Only I Am A Reader

Silence pervaded after 'Gentle Han' spoke out. The children would have already started eating if they heard something like this before coming here. However, everyone vividly remembered the result of the misunderstanding earlier in the day, especially since its victim was still on the training hall's ground to this moment. No one had the courage to immediately act on these words in fear of misinterpreting them.

Even then, no one had the steel will to resist the food for long. A few minutes later, a child pulled out a seat after resolving himself to eat this meal even if what followed was death…

'Nothing?'

The young boy had already closed his eyes in preparation for pain after taking one large bite, but nothing of what he expected came to happen. With the sight of him peacefully having his meal reflected in the children's eyes, they slowly started following his example.

'It's too late now.'

The gentle smile on Instructor Han's face reflected his inward disappointment. Although this was expected, he couldn't help sighing deep inside. From this moment, the gap would already exist, and it would already get bigger from this moment on.

Once they had passed the first well test, everyone was already considered part of the Society, so they naturally wouldn't let them starve. However, not everyone was the same.

The children might see the food in front of them as mercy, but it was no less harmful than slow-acting 'poison'. Although It could help them recover somewhat in comparison to their successful peers, the more they took this mercy granted, the lesser their chances to catch up was. Before they would know it, the gap would already be insurmountable.

'As for these two…'

Instructor Han discreetly threw a glance at Leo and Yeon. Without Yeon's perception, even he couldn't make a guess as wild as her. The chances of Leo knowing anything were basically null. In his eyes, everything he had seen was a feat of great persistence.

No matter how effective the food was, the children who barely had anything to eat for the entirety of their short lives could only make guesses about the effect of the food. Since this was the first time they had received any training, most of them were likely to believe that their recovery rate wasn't abnormal.

Through this intended ignorance, the vicious cycle of temptation and complacency would show the true essence of these indifferentiable children would be visible for all!

'He might be worth some interest.'

Instructor Han's smile no longer seemed gentle as he considered the possibilities. Leo's persistence was evident as today's top performer, but whether that would remain the same was questionable…

Would he still persist in finishing the task knowing that even those who failed would receive the same 'food'? Or would he simply give up like most end up doing?

'Here it is…'

Having long finished their meal, Leo was casually picking the food stuck between his teeth while Yeon expressionlessly stared at his face. It appeared like nothing on their minds other than pure satisfaction, but Leo took a few glances at the children sitting opposite to him. Their eyes appeared unwilling to accept the sight before them, this was blatantly unfair!

Just a moment ago, they were all children who had undergone the same suffering, but they were now completely divided. Aside from a few children who seemed to understand something, the rest of those who finished the list felt unexplainable hatred towards the kids on the other side. If not for the possibility of starvation, who would have persisted through the hellish training?

"Those who had already finished their meals can now return to their caves to rest… The day isn't over yet."

'Gentle Han' generously left a hint at the end. This was just the beginning of the day, only by undergoing the whole routine could someone be capable of deciphering the real difference in treatment. As for those who don't, it was already obvious where they would end up.

Standing up, Leo glanced at Yeon as a guard appeared before them. This was a ploy to test the children's temperament as well as their judgment skills. However, he was neither a kid, nor did he have an interest in slacking off to begin with. Since the Heavenly Strength Society were willing to splurge to pick out the good seeds, he would naturally make the best use out of their wasteful mindset!

"Follow me."

Not even considering the possibility of staying behind, Yeon sprang up from her seat, joining Leo on following the guard. Even if the Heavenly Strength Society were being extravagant, they still wouldn't use martial artists as handymen all the time. Now that the initiation was complete, they would be shown the way around so they could move on their own.

Thud!

After exchanging glances of understanding, Leo and Yeon respectively went to their own 'rooms' as the stone doors were shut tight behind them. This time, however, an extra torch had been added to illuminate the empty cave.

'It's not as exaggerated, but this is incredible!'

________________________

Personal Statistics:

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Physique: 0.69

Mind: 0.31 (+2.16)

________________________

The only thing he did was train harshly and consume a meal, yet his Physique had directly increased. Although this couldn't be compared to muscle reconstruction, this wasn't that far off either! Not only did his body completely recover, but he also felt like he was bursting with energy!

At his current state, Leo believed that it would be possible to do double the 'Body Breaking Exercise' he did earlier, but Leo refrained from doing anything, sitting down as he calculated his next plans. He knew that he would need every ounce of that very soon!

Shhhhhik!

Two hours later, the opening of the stone door woke Leo up from his sea of thoughts. Other than the silently elated Yeon, the children's faces either contained mockery or hostility…

'Bonding time!'

Only Leo smiled inwardly. Who knew? Perhaps their unity would be restored after happily taking a beating together?