Four people stood in the office. From Hao Wen, who sat in front of David, emanated a terrifying pressure.
David clenched his teeth and thought:
"He hasn't even released his energy… What kind of power is this…"
Hao Wen spoke:
"So you are the ones who survived the Forbidden Zone?"
Emma trembled slightly, but still managed to look straight ahead with confidence.
"Yes. When we woke up — we were already in the Forbidden Land."
"I see," Hao Wen nodded.
He studied the trio carefully, then added:
"Looking at you, I can say one thing: you"—he pointed at Emma—"you might have survived. But the other two… I don't think so."
Hearing this, David froze. He had just been humiliated to his face. He also felt the weight of Hao Wen's aura, his body trembled slightly, but hearing such words, he forced himself to stand firm.
Hao Wen noticed this and smiled faintly. It was as if he was waiting to see what David would do.
David raised his eyes and stared straight at him:
"So if, according to you, we couldn't have survived… then how the hell am I standing here talking to a piece of shit like you?"
The office fell into silence.
Hao Wen froze in shock and closed his eyes. At that moment, two figures appeared from above.
David only managed to raise his arms before, in the next instant, he was slammed into the floor. Lucy and Emma stood frozen, unsure of what to do. After all, in front of them stood one of the Four Generals, and the slightest disrespect toward him could destroy their lives.
And David had just done exactly that.
Emma wanted to say something, but when she looked at Hao Wen, she saw him lift his head.
And suddenly… he laughed.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha!" His laughter was deafening, chilling to the bone. Everyone around stood stunned in bewilderment.
When he calmed down, he waved his hand:
"Step away from him."
The two figures vanished instantly.
Hao Wen continued:
"In all my life, I have never once heard an insult directed at me. The Wen Clan raised me from infancy to be a warrior, a symbol of hope for the nation. But at the same time… I wanted only one thing: to live my life as an ordinary child. That dream withered long ago. And then you appeared. A spark, rekindled."
He looked straight at David:
"A human being is not a tool for another. A human is, above all, an individual — with the right to their own opinion, their own feelings, and their own thoughts. And you reminded me of that. Thank you."
His words left everyone speechless. No one knew what to say. David stared at him with a piercing gaze — even through his mask. And Hao Wen felt it.
Then he said:
"In two days, the Pillar of Return will open. Then you will be able to return home safely."
Lucy frowned:
"And what about you?"
Hao Wen looked at her and sighed:
"It seems your instructors didn't tell you… Well, that's understandable. When an Awakened completes their first Trial of Fate, they can return here again — at any time. Not only in spirit, but also in body. Right now, you are here only spiritually. But I am here both spiritually and physically."
"Oh… so that's how it is…" Lucy whispered.
Emma wasn't surprised; she already knew this. But for David, it was the first time hearing it.
Hao Wen looked at the table stacked with papers, his face weary.
"Alright, you may go take a walk. I have too much work to do."
Leaving the office, the three of them stepped out into the streets. The city was enormous, with more than enough places to explore.