Alexander froze, his fist hovering just short of Fionna's jaw. The alarm rang, slicing through the tension like a blade. The sound echoed in his ears, reminding him that time had run out. His chest rose and fell, heavy with exhaustion. Slowly, he lowered his hand, his knuckles trembling from the effort, and pulled out a handkerchief. He extended it toward her, his gesture quiet polite but strange.
Fionna wiped her eyes, her tone sharp and mocking. "Why did you stop? showing Mercy, after pulling such a cocky trick?"
Alexander's gaze was steady, his voice calm but firm. "No. Mercy has nothing to do with it. I want things equal. You found openings but didn't use them. You held back—you didn't show your full strength. So i do same"
Her lips curled into a smirk, eyes narrowing. "Arrogant… just like he said you would be."
Without another word, she pulled out her phone, fingers moving with precision. She dialed a number and handed the device to Alexander. A voice answered on the other side, calm yet familiar. "Hello."
The sound struck Alexander like lightning. Nostalgia surged through him, memories flashing in fragments. He knew instantly who it was. "Long time no see," Alexander whispered, his throat tight.
The white‑hooded boy chuckled, his tone dripping with amusement. "Yeah. I enjoyed your match. You're just as bad as I expected. Don't get depressed—she barely used ten percent of her power."
Alexander's breath caught. Ten percent? His mind reeled. He clenched his jaw, but before he could speak, the boy's voice came again, heavy with implication. "Fionna, punch the pull‑up bar."
She obeyed without hesitation. Her fist slammed into the steel pole, and the impossible happened—the bar dented deeply, molded into the shape of her knuckles. Alexander's eyes widened, his breath stuck in his throat. It was like watching an anime scene unfold in reality, unreal yet undeniable.
The boy laughed softly. "Easy, Fionna. Don't break his precious pull‑up bar."
Alexander clenched his jaw, finally breaking his silence. "If you're done insulting me, move to the main course."
The boy's voice shifted, playful yet commanding. "You're in a hurry, boii. Fine. Let's talk man to man. If you want to improve at a rate that feels like cheating, follow my commands for the next three years. Reach my level—or dominate me. Risk comes with reward. Your online store does not satisfy your hunger so I'll even pay you."
Alexander frowned, his voice low, almost teasing. He say -"are you a stalker"
The boy's reply was blunt, cutting. "No you're lame. That's why I chose you. I love watching people struggle to climb. Here's a advice you feel need in short time: if you think you're controlling the situation, the situation is controlling you."
Alexander muttered under his breath, half in disbelief. "Another crafted wisdom or years of experience?"
"Just a year," the boy replied casually. "From now on, I'll send commands to your phone. Don't worry—I won't ask for anything illegal."
Alexander pressed further, his voice sharp. "Who are you?"
The line went dead. Silence filled the air, heavy and suffocating.
Fionna handed back her phone, her eyes steady, almost unreadable. "This is my number. Call me if things get too tough… and don't die."
Alexander blinked, stunned. "Don't die? What do you mean"
"By any chance are you live near by"
Fionna turn back and in a cute tone - "Why! want to hang out in alone living girl house, you are really naughty. I will file complain of your"
Alexander look at bar and say in teasing voice -"do you really think, i can do anything with you."
Fionna- "Anyway! message me within next week"
She turns and started leaving and thinks "i don't let that jerk enjoy alone with something so good"
She touches her jaw where Alexander stop his knuckle and giggles. she was kept walking away, her figure fading into the night. Alexander sighed, his thoughts heavy, his chest tight. He look in sky and say "Am I hanging out with the wrong people? Or is this the path I was meant to walk?"
At home, his mother greeted him warmly, her voice carrying the comfort of routine. "You're late. Did anything happen?"
"Nothing," Alexander replied, masking the storm inside him with a calm exterior.
She studied him, sensing something different in him, something she couldn't quite name. "Go help your sister with dinner."
In the kitchen, Haru ordered with her usual authority. "Arrange the plates."
Alexander obeyed, setting them down carefully. Just then, his phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number. He knew instantly—it was him.
"Third advice: Don't adapt a personality. Be like water—flow, change, endure. You need this in your first mission: return to your old school. Settle things with those six. Live in that city for a week. I'll manage everything."
The plate slipped from Alexander's hands, shattering against the floor. He muttered under his breath, frustration mixing with disbelief. "I need to stop getting shocked."
Haru scolded, her tone sharp but her eyes soft. "You can't do anything properly."
She look at Alexander face and hand are scratched
Then, softer, she patted his head. "Don't worry. I'm strong now. No one can bully you."
Alexander smiled faintly, removed her hand gently, and helped with dinner. His family watched him, unsettled by his strange calm, sensing a shift they couldn't explain.
Later, While dinner Alexander spoke with quiet determination, his voice steady but carrying weight. "I need to go out for a week."
Haru's eyes widened, her voice trembling. "What? Where? Why?"
Alexander's tone was solemn, almost heavy. "I'm the older son. I need to move forward and understand my responsibility. If I stay stuck in the past, it hurts you too."
"But aren't you moving too fast?" Haru asked, concern etched into her face.
Mother intervened, her tone firm yet gentle, balancing worry with trust. "Okay. But where will you stay?"
Alexander deflected smoothly. "Not far. I'll rent a place. Don't worry."
Mother nodded, her eyes steady. "Fine. But I want daily reports."
As Alexander packed, Haru whispered to their mother, her voice low with worry. "Why let him go?"
Mother's gaze was firm, her words carrying quiet conviction. "He's not the same boy. Two years of training, improved grades, reading again, even open online business and make his own pocket money… He's changed. A bird must break its cage before it can fly."
Morning. 9 a.m.
A notification buzzed on his phone. The car will be outside in three minutes.
Alexander slung his bag over his shoulder, his resolve solid, his heart pounding with anticipation. "See you soon, Mother. Haru."
Mother smiled, her voice warm but tinged with worry. "Take care. I spoke to your father—don't worry."
Haru's voice trembled, her eyes glistening. "Don't push yourself too much. Come back safe."
Alexander nodded, his voice steady. "I will."
He stepped outside, the morning sun spilling across the street. He raised his palm toward the light, clenched his fist tight, as if sealing a vow. A blue car pulled up, sleek and silent, its presence commanding. The driver, dressed in a black suit, lowered the window. "Get in."
Alexander slid inside. The mirror adjusted, catching his reflection—eyes sharp, jaw set, determination etched across his face. The car rolled forward, carrying him into the unknown, into the storm of trials waiting ahead.