Chapter 100: When You’re Ready

Around ten in the morning, Adam stirred in his sleep, slowly opening his eyes.

The first thing he saw was the white ceiling of the room he lay in. He blinked, taking a moment to recall the events that transpired after his report.

His master had swiftly brought him to the Healing Department for treatment. One of the healers in charge had found nothing wrong, but performed a session to relieve the headache.

Through the process, Adam could sense the emotions of his master. There was worry, fear, doubt, and then pride. He knew where the doubt came from, as the token he had used as an excuse had no such secondary function.

As for the feelings of pride he picked up from his master, he realised the man had somehow come to the conclusion that he had fought against the assassins.

But the vice-principal asked him no questions, only suggesting he get some rest. The man left shortly after, stating he would return during the day.

"Ah, you’re finally awake."

Adam looked over to the door where one of the healers he recognised from the night before walked in.

The woman approached his bed and asked, "How are you feeling? Are you still experiencing the headache?"

"I’m all good now," Adam replied as he sat up, moving his feet to the floor. "All I needed was rest."

"Mm, you mentioned that yesterday," the healer remarked softly. "But I have to say, Adam. Your luck is really good. It’s like you have some guardian angel watching over you."

Adam realised word of his situation had spread yet again. Ignoring the healer’s words, he asked, "When is Mr Princeton getting here? I want to return to the dorm."

"Oh. I’ll get his office on the phone."

The woman said, picking up on Adam’s desire to stay silent. She quietly walked out of the room to carry out the task, leaving Adam alone.

Letting out a tired sigh, he stood and looked at the time. It was still the morning of the new week. That meant missions were open to first-year students now. He walked to the window and looked outside, his mind wandering back to the previous night.

Cutting down the sniper had been exhilarating at that moment. But now that he had calmed down, the adrenaline rush over, he realised he had really killed a man. Chances of the sniper surviving were slim to none, as he had essentially cut the assassin in half, through the heart.

’I’d do it again in a heartbeat.’ Adam clenched his fists. ’It’s either them or me.’

He closed his eyes and exhaled, expelling the negative emotions that threatened to surface. His mind then drifted to something else—the loss of his precious baby girl.

’Tch. This can’t be happening every damn time.’ Adam really liked that car. Simply sitting in that car was therapeutic. ’Ha... I don’t think my master will get me a replacement.’

The car was like a safe space for him.

Then there was his phone, which he had also lost in the chaos. He would have to get a new one, and then assure his parents of his well-being. Honestly, it was getting out of hand.

’Even the main characters in novels can’t have it this bad, right?’ The ridiculous question came out of nowhere. ’What am I even thinking?’

Adam massaged his forehead, feeling stupid.

The soft opening of the door drew his attention. Turning around, he saw his master walk inside with that signature gentle smile on his face.

"How are you feeling?" Asher asked, watching his disciple approach him.

"I’m all good, master."

The vice-principal nodded, quietly looking at him. Adam looked away as Asher’s gaze persisted.

Truth be told, the vice-principal was impressed. That lie Adam had told the officers did not matter to him at all. He had vowed to wait for the boy to come to him when he was ready.

"You don’t have to squirm under my gaze, Adam," Asher assured softly. "I trust that you’ll come to me when you’re ready. Don’t feel pressured to explain anything to me."

Hearing the man’s words, Adam raised his head to meet the purple eyes of his master. The words he spoke touched his heart, as the emotions he sensed from the man were genuine.

At that moment, he made a decision.

"But I’m also proud," Asher spoke again. "You managed to escape two Third Realm assassins. That’s a feat even I wasn’t able to achieve at your age."

"That’s because your disciple is awesome. Hehe." Adam replied with a grin, bouncing back from the previous atmosphere. He struck a power pose and added. "I learn from my experiences, after all."

"Haha. Indeed you do..." Asher laughed softly.

A brief moment of silence passed between the two as they took in the blissful atmosphere. A second later, the vice-principal proposed.

"Walk with me."

The duo stepped out of the room and walked down the hallway, making their way out of the Healing Department. They received the greetings and curious stares of the students and workers around.

"Your situation is a problematic one, Adam," Asher said, his gaze forward. "There are many people who are after you for various reasons. It will only get worse moving forward."

Adam did not say a word, quietly thinking about his master’s words.

"I know what you mean, master." He replied, his hands tucked into his pockets. "But you don’t have to worry too much. I have a few ways to evade their gaze when I step out."

Asher glanced at his disciple, understanding that the boy’s words had something to do with the many secrets he was hiding. He had seen the investigation reports and knew Adam had somehow battled the assassins.

That was already plenty impressive, as Asher had never heard or seen anything remotely similar to what Adam did.

"I believe you," Asher stated confidently, smiling at his disciple.

"Thank you, master," Adam replied from the heart. He paused for a moment, contemplating whether to say what was on his mind.

"What is it?" Asher asked, noticing his dilemma.

"Well, I’ve been thinking..." Adam spoke after a second’s hesitation. "Would it be possible not to store any information about me whenever I pick a mission?"