A few days later, Anthony was walking back from the library. He was carrying books that no one else in his grade would dare to read—titles like Advanced Rune Theory and Essence of Alchemy.
"Hey, Soulless!"
Three figures blocked his path in a narrow alley. It was Jake and two of his lackeys. They had been humiliated by Anthony's sudden rise in grades, and their jealousy was burning.
"Think you're smart just because you got lucky?" Jake cracked his knuckles. "Today, I'm going to break your legs so you know your place. Smart people are useless if they can't walk."
The two lackeys laughed. "Yeah! Beat him up! Show him what a Martial Soul can do!"
They attacked together. One came from the left, one from the right, and Jake went for a kick aimed at Anthony's chest. It was a coordinated attack, fast and fierce.
Anthony didn't panic. He analyzed their movements instantly.
Left one: weak stance, weight on heels. Right one: overcommitting. Jake: opening in his guard when he kicks.
Anthony stepped forward. He didn't use magic. He used pure body technique, derived from the insights of a Millennium Soul who had seen every fighting style in history.
He ducked under the kick, swept the left attacker's leg, and simultaneously elbowed the right attacker in the solar plexus.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
In less than three seconds, all three were on the ground, groaning in pain.
Jake looked up, eyes wide with terror. "You... you awakened? But how? It's been a month!"
Anthony looked down at him, his eyes glowing with a faint, ethereal purple light.
"I told you," Anthony said coldly. "Do not underestimate what you cannot understand."