"Warlord Wang, it's been years since I last saw you around." Lieutenant Gray—Tiger's uncle—stood and offered a highly respectful greeting as he spotted Mr. Wang sitting by the window.
"Why is he here? Isn't he satisfied with the territory under his care?" Lieutenant Gray murmured to himself, forcing a smile as he sat and tilted his head.
"Since we're all here, let's discuss Leon's entry exams." Mr. Lee whispered, turning to pick up a file containing Leon's records.
"Leon? Is he the same guy Tiger and his team were bullying? Is he also the reason Warlord Wang is here?"
Lieutenant Gray's hand flew to his face, scrubbing briskly as his posture stiffened—as if he'd heard a ghost's name.
"Is something wrong, Lieutenant?" Mr. Wang caught the movement and gazed at him with an uncomfortable glare.
"Everything's fine. I just thought I saw a tag with that name before I entered the building."
Gray straightened, bracing himself for whatever comes.
"If you say so. But I doubt it's the person we're talking about—he left an hour before you arrived."
Mr. Wang whispered in an icy tone while turning his back on them.
"Here are his documents. Review them before we discuss his future after passing the exams. To me, he's the best candidate I've ever recommended, apart from Mr. Wang."
Mr. Lee handed Gray the folder labeled "Leon Storm," while wearing a smile in his eyes.
"Over the past three days, I've conducted my own research. He has strong potential of becoming a warlord like me."
Mr. Wang's quiet remark stunned Mr. Lee.
"Three days?!" Mr. Lee exploded. "I only introduced you to him yesterday! I mentioned him to you about a month ago, and you arrived just yesterday. So how?"
"Ah, I forgot. I've been spying on him and his family for two weeks instead."
Just as Mr. Wang turned, Mr. Lee and Lieutenant Gray gazed at him in shock.
"Impossible! Five days ago, you were in your territory—we spoke on video! And even before that, the background sound of every call was like your territory. Even the last call we had before you reached sounded like you were on your way. So how?"
Mr. Lee's curious face seemed to amuse Mr. Wang, who chuckled and sank into a foamy chair.
"This boy must have something superior to all of the newly recruited personnel. How in the world would a warlord leave his territory aside to spy on a kid personally? There are trained spies for this."
Lieutenant Gray's mutterings trailed off as he stared at Wang.
"Why are you all surprised? Lieutenant Gray, didn't you do the same for Tiger before he was selected?"
Wang's grin sharpened as he focused his gaze on Lieutenant Gray with an unanswered question.
"And Uncle, have you forgotten how the late warlord used to talk about my whereabouts whenever he visited? If he hadn't done his own investigation, how would he have known?"
"The moment you described his qualities, I needed to see his personal life, his family, and how he treats his peers and elderly people. He's destined to have much more than what the training will give him. Per my search and analysis, I know for sure."
Wang laughed, seeing how stunned Mr. Lee's and Lieutenant Gray's faces were.
"So, Lieutenant, have you reviewed the file, or is my word sufficient?"
Mr. Wang questioned Lieutenant Gray with a hardened voice.
At that point Gray knew whatever comes out of his mouth would seal the report sent to the office of the training commander.
"Considering Mr. Lee's documentation and your input, I say we allow Leon to take part in tomorrow's exam." Lieutenant Gray smiled, but his smile turned into a grin just as he saw Leon's photo on the file he was holding.
"I heard there had been some changes in the exam's format; is that so?"
Wang nodded while licking his teeth after whispering.
Looking at the posture Mr. Wang was in, Lieutenant Gray began to divulge the new measures that have been added.
"For the first section, all the students would be given an opportunity to rest for five hours before they enter into the hall of flames."
As Lieutenant Gray's words ended, Mr. Lee shouted.
"Hall of flames?!" He gasped, "That was supposed to be at the fifth section. Why bring it to the first?"
Lieutenant Gray smiled, then began to explain.
"Yes, it was supposed to be at the fifth section, but we've seen that most of the students who take part end up quitting there." He paused, then continued.
"And when they quit, the number of criminals and ability stealers increases, since they'd be given that training in the fourth section."
Mr. Wang cut Lieutenant's words mid-sentence. "A logical adjustment? That's the best choice. But wait, how will the student survive the hall without the prior knowledge of ability stealing and the other fighting skills?"
Lieutenant Gray stood abruptly. "That's up to the individual."
"What?!" Mr. Lee shouted.
"Corporal Lee, wait, let me finish. They'll receive basic training during the rest period." Lieutenant Gray whispered as he drifted to the window.
"The five hours? That's like handing a warrior a dagger and throwing him into a den of giants to fight," Mr. Lee whispered in a low tone while scratching the back of his head.
"Would love to see how the students pass this." Mr. Wang whispered as he relaxed his body fully in the chair.
"It still amazes me. Even my team and I used five consecutive weeks—without break or food—to understand that training before we were able to pass the hall of flames in our time." Wang paused, staring at a scar on his palm.
"And even then, not all of us came out fully functional."
"Warlord Wang, what you're saying is true. But we must forge relentless students from now on—the fight ahead is beyond anything we've faced."
Lieutenant Gray stood up. "No disrespect, but we all heard what happened to some of your men in the recent battle. What we're up against is deadlier than the past enemies."
Wang turned with clenched fist—but released it when his eyes landed on Mr. Lee.
"And I know how your so-called 'strong men' were butchered last night at the crash site."