The word hung in the air like a knife.
"Brother?"
Jacob Jiang stared blankly, unable to believe what he had just seen. His older brother Ethan Jiang had just crushed his phone into a pile of glittering dust. The fragments floated down like ashes, his expression dark and unreadable.
For a moment, Jacob thought he had imagined it. Ethan, the one who always lectured him about composure, had just lost control.
Ethan's eyes shifted coldly, the faint glow of restrained fury flashing in his gaze before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Leaning back, his voice dripped with false nonchalance.
"You said that boy's name was Noah? What does he look like?"
Jacob hesitated but didn't dare refuse. "Uh… he's about six feet tall, short hair, always in a white shirt. And… well, he's annoyingly handsome."
Ethan sneered, his lips curving into a mocking grin. "That confirms it."
Inside, however, a storm brewed. So it really is him. Noah—the so-called useless talent, the nobody. Yet this very same "nobody" had taken what Ethan desired most. Snow, the goddess-like beauty of the school, had chosen Noah over him. That wound still burned like acid in his chest. And now, rumor whispered that Noah was openly flaunting another girl?
Shameless. Absolutely shameless.
Jacob shifted uncomfortably. "Wait, brother… you know Noah?"
Ethan chuckled without humor. "You could say that."
But he would never admit the truth: that both brothers—both heirs of the Jiang family—had been humiliated by the same man. Noah had stolen from them both. For such disgrace, there was only one cure: blood.
Ethan's smile vanished. His voice dropped, heavy as iron. "Jacob, do you want revenge? I can help you."
"Revenge?" Jacob blinked, not understanding.
Ethan's eyes sharpened. "He took what's yours. Can you really swallow that?"
"But brother, didn't you just say that if I fight a nobody for a woman, I'd only lower myself to his level?"
Ethan's words came like a lash. "And if you let it go, then you're worse than a nobody."
Jacob's head spun. His instincts screamed caution, yet the heat of his humiliation made his blood boil. "So… should I fight him or not?"
Ethan rose slowly, walking to the tall window overlooking the campus courtyard. The cut of his expensive suit traced a powerful silhouette, his presence sharp as a blade. For a moment, he looked less like a student and more like a predator.
Finally, his voice carried across the room like a judgment.
"Remember this, Jacob. Whatever the Jiang family cannot have… we destroy."
A shiver ran down Jacob's spine. He followed to the window, whispering in awe. "But brother… Noah's just a worthless talent. If I, an A-grade Fire user, strike him down, won't people talk? I'm practically the guaranteed top scorer of this year's entrance exams. What if this ruins my reputation?"
Ethan laughed softly, a sound colder than ice. "As long as I stand behind you, what are you afraid of?"
That confidence, that absolute certainty, lit Jacob's heart like fire. With his brother beside him, who in the Chinese Nation would dare say otherwise?
Jacob's lips twisted into a cruel grin. His blood surged with anticipation. "Tell me what to do, brother!"
Ethan leaned close, his words venom wrapped in velvet. "During the guidance event, I'll make sure you face Noah in a spar. That's your chance. Do not hold back."
Jacob's eyes blazed with understanding. "Got it!"
A spar between classmates. Accidents happen all the time. If Noah "accidentally" failed to survive… well, who could blame him?
Ethan's tone grew even colder. "Remember this: unless I order you to stop… don't stop. If he dies, I'll handle the aftermath."
The brothers shared a sinister laugh, their voices merging in the shadows of the guest room.
—
When the bell rang, every senior class gathered in neat lines under their teachers' guidance, filing into the massive gymnasium.
It wasn't just any event—it was a spectacle. For the first time in the school's history, such a grand guidance program was being held. Students sat cross-legged in a wide circle, the air buzzing with excitement.
At the center, the elderly principal's voice rang out, trembling with pride.
"Students, today we are honored. The one guiding you is none other than a graduate of our very own school… Ethan Jiang!"
The applause was thunderous.
The principal beamed as he continued, "Ethan Jiang is the most outstanding student our school has ever produced. His awakened talent is the A-grade combat ability, Storm Surge. Last year, he was admitted into Imperial Capital University with the second-highest score in the entire province! And in just one year, through relentless effort and determination, he has already risen from level 50 to level 160. His rank as a Private First Class has reached the sixth tier!"
He paused dramatically. "At this pace, his leveling speed is unmatched—third in the entire human race!"
Boom!
The gymnasium erupted, cheers crashing like thunder.
"Third in the whole human race?!"
"That's insane!"
"He's already a legend!"
Clapping resounded through the vast hall as Ethan stood, his expression warm yet untouchable. He stepped into the circle, his strides steady, his presence dominating.
"Good morning, everyone," he greeted casually, his deep voice silencing the crowd.
The frenzy only grew louder. Some students practically screamed his name, while others looked at him with glowing admiration.
He lifted a hand, commanding silence with ease. "For the next ten minutes, you may ask me anything about studies, training, or life at the university. Don't hold back."
In Class Three's section, Noah sat quietly. Because of Tang Xia's constant insistence, their teacher had arranged for them to sit in the very front row, directly across from Ethan.
Tang Xia elbowed him softly, whispering, "Hey, aren't you gonna ask a question?"
Noah smirked. "Why would I? I already know everything."
She rolled her eyes, trying not to laugh. "Same here. Guess we're both geniuses."
Noah chuckled. "Guess I'll bow to you, then."
Meanwhile, eager hands shot into the air all around them.
"Ethan, how can I become as outstanding as you?"
"What's your secret to leveling up so fast?"
"Do you have any tips for surviving in the Land of Divine Punishment?"
The questions were ordinary, almost naïve, but Ethan answered each with practiced patience. When asked about his leveling speed, however, his expression flickered—just for a heartbeat—before he smiled. "Luck," he said simply. "And perhaps a few fortunate encounters."
The ten minutes ended, and Ethan's tone grew sharper. "Now, let me share some practical combat knowledge from my experience in the Land of Divine Punishment."
The students listened with rapt attention as he detailed battles, tactics, and the mindset of survival. Finally, his lips curved into that familiar smile.
"And now… it's time for a demonstration. I'll select a few of you for a sparring session."
His gaze swept across the crowd before pausing—just briefly—on Noah.
"You there," Ethan said smoothly, voice ringing through the gym. "Step forward."