bookpower Chapter 156 : Chapter 156
Chapter 156 : Chapter 156
Chapter 156. Jack Reed (2)After finishing her conversation with Evan, Jaina returned to the high-class inn that served as both a business site and a temporary residence for the Vaberin Family.
—Step, step.
The inn, still recovering from the war’s aftermath and not yet reopened, was perfect for Jaina to stay in alone.
She headed straight to the backyard to resume her interrupted training, picking up her sword.
“…”
But she didn’t immediately start training.
She had sensed someone following her since the plaza.
Initially, she planned to observe and ignore it, but now that they had followed her this far, she could no longer tolerate it.
Let’s see how far they’ll go. To think they’d follow me all the way here… They’ve got some nerve, targeting me.
If she was going to deal with them, this quiet place would make it much easier.
Whoever’s following me better be prepared.
With that, Jaina acted swiftly, drawing her sword with a sharp sound and turning around.
“Who are you? Why are you following me?”
From the shadows, a hooded figure slowly emerged.
But they showed no intention of removing the hood or revealing their identity.
“I’ll give you one last chance. Show your face and state who you are.”
“…”
“Fool!”
Jaina was not one to show mercy.
If her warning was ignored, she wouldn’t hesitate to swing her sword.
—Dash!
—Tch!
But as if anticipating her reaction, the figure moved half a beat faster, closing in on her.
Instead of retreating, they advanced.
Not dodging? This guy… is pretty good.
Before Jaina’s sword could reach its full power, the figure slipped into her blind spot and threw a punch.
—Whoosh!
Jaina halted her swing and quickly stepped back.
This punch…
The heavy pressure and familiar movement made her frown with suspicion.
“Jack… Is that you?”
“…”
Only then did the hooded figure slowly reveal their face.
As Jaina suspected, it was Jack.
“What are you doing right now?”
“I’m trying to prove myself.”
His abrupt statement made Jaina scowl.
“What? Prove? What are you talking about? Why are you following and attacking me?”
“You attacked first, my lady.”
“Sure, but… Are you playing word games with me? Anyone would attack if someone followed them looking that suspicious!”
Jaina snapped in irritation, but her sword tip was already lowered.
Knowing it was Jack, there was no reason to keep fighting.
However, Jack thought differently.
“Raise your sword. I came here to fight you from the start.”
Jack assumed a stance.
“What nonsense have you been spouting? Proving yourself? Did someone order you? Was it Evan?”
“No. This is solely to test my own strength. You can cut me down if you want—just fight me with everything you’ve got!”
Before finishing his words, Jack charged forward.
His fierce momentum made Jaina realize he wasn’t joking.
“You’re insane! I’ll show you the price of throwing a punch at me!”
“Yes! That’s what I want! Give it your all, my lady!”hreaten you?”
“…It’s just my own inferiority complex. I’m truly sorry, my lady.”
As Jack disappeared into the darkness, blood dripping, Jaina’s heart was filled with frustration and confusion.
“Sigh… What’s wrong with that guy?”
Recalling his request to keep it secret from everyone, including Evan, Jaina could only suppress her frustration.
***
Jack planned to challenge Evan’s chosen attendants, including Jaina.
But having lost to Jaina, whom he thought was the easiest, the outcome against the others was obvious.
Thus, Jack sat in a secluded corner of the plaza, head bowed, forgetting even his pain.
I’m really weak. That’s why the Young Master didn’t take me.
Once, Evan had said Jack had the greatest talent.
But as time passed in the Executor program, that talent seemed insignificant compared to the monsters.
The Young Master, the Dean, even that Bakan, and the tribal chief we faced—I’ll never reach their level.
At some point, Jack had felt his growth stagnate.
Having witnessed countless powerful beings during the recent war with the Kandahr, he could only despair at his limits.
How can I become like them?
As Jack sank into deep despair, someone approached.
It was Chief Instructor Everhart Mylon.
“Jack? Is that you?”
Hearing the familiar voice, Jack looked up.
Everhart, bandaged from head to arm, stood before him.
“Chief Instructor? Are you okay to be out?”
“I was restless. But what are you doing here, moping alone?”
This chance encounter would become a turning point in Jack’s life, second only to meeting Evan.