Arriving at the dorm, the familiar building bathed in late-afternoon sunlight, Li Wen exhaled slowly, rubbing his shoulder. Beneath it all, a strange lightness hummed through his body—a subtle warmth that made his limbs feel alert, alive. Something had changed. His muscles felt tighter, more responsive, as if the fruit he had eaten earlier had awakened a strength within him he had never known.
Inside, Lin Feng and Wang Yu were hunched over their laptops, fingers flying across keyboards, laughter bouncing around the common room. The normalcy of it all—a quiet island after the chaos of the morning—was almost comforting.
Li Wen paused at the doorway, taking it all in. He felt simultaneously out of place and strangely empowered. The sun streaked through the window, catching particles of dust that floated lazily in the air. For a moment, everything felt suspended, serene.
"Hey, Wen!" Wang Yu called without looking up. "Why're you late? You look like you just fought a tornado."
Lin Feng chuckled. "Or maybe a trash bin exploded on him again."
Li Wen rolled his eyes faintly. "Ha-ha. Very funny."
Wang Yu finally glanced up, grinning. "Seriously though—did you eat? I even saved a bit for you. Just in case."
Li Wen's lips curved into a faint, almost shy smile. "Yeah. I've eaten," he said softly, though the warmth from the strange fruit still lingered in his stomach, the subtle power coursing beneath his ribs like electricity.
Lin Feng frowned. "You sure? You look… different. Like you've been through something."
Li Wen hesitated. "Just slipped a bit. That's all."
Wang Yu leaned back in his chair. "Slipped where? Into a war zone?"
"I said I'm fine," Li Wen replied, his tone even but distant. He didn't want them to worry—or worse, to know.
But inside, the humiliation, the pain, and the memory of Zhao Yan and his gang flashed vividly. Every blow, every shove, every sneer—they all came back in sharp, painful detail. And beneath it all, a spark of determination began to flare. Next time… they won't get away unscathed.
He clenched and unclenched his fingers, feeling the subtle strength running through his arms and legs. Each movement felt precise, smooth, effortless.
Lin Feng noticed. "What's with the hand thing? You look like you're about to punch someone."
Li Wen gave a soft laugh. "No. Just… stretching."
Wang Yu eyed him curiously. "You sure you're okay, man? You've got that weird 'main character after a power-up' look."
Li Wen's smile deepened slightly. "Do I?"
"Yeah," Lin Feng said. "It's kinda creepy, actually."
He chuckled, leaning back. "Relax. I'm fine."
"You better be careful next time," Lin Feng said softly, his voice threading with concern. "We don't want you hurt again."
Li Wen nodded, his expression unreadable. Their words echoed in his mind. Always careful. Always alert. Always weak.
But the power humming under his skin whispered otherwise. Not anymore.
He set down his bag and looked around. The sunlight streamed through the window, painting golden patterns across keyboards, half-eaten bowls, scattered notebooks. Everything seemed ordinary—but within him, something extraordinary had begun.
Wang Yu tossed him a bottle of water. "Drink up. You look like you could pass out any minute."
Li Wen caught it easily—too easily. The reflex surprised even him. The bottle had barely moved before his fingers closed around it, swift and controlled.
Wang Yu blinked. "Whoa. Nice catch. You been working out or something?"
Li Wen twisted the cap open, smiling faintly. "Something like that."
Lin Feng squinted at him. "You're hiding something."
Li Wen met his gaze, calm and steady. "Maybe I am."
They both laughed, thinking he was joking—but his eyes didn't share the humor. Deep inside, something had changed. Every inch of him was awake, every nerve taut with anticipation.
Li Wen sank into his chair, stretching his arms and feeling every sinew pulse with energy. A faint smile touched his lips.
"They won't humiliate me again," he whispered, barely audible.
"Huh?" Wang Yu asked.
"Nothing," Li Wen replied quickly, shaking his head.
Wang Yu nudged him playfully. "Don't disappear on me again, alright? I get bored without you losing in games."
Li Wen laughed softly, the sound carrying an unfamiliar weight—a blend of calm, resolve, and anticipation. Watching his friends joke, hearing their laughter fill the room, he felt a fire ignite inside him.
For now, he would keep this secret to himself. The world outside didn't need to know yet. But soon—very soon—everything would be different.
The humiliation, the fear, the weakness inflicted by Zhao Yan and his friends had passed through him and emerged transformed. His body felt lighter, stronger. Every motion, every breath—precise. He could feel his muscles hardening, preparing.
Leaning back, Li Wen took a deep breath, relishing the pulse of vitality running through him. His heart pounded—not with fear, but anticipation.
The world outside was waiting. And this time, he wouldn't back down.
"Next time…" he whispered, a grin spreading slowly across his face. "They won't get away so easily."