「Several days later.」

Lu Chao opened his eyes, waking up in bed.

With a rustle of clothing, he pulled open the curtains and looked outside. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

A fiery red sun slowly ascended into the sky. Its faint warmth pierced the gray heavens, spilling down onto the city below.

Apartment buildings in District Two lined both sides of the street. Pedestrians bustled about as always. Office workers hurriedly chewed on bread as they rushed to the station to catch the tram.

It was all so familiar, so real, as if all of Ring City was gradually returning to its former peace and harmony.

Three days had passed since the operation.

As arranged by Yu Yong, he had been resting at home and hadn’t gone anywhere. The lingering weakness had also forced him to take a rare break from his training.

’This weakened state affects me in every way. Training would only be counterproductive.’

’But...’

A light shone in his eyes as Lu Chao pulled his gaze back.

Focusing inward, he slowly clenched his fist. He could once again feel ample power coursing through him.

After three days, he had finally returned to his peak condition.

His thoughts began to wander, and he subconsciously found himself thinking about the operation.

’Qiu Shan and his crew were truly vicious and posed a huge threat.’

’Thinking about it now, if Captain Yang hadn’t tied up Qiu Shan at the beginning, I probably couldn’t have guaranteed the hostages’ safety. I might have been threatened with them, my hands tied.’

’Still, I really can’t underestimate any Elite Level fighter.’

A glint flashed through his eyes as Lu Chao recalled the battle with Qiu Shan.

Over the past three days, he had specifically reviewed and reflected on the deadly fight, drawing his conclusions.

’Even though he was heavily injured, he was still Elite Level.’

’It’s not just about that Implant-Modification Path. If I run into powerful individuals from other Superpower Paths, I’ll have to be extra cautious. I need to be wary of techniques that can temporarily stimulate the body and restore someone to their peak condition.’

With that thought, Lu Chao walked out of his bedroom.

After he washed up, he found that Zhao Yuanqing was already ready and had steamed some Exotic Beast Meat and other food for him.

"Food’s ready. Come and get it."

"Not bad. You look much better. Compared to three days ago, it’s like night and day."

Zhao Yuanqing, dressed in a black work jacket, spoke as he chewed on a piece of high-protein bread.

Three days ago, Lu Chao had been pale and looked seriously injured, which had really given him a scare.

"Don’t worry, I told you I’m fine."

Lu Chao gave a helpless smile and shrugged.

He was grateful for his friend’s care. Especially on the first day of his weakness, he had Zhao Yuanqing to thank for all three of his meals.

As the two chatted, Zhao Yuanqing turned on the TV, habitually tuning in to the news.

Lu Chao picked up an Exotic Beast Meat steak, took a bite, and glanced over. The anchor for the Ring Daily appeared on the screen.

Recently, the Superpower Bureau announced that their investigation into the bombing in the Iron Ring District three days ago has yielded results. The incident is suspected to have a significant connection with the Al-Qaeda Rebels.

Furthermore, the Superpower Bureau and the Patrol Department have jointly issued a Class-A wanted notice. The wanted person is Legos, a native of old-era Mira Country, a high-ranking cadre of the Rebels, and the suspected mastermind behind the recent bombing!

Oh?

Lu Chao was a little surprised as he took in the news report.

’A Class-A wanted notice?’

His gaze lingered on the news broadcast. It showed a man with fair skin, curly hair, and piercing blue eyes.

He looked to be around thirty, but the accompanying information stated that he possessed a special disguise ability that allowed him to change his appearance to look like other people.

’An ability user with Life Energy exceeding the one hundred point mark...’

His expression turning slightly serious, Lu Chao finally understood why there had been such a huge commotion three nights ago.

"No wonder. I was just thinking about why so many people have come by the clinic to investigate these past few days."

Zhao Yuanqing sat beside him, his expression grave. "This guy must have been seriously injured, too."

"And I heard that some armed personnel showed up that night and exchanged fire with the Superpower Bureau. They might have been the Rebels’ people."

"You have to be careful when you’re on duty from now on. Don’t you dare go trying to be a hero."

Hearing the warning, Lu Chao suppressed his stray thoughts and nodded.

Ring City seemed to have returned to peace, but for some reason, he felt a hidden undercurrent lurking beneath the surface.

After they finished breakfast, Lu Chao saw Zhao Yuanqing off. He then turned back toward his bedroom, planning to use his rare day off to train at the gym.

KNOCK KNOCK!

However, a knock sounded at the door.

He froze, a little surprised.

With a hint of caution, Lu Chao walked up to the metal security door.

He gently pressed the camera button on the doorknob. He’d had the door specially replaced after a previous revenge attack. The new handle had a small screen that let him see outside—much safer than a peephole.

Looking at it now, he could see two burly men in suits standing at his door.

Both had bulges at their waists and were clearly armed. The one who had knocked was also carrying a black briefcase.

’Oh?’

Lu Chao raised an eyebrow. They looked vaguely familiar.

After thinking for a moment, he remembered something.

CLICK.

The door opened, and he looked at the two men.

"Mr. Lu, hello."

"We’re Miss Su’s security."

The lead man in the suit spoke respectfully and even bowed.

As he spoke, he handed over the black briefcase. "This is something Miss Su asked us to give you. Please accept it."

"Additionally, she asked us to convey her apologies for being unable to come and thank you in person."

Lu Chao’s eyebrow twitched. He finally understood why they were here.

Obviously, Miss Su had sent them with a thank-you gift.

After a moment’s thought, he didn’t refuse.

The visitors were very direct. After delivering the gift, they took their leave and turned to go.