Five minutes later, the plane took off, and Vincent began to speak.
"To get to Beijing, we'll need about four hours. In the past, the trip would've taken sixteen, but not anymore. Use this time to work out a strategy against the Chinese academy. I'll give you their dossiers."
Pulling out a folder with the profiles of the students from the Chinese academy who would be participating in the exchange, he handed it to Leo.
Leo started reading aloud:
"Bo Hai. Male. Height: 165 centimeters. Black hair, black eyes.
Special traits: formed a contract with a god, though it's unknown which one. Skilled with the spear. Abilities unknown.
Lao Wei. Male. Orange hair, brown eyes, 170 centimeters tall.
Special traits: also formed a contract with a god, identity unknown. Excellent with a bow — can release more than ten arrows in a single volley.
Zhi Lan. Female. Short haircut, brown hair, brown eyes, 160 centimeters tall.
No special traits, no god contract. Skilled with firearms."
"Li Kun? A robot?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vincent clarified.
"Li Kun isn't a robot. He controls them. A strong opponent. But here's the strange part: even his teammates have never seen his real body. Keep going, Leo."
"Alright," Leo replied and continued:
"Li Kun. Robot. No special traits, no god contract. Skilled at operating a robotic body. Can analyze his opponent and reshape his body into weapons.
And finally, Xing. Height over two meters, muscular build. Can shatter steel with a single punch.
Special traits: formed a contract with a god, but it's unknown which one. Strong mastery of energy manipulation. That's all."
David spoke up.
"We'll need to assign opponents. Sai, you should take Bo Hai — it'll be easier for you to counter spear attacks."
"Got it," Sai replied.
"For Emma, Zhi Lan is the best match. Emma's reaction speed is unmatched, and she'll be able to take her down."
Emma nodded silently.
"Noah, you'll take Lao Wei. You're the most elusive and stealthy among us."
"If you say so, man. Guess I'll just cry later," Noah muttered.
"Leo, you'll face Li Kun. You're the toughest and most resilient.
As for me, I'll take Xing. I doubt I can defeat him, but if you finish your battles quickly, you can come help me."
Vincent, listening quietly, thought to himself:
David, you're doing well. You matched the enemies to each of their strengths. But you took that monster on yourself just to buy time for the others… Smart tactic.
"Good job, everyone," Vincent said aloud. "In three hours, we'll be in Beijing. Remember, there will be many clan leaders from China and America present. And one of the ten strongest people in the world — along with his right hand — will also be there. Keep that in mind. For now, maybe it's time to relax a little?"
Clapping his hands, Vincent signaled four flight attendants, who appeared carrying drinks and began handing them out.
Noah groaned with a sour face.
"This is such a drag…"
Soon after, food was served — everything from king crab to juicy steaks.
Two hours passed. Everyone had eaten and was resting. Sai kept glancing at Emma from the corner of his eye, wanting to approach her but never daring. Eventually, David walked over.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, David… nothing really. It's just… I want to apologize to Emma and her clan, but I can't bring myself to."
David sighed.
"Do you really think she can forgive you? She hates your clan with a passion. Your clan not only stole the Divine Sword clan's relic, but your grandfather wiped out all of their followers.
By the way, I keep forgetting to ask… what happened to Emma's grandfather?"
Sai lowered his gaze, hesitating. Finally, he answered.
"Her grandfather was suffering from an incurable illness. An energy disease. It's when energy spirals out of control, and you can't hold it back. Because of that, it constantly attacks the brain… and the brain rots."
"I see. So that's why the head of the Divine Sword clan couldn't do anything."
"Yeah… My grandfather took advantage of the situation and destroyed their clan."
"I get it," David said quietly. "But listen — don't rush to beg forgiveness for something you didn't do. Let time change things. You never know what the future holds. Isn't that right?"
"Yeah," Sai replied.
"Good. Go rest. We'll be in Beijing in thirty minutes."