The University of Chicago Medical Center ranked among the top ten hospitals in the United States for comprehensive medical care.
When Jason Luo finally regained consciousness, it was already the afternoon of the following day.
He slowly opened his eyes. On the spotless white blanket, Grace had her head buried against it, crying softly. Her eyes were swollen red, like bruised peaches. "Brother, you're so foolish… Please, don't ever get hurt again. It took me so long to finally have a warm home again…"
Jason Luo stirred slightly, realizing his arms were numb, his whole body weak, and his head pounding. He let out a hiss of pain. Grace instantly looked up. "Wow, Brother, you're awake! Thank goodness, you scared me half to death!"
She threw her arms around his head for a quick look, then spun around and ran out the door shouting, "Dad! Come quick! My brother's awake!"
The door burst open and a group rushed in—his father, Brown, Raul, Tony, Kamman, and Reches… but Coach Pedro was nowhere in sight.
Henry Luo hurried to the bedside and gripped Jason's hand. "Son, you're finally awake! I was worried sick. Dr. Miao said you'd be fine, but you've been out for a whole day and night!"
Before he could finish, the attending physician and Dr. Miao came rushing in. "Everyone except immediate family, please step outside. We need to examine the patient."
The crowd that had just poured in was promptly ushered out again.
The attending physician checked his blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals, while Dr. Miao examined his pupils and external injuries. After a flurry of activity, the two quietly exchanged notes...
Henry Luo and Grace stood anxiously nearby, afraid to make a sound.
Finally, Dr. Miao removed his mask and smiled at Jason Luo. "Congratulations, Jason. Everything's normal! Just some external injuries and severe mental exhaustion. With a couple of days' rest, you'll be ready for discharge. You're very lucky!"
"Really? That's great!" Grace jumped with excitement.
Henry Luo was too moved to speak, bowing repeatedly to thank the doctors. Dr. Miao quickly stopped him, reminding, "Don't let him talk too much. Keep the room quiet and let him rest properly."
"Got it, got it…"
Dr. Miao couldn't stay long during his shift. After giving final instructions, he and the attending physician left the room.
The moment they were gone, everyone rushed back in.
"How is it? What did the doctors say?"
"Everything's fine. I can leave in a couple of days."
"Fantastic!"
Brown's wrinkled face lit up. "Jason, that's amazing! You know what? You're famous now! Ha ha! Carl still hasn't woken up!"
But Jason Luo frowned. "Where's Coach? Why isn't he here?"
"Uh…" Brown hesitated, his expression dimming.
Jason grew tense. "What happened to him?"
Raul spoke up. "Don't worry, Jason. It's nothing serious. After the match, the old coach got too emotional and felt unwell. Sonny took him back for treatment. He just needs some time to recover."
Jason shook his head. "No, I'm calling him."
Raul hurried to calm him. "Alright, alright! I'll call him. Don't worry."
The call connected almost instantly. "Sonny? Tell Old Pedro that Jason's awake. Everything's fine—he'll be discharged soon."
Jason didn't accept that. He reached to grab the phone. Raul sighed. "You'd better let Old Pedro take it. This kid won't believe us otherwise."
Jason snatched the phone, and the moment he heard that familiar voice, his heart finally settled.
"Heh, you little rascal. Never thought you'd actually do it. Well done. We're all proud of you."
"Coach, I'm sorry. Because of me, you ended up in the hospital again…"
"Don't think that way, Jason. I'm happy right now. You've got great potential—and more importantly, you've gained the power of true boxing spirit. You'll definitely earn your place in the boxing world someday. For now, your job is to rest. Got it?"
"Yes, Coach. You rest too. I won't bother you anymore."
When the call ended, Raul puffed out his cheeks. "Now you believe me, huh? Doubting people at your age is a bad habit."
Jason scratched his head awkwardly.
Everyone chuckled softly.
Henry Luo looked like he wanted to say something but held back. Grace began ushering people out, letting them in one by one as instructed by the doctors. Everyone obeyed—and left with a deep impression of Jason's sister.
After everyone had visited, they left reassured. Jason Luo also caught up on what had happened.
Reches had fought in the light heavyweight division but hadn't even made it into the top five hundred.
Kamman had done fairly well, reaching the top sixteen. Though he was also a light heavyweight, he had lost two days ago and stopped there. Still, he'd likely earn a decent contract and enter the professional circuit.
As for Jason Luo… his situation was complicated.
Because of his special case, the Golden Gloves organizing committee had been thrown into chaos. If he hadn't woken up, the remaining tournament schedule would have been impossible to continue. His awakening had basically saved the organizers from disaster.
Jason Luo was now famous!
Reporters crowded outside the hospital, tracking his condition. Raul's promotion company was being flooded with calls, and several major sponsors had already extended offers. Things were looking bright.
After everyone left, the room grew quiet again. Henry Luo and Grace discussed care arrangements—Grace would stay during the day, and their father would take over at night. Then Henry hurried home to make dinner.
Grace, who had learned from their late mother's meticulous care, moved efficiently—adjusting pillows, supporting his waist, making him as comfortable as possible.
Jason glanced at her swollen eyes and smiled. "Funny how life turns out. Grace, remember two months ago? You wouldn't even let me help you move a box. Now you're the one taking care of me—and crying your eyes out too."
Grace glared at him. "That's different! You're my brother now—it's my job to look after you. Hmph! And those tears were from anger! I was so mad I almost cursed the heavens! What, did they think I didn't deserve a good life? Thankfully you woke up. Guess they finally understood."
Jason grinned. "Oh yeah, Grace? What are you now, some rebel trying to take on the heavens?"
Grace crossed her arms with a huff. "Please, I'm not just rebelling—I'm flooding the whole place!"
With Grace there, Jason didn't feel lonely at all. Their teasing and laughter filled the room until he drifted into a peaceful sleep. But not long after, he woke again—Grace had fallen asleep with her head resting on his arm.
This time, Jason didn't move. She must have stayed up for a long time. Let her rest.
Bored, he finally remembered something and pulled up the system notification log.
"Ding! Congratulations on once again defeating a powerful opponent in an official match. The Greedy Wolf Talent has automatically extracted the following Attributes from your opponent: Jab Power +3, Toughness +1, Reaction +1, Dodge & Anticipation +2, Punch Speed +1.
Additionally, with a triggered chance effect, a small amount of Vitality has been absorbed. Your lifespan has been extended, and your body has partially recovered. Please check your status."
That Carl guy was really strong!
Defeating him granted a total of eight Attribute points. His left fist—his front-hand punch—had gained a huge boost. What a win!
Vitality again?
His body recovered? He didn't feel any difference.
Could it be…
Jason thought carefully. Maybe his current stable condition was due to restored Vitality. Otherwise, after that brutal match, he might never have woken up—Carl was clear proof of that.
Vitality... what a mysterious power. How exactly was it absorbed?
Last time, after the bloody battle with Gossagen, he had absorbed some. Now, it happened again.
Could there be a pattern? Vitality… blood… battle?
Blood?
Jason's eyes lit up. That's it! It had to be the blood. Both fights had involved heavy bleeding on both sides. During the chaos, his opponent's blood had splattered all over him, and the system must have absorbed and converted the trace amounts of Vitality contained in that blood.
Holy shit!
If that were true, this system was beyond incredible. But he couldn't be sure yet—he'd need to observe more. Maybe there were other factors involved…
...