Lee Fong had once worked in the same department as Firewing, and ever since awakening his own supernatural power, he'd shown solid potential. True, he wasn't on Firewing's level—he could never run an entire city division of the Spiritual Energy Bureau—but he held an important position regardless.
He knew all of the Vantora City branch members.
Whether it was Carl Stone, Yue Frost, or Hazel Yates, Firewing had always acted respectfully but professionally—she admired their abilities, nothing more. But with this new guy, Brandon White, Firewing's attitude was…strange. Suspicion, curiosity—even, dare he say it, a hint of awe.
Whatever it was, everyone could see Firewing treated Brandon differently. In just one week, she'd dropped by his place repeatedly, always asking whether he was happy with his current arrangement, whether he needed anything—her every word dripping with concern.
It was as if she was terrified Brandon might be the slightest bit dissatisfied.
And yet—this guy, this guy actually complained that Firewing was too much of a bother, even told her not to come unless it was necessary!
What kind of attitude was that?
Did he think Firewing was just following him around like a lovesick puppy? Ridiculous!
The more Lee Fong thought about it, the more jealousy and frustration twisted his expression. If only Firewing treated him that way! He'd never let her work so hard alone—he'd give just as much in return.
That was the real reason he'd come today. He wanted to see for himself what made Brandon so special. But after watching him for a bit, all he could see was a good-looking face. Was that really all there was to it?
Brandon could sense emotions, if not precise thoughts. If he could read Lee's mind right now, he'd probably roll his eyes so hard they'd get stuck.
Seriously? In this day and age, people still got this jealous over a girl? And how did Lee even know about Firewing's visits in such detail? Was he spying from behind the scenes? Or had Firewing herself let it slip…?
"So, you want to test my strength," Brandon said at last, "just to see if I deserve to be in the Bureau and enjoy all these perks?"
He could tell that wasn't the real reason Lee was here. This "test" was just an excuse. The real issue was, of course, Firewing.
Brandon couldn't help but find it all a bit absurd. Was this what they called "trouble caused by beauty"? But nothing had happened between him and Firewing. Why the suspicion? Or was it just because he was a guy? But Carl Stone was also a guy, right? Had Lee already tried picking a fight with Carl?
Oblivious to Brandon's musings, Lee spoke coolly:
"I'll be going all out for this evaluation. I hope you'll show a level of strength worthy of your position. If you don't measure up, I'll request that all your privileges be revoked. You'll be treated like any other ordinary Bureau member."
Brandon couldn't help but laugh, a faint smirk curling at his lips. He wasn't sure what words could describe Lee's attitude, but one thing was certain—
"It's honestly kind of annoying," he remarked. "That tone of yours."
"What?" Lee bristled, confused by Brandon's words.
Brandon's gaze was cool, and his words were almost gentle:
"Without strength to back it up, the weak shouldn't speak with that tone."
"Excuse me?" Lee's eyes narrowed.
Brandon lifted his head, still smiling slightly.
"'Bang!'"
In the blink of an eye, Lee Fong's expression twisted in shock. A crushing, impossible weight pressed down on him.
Boom!
Crack!
His body collapsed under the force, knees slamming into the ground as the sound of bones breaking echoed in the air. Agonizing pain wracked his entire body.
Brandon walked over, looming above Lee's broken form. He spoke in a calm, almost friendly voice:
"This is the age when power belongs to the individual, you know, sir."
"People like us—people with real strength—don't appreciate arrogant talk from those who don't have the power to back it up. We hate it even more when someone tries to talk down to us."
"It used to be different. Sure, your manner was always stiff and official, but back then, we had no right to push back. But now, times have changed, sir."
"These days, given the choice between being a selfless hero and a pragmatic protector of our own, most people will pick the latter. And what tips the scales? The way you talk to them."
"You see now? This is my strength. Does it pass your test?"
It was just like when Madara Uchiha got scolded by a Kage, or when Whitebeard got lectured by a random pirate crew member. Even if their words made sense, so what?
Before you open your mouth, check your attitude.
If you want to lecture Madara, you better be Hashirama Senju.
If you want to talk as equals with Whitebeard, you better be on Shanks' level.
Otherwise, know your place.
Times are changing—the era of spiritual awakening is here.
When someone has enough power to override the laws of the land, those laws are just paper in their eyes.
That's one of the reasons the Bureau exists in the first place: to handle people with that kind of attitude.
Normally, a new awakening wouldn't be a problem. Even if a few prodigies emerged, there would always be more than one, and they'd balance each other out. The Bureau would have time to raise their own strong contenders.
With state backing, they'd outpace other awakened individuals, and even those granted special privileges would still obey the law.
But Brandon was a different story. He already had the ability to ignore any law, and, with [Nature's Authority] and the favor of the world itself, he'd always have that kind of power. Neither humans nor mutated beasts could ever truly oppose him.
With strength like that, could he really keep seeing himself as just another ordinary person?
"Next time, be more careful with your attitude," Brandon said mildly. "I prefer a little flattery, to be honest. Or, if you want, you can complain to Firewing or even someone higher up. I'm actually kind of curious to see what happens."
People were unpredictable, after all. Brandon almost wanted to see how the state would respond if someone actually lodged a complaint about him.
After that, he made a quick call and had someone come and take Lee away. To his mild surprise, Firewing showed up with them.
When she saw Lee still on his knees, Firewing just shook her head, utterly speechless.
"Trouble caused by beauty, huh?" she muttered to herself with a wry smile. "I really am a sinful woman."
She watched them haul Lee away, then gently touched her own soft cheek, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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