when I reach a certain level of strength, the soul bracelet will reveal everything.*

*What kind of secrets are they hiding?*

---

On the streets of Victoria City, a maid walked in silence, her head slightly bowed, her shoulders slumped, her face tired and full of sadness.

Ever since her master fell into a coma without any explanation, it had been six months. Although he showed all signs of life, the best healer in town couldn’t wake him.

In a month, the exams for college would begin. If Fang missed them, there would be no more opportunities. A few weeks later, her own magic exams would take place, but their entire future depended on his recovery. With such a heavy burden on her shoulders and her master in such a dire state, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

“Mii.”

Her thoughts were interrupted as she arrived at the house. Looking up, she saw an uninvited and unwelcome guest. Her expression turned cold. “Yato, why are you here?”

“Hey, don’t be so unfriendly,” the young man said. “I came to talk to you on behalf of my master.”

Mii’s face stayed cold. “There’s nothing to talk about between me and Vincent.”

“Well then, I’ll say farewell, but you should reconsider,” Yato advised. “Unlike Fang, who’s a waste, Vincent can give you everything—jewelry, clothing, education. Fang offers you nothing, not even a basic magic robe. If you work for my master and follow his commands, you’ll have a wonderful life. All you have to do is let Fang go. He’s practically a vegetable, and if you stop feeding him, he’ll die. No one will care about him. He’s as insignificant as an ant.”

Vincent and Fang were both sons of prominent families, but Vincent had always pursued Mii, trying to make her submit. Fang was the only thing standing in his way.

But now, with Fang in a coma, Vincent had been waiting for his death. It never came, because every day, Mii worked desperately to feed him. Now, after six months, Vincent had grown impatient. He reasoned she would give up by now.

He was wrong. Trembling, Mii shouted, “Kill my master? You must be dreaming!”

Seeing her defiance, Yato stepped back. “Mii, your family is poor. Even with all your hard work, you can’t afford the expensive nutrition Fang needs. Sooner or later, he’ll die anyway.”

Mii gritted her teeth, as Yato’s words hit her hardest fears.

Since Fang had been in a coma, he couldn’t eat, and expensive nutrients had to be fed to him. Already poor, the family’s savings were depleted, and she had no idea how long she could keep supporting Fang.

But Mii couldn’t give up. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll work harder and earn the money!”

Yato smiled. “Why be so stubborn? Vincent is offering you the best of both worlds: a good life and Fang’s survival. Isn’t it reasonable?”

Although Mii knew Vincent had malicious intent, the chance to keep Fang alive was tempting.

Softly, Yato said, “Mii, think it over. My master is generous. All you have to do is repay him as you see fit. Isn’t this the best solution for everyone?”

But he underestimated Mii’s loyalty.

After a long silence, she spoke, her voice calm yet firm. “I refuse. If my master were alive, he would never accept anything from Vincent. And if my master dies, I cannot live either. I’m Mii, of the Fang family, and I will die in the Fang family.”

Yato grew furious. “Then watch Fang starve to death! He will never wake up!”

“Really? I don’t think so.”

Yato and Mii were stunned. They turned toward the voice.

Leaning on the open door was Fang.

After six months in a coma, Fang had awakened.