Bernard Colton's tone sent an uncomfortable chill through Victor Green's body.
Victor caught the mocking look on Bernard's face as the man asked, "What happens if I decide to enter anyway?"
Victor's expression hardened instantly. Through clenched teeth, he replied, "Then I'd have to apologize for what comes next."
A burst of laughter escaped Bernard's throat. "A mere seventh-rank Inner Strength user speaks such bold words to me? Have you lost your mind?"
The statement made Victor's blood run cold. If Bernard could identify his rank so precisely, it meant the man's abilities far surpassed his own.
"Don't bother guessing," Bernard said with contempt. "I am a Master of Inner Strength, second rank. Now step aside!" The command rang with authority.
The gulf between a seventh-rank user and a second-rank Master was vast as the distance between earth and heaven. Victor stood no chance, yet he remained firmly planted, blocking Bernard's path.
