Chapter 2 

James slowly regained consciousness, recalling how Brian and his gang had beaten him up. He was about to cry out in pain, but instead, he felt an inexplicable sense of comfort, like he was basking in the warmth of a spring breeze. There was no trace of injury.

He abruptly opened his eyes and found himself in a void, surrounded by twinkling lights, like he was floating in the vastness of space.

"Where am I?"

As he took in the surreal surroundings, a green light flashed, and a voice boomed in his mind like thunder.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

James immediately recognized the verse from the Bible. Was he dreaming?

"Hey there, kid. I'm Apollo. Fate's brought us together, so I'm gonna take you on as my student today. I'll teach you magic and give you the Holy Grail. Practice hard and help others."

As soon as the voice faded, James heard the sound of a harp, as if he were in a pine forest with a gentle breeze brushing his face.

In an instant, the harp music vanished, replaced by the sounds of battle. James felt as if he were in the midst of a battlefield, the drums of war making his blood boil.

In just half a minute, James felt like he had lived a lifetime, from the tranquility of farming to the heroism of war, until he burned out in the autumn wind. The ethereal figure was deeply imprinted in his mind.

When James opened his eyes again, he saw a pale ceiling and smelled the scent of disinfectant.

The pain returned, and everything he had just experienced felt like a dream. The harsh reality made it hard to breathe.

"Was it just a dream?"

James smiled bitterly. Not only had he failed to borrow money, but he had also been beaten into the hospital. What was he going to do now?

He raised his wrist and noticed that the bracelet Jennifer had given him was gone.

It was probably broken during the beating. Although it was a pity, there was nothing he could do about it now.

As James tried to get up, a sharp pain shot through his temple, and he was startled to find a "Book of Magic" in his mind.

Could it be that it wasn't a dream?

James tried to open the "Book of Magic." Though he had heard of magic before, it was mostly considered nonsense in a modern society where science reigned supreme and things like magic and alchemy were regarded as mere superstition.

As he controlled his thoughts to turn the pages, a golden light suddenly burst forth, causing his eyes to ache. The contents of the book appeared in his mind.

To James's surprise, the "Book of Magic" contained a method of cultivation.

According to the book, this was a technique for self-improvement. With diligent practice, it promised not only to fortify the body but also to bestow the power to command the elements and change one's fate.

Although James didn't believe in gods, the facts before him were undeniable. He decided to practice according to the book's instructions. Even if it was all fake, it wouldn't harm him.

James closed his eyes and felt the blood flowing slowly through his body.

Suddenly, he noticed a faint blue hue in his blood. Although it was minimal, wherever the blue passed, a small wave of warmth followed, making him feel incredibly comfortable.

After circulating the blue hue through his body, James slowly opened his eyes. He felt like a completely different person, filled with boundless energy.

Marveling at his transformation, James realized he had stumbled upon a treasure.

Right, the god who called himself Apollo mentioned the "Book of Magic" and the Holy Grail. The book was now in his mind, but where was the Holy Grail?

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, James felt a cool sensation in his palm, and an ancient golden chalice appeared.

Just as he was about to put it away, the chalice heated up and merged into his hand.

"What is happening?"

James was startled. He examined his palm and found a faint pattern. Could this be the Holy Grail?

As he marveled, the pattern began to rotate, and information flooded his mind.

Status: Sixteen abrasions, level three internal organ damage, and five bone injuries.

Cause: Violent assault.

Repaired or destroyed?

James hesitated, then instinctively chose repair. As the Holy Grail rotated, his wounds began to heal at a visible rate.

Just as James was amazed by this miraculous change, he heard footsteps outside.

"James, I heard you got beaten up. Are you okay?"

Michelle entered the room, having rushed over as soon as she heard about James's hospitalization.

James shook his head gently. His experiences had taught him that the only person who truly cared for him was his adoptive mother, Michelle.

Although he hadn't managed to borrow money, James felt different now. He was determined to solve their problems.

"Mom, I'm fine. Don't worry."

Michelle sighed and gently wiped the sweat from James's forehead. "James, I'll find a way to handle the money. You don't need to worry."

"Mom, don't worry. I have a plan." With that, James got out of bed. "Let's go home first. I'll take care of everything."

Michelle looked worried, fearing James might do something illegal. "James, listen. I'm old; what happens to me doesn't matter. But you're young. Don't throw your future away."

"Mom, let's go home first. We'll talk about the rest later."

Just then, James's phone rang.

"The debt your mom owed has been fully repaid. I'll return the $100,000 you paid earlier."

James was stunned, staring at the message confirming the deposit. He felt utterly perplexed.

After some inquiries, James learned that Mary had repaid the debt.

This astonished him; he hadn't expected Mary to lend a hand. It seemed his wife was not entirely without redeeming qualities.

James didn't want to owe Mary a favor. He kept $1,000 for emergencies and transferred the rest back to her, leaving a message that he would repay her.

Mary didn't respond, and James smiled bitterly. To her, it was just a casual favor, like feeding a stray cat or dog. She wouldn't expect anything in return.

James helped Michelle leave the hospital. As they reached their apartment, they saw a Rolls-Royce parked nearby.

"Brian?" James frowned. He wasn't here to apologize, that was for sure.

"James, I didn't expect you to recover so quickly." Brian got out of the car with a few men, looking arrogant. "I paid for your hospital bills. Pay up!"

James sneered. Brian was ruthless, probably here to extort Michelle. He hadn't expected James to be discharged so soon.

"Brian, I was just about to come find you."

James rolled up his sleeves. He had no reason to hold back against scum like Brian.

"James, watch your mouth!" Michelle recognized Brian and knew they couldn't afford to offend him. She quickly apologized. "Mr. Robinson, James is young and doesn't know better. Please don't hold it against him."

"Since you, his mother, said so, I'll let it slide this time."

Michelle sighed in relief but then felt a sharp pain as Brian slapped her.

"You asked me to spare him, so you must be ready to take his punishment."

James's anger ignited at this. He yelled, "Brian, you're dead!"

James moved swiftly, appearing in front of Brian and slapping him hard before he could react.

Everyone was stunned. James had hit Brian, the heir to the Robinson Group!

"James, what are you doing?" Jennifer, who had been in the car, rushed out. "How dare you hit Brian? Do you have a death wish?"

"James, you're dead. I will..."

Before Brian could finish, James punched him in the nose, sending him flying until he crashed into the Rolls-Royce.

Brian's men were shocked. James had knocked the burly Brian out with one punch. This was no ordinary strength.

Michelle was equally stunned. She had never seen James fight, and he was so fierce.

Jennifer was speechless. The James who had been helplessly beaten not long ago now seemed like a different person, so powerful.

"Did you guys hit me too?" James's gaze swept over the others. "I'm in a hurry. Come at me all at once."

The men exchanged glances and charged at James.

James stood his ground, watching them coldly. To him, they moved in slow motion, posing no threat.

With precise and powerful blows, James easily took them down, leaving them writhing on the ground.

"James, stop!" Jennifer stepped in front of Brian. "You've caused enough trouble. The Robinsons won't let you off!"

"So what?"

James's casual response shocked Jennifer. She sensed an overwhelming aura from him as if the Robinsons meant nothing to him.

Ignoring Jennifer, James grabbed Brian by the collar and lifted him. "Kneel and apologize to my mom!"

"In your dreams! I..."

Before he could finish, James punched him again, knocking out two teeth.

"Kneel and apologize. Don't make me say it a third time!"

Brian felt James's killing intent. If he didn't comply, he didn't know what would happen.

"Michelle, I'm sorry." Brian knelt before Michelle, apologizing through gritted teeth while plotting revenge.

"Alright, you can leave now."

James waved dismissively. He knew Brian wouldn't give up, but he didn't care.

To James, Brian was already a dead man because, at that moment, a set of words flashed through his mind again.

Name: Brian

Status: Early-stage syphilis, liver and lung damage, broken nose, facial bruises

Cause: Excessive indulgence, violent assault

Repaired or destroyed?

James chose to destroy without hesitation. Saving someone like Brian would only cause more suffering for others.