Chapter 196: Hal's Choice and Linda's Dumplings!
A Test of Will
The shooting occurred right beneath Sinestro, but he did not intervene. He merely hovered in mid-air, watching silently, observing the situation unfold, seeing what choice Hal Jordan would make, and determining if he was worthy to inherit Abin Sur's will and become the Guardian of Sector 2814.
The situation turned extremely dangerous. There were other customers in the store, a mother and child, terrified by the sudden gunfire and hiding in a corner, afraid to make a sound.
Hal noticed them, and upon seeing the child was less than five years old, he couldn't help but slap himself.
Damn it, what are you doing?
Hal gritted his teeth. He had to resolve this. If he failed, the cashier and the mother and child could all die.
He absolutely could not let that happen!
Bang!
The metal door was kicked open. The burly thug, carrying a submachine gun, stomped inside, cursing and searching around. He intended to shoot the pest who caused trouble until he was a sieve.
Hal grabbed a mirror from the counter, using the reflection to observe the front of the store. Once he pinpointed the thug's position, he fired without hesitation.
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
His aim was excellent. Six bullets struck the thug's arm, side, and calf—non-lethal areas.
The thug roared, trying to retaliate, but Hal leaped onto him and kicked him to the ground. He quickly snatched the dropped submachine gun, gave the mother and child in the corner a signal to call the police, and then pressed against the wall to peer outside.
The second thug was holding a passing driver at gunpoint, seemingly planning to switch vehicles.
"I can't let him get away."
Hal instantly made up his mind. His breathing quickened, and adrenaline from his adrenal medulla rushed to his brain, putting his focus into an unprecedented state of concentration. In that moment, he felt like he was back in a cockpit.
Hal grabbed the captured thug inside the store and forcibly tossed him out onto the street.
"Hey! Big guy! Your brother is in my hands! If you don't want him dead, you stop right there!"
As he spoke, he fired three quick shots. The gunshots drew the second thug's attention. Seeing his bleeding accomplice, he immediately put his handgun to the girl's head.
"You damned bastard! Come out now, or I'll blow her brains out!"
The girl was terrified, screaming in panic.
"I'm only counting to three!"
"One!"
"Two!"
"Help! Save me! Waaah!"
The thug narrowed his eyes, a vicious killing intent flashing within them.
"Three!"
"Wait!"
Hal raised the submachine gun and slowly walked out. "I surrender. Let her go."
"Go to hell, trash!"
The thug raised his gun and fired. The bullet struck Hal in the chest. He fell backward onto the ground.
"Idiot!"
The thug spat, tossed the wailing girl aside, and strode toward the store. Just then, Hal seemed to return to life, sitting up like a zombie. He raised the Browning pistol.
Bang!
The bullet struck the thug precisely in the heart. He staggered backward, lifting his right hand.
Bang!
Another shot rang out. The thug dropped to his knees, falling into a pool of his own blood.
Hal gasped for breath, quickly tearing open his clothes. He was completely stunned to see a chest with no injuries.
What happened?
He was clearly hit by a bullet, so why was he unharmed?
Fifteen minutes later, the police arrived, cordoned off the scene, gathered evidence, and took the parties involved back to the station for statements. The girl sincerely expressed her gratitude to Hal, practically begging for his home address and contact information.
Hal didn't want any further trouble but couldn't find a reason to refuse.
After dealing with various errands, it was evening. Physically and mentally exhausted, Hal lay on his sofa, staring at the bullet hole in his shirt for a long time.
"I did that."
A familiar voice came from the side. Hal quickly turned and was shocked to see Sinestro standing in the doorway.
"You... how could you..."
"I have been watching you silently the entire time."
Hal: "..."
"Your choice was remarkable."
"Courage, kindness, compassion, and sacrifice. The qualities you displayed in that fight are gratifying. Abin Sur was not wrong; you are the most suitable candidate. You will inherit his will and become one of the greatest Green Lanterns."
Hal Jordan was deeply embarrassed by the praise.
"I only did what any normal person should do."
Sinestro shook his head slightly, walking to the window and gazing at the distant sunset. After a long moment, he said slowly, "Hal Jordan, are you willing to become a member of the Green Lantern Corps and dedicate everything to safeguarding universal peace?"
"Of course I am, it's just..." Hal gave a wry smile. "My Ring..."
"I will help you retrieve the Lantern Ring."
A Feisty Kryptonian
Inside the Shaw Manor, Linda, who was enjoying a delicious Chinese meal in the stone gazebo, looked up.
Two unfamiliar guests had appeared above her: one had three missing fingers and appeared to be an Earthling; the other was red-skinned, wearing green armor, with taut muscles and long limbs—an unknown species.
"Who are you looking for?" Linda asked crankily. She had been practicing martial arts all day and had just settled down to eat. Her mood was far from pleasant at being disturbed.
Sinestro stared at the Green Lantern Ring on the girl's index finger, his expression severe.
"That Ring does not belong to you."
Linda toyed with the Ring on her finger and sneered. "The Ring was a gift from Luke Shaw. Since he gave it to me, it's mine. It has nothing to do with you."
Sinestro's voice was cold. "This Ring is extremely important to me. You must return it."
Linda grinned, red light gathering in her eyes.
"What if I don't?"
Sinestro glanced at Hal. Hal nodded slightly and focused all his energy to summon the Lantern Ring. The Ring erupted with a dense green light, vibrating at an extremely high frequency, producing energy that could destroy most metals in the world.
Yet, Linda felt nothing. Her finger remained perfectly still. She even had time to flick a grain of rice off the table.
Seeing this, the expressions of both men instantly froze.
Hal couldn't help but gasp. He was utterly shocked.
At such close range, he could execute a full-power attack using the Ring's energy burst, yet he had absolutely no effect on the person before him.
Where did this freak come from?
This is terrifying!
Sinestro frowned tightly. "Who exactly are you?"
"Who I am is none of your business."
Linda scoffed, picking up a beef and turnip dumpling with her chopsticks and savoring it. Ever since she tasted dumplings, she had been conquered by this mysterious Eastern food. She constantly pestered Aunt Li to make various fillings: pork and cabbage, pork and chives, lamb and scallions, beef and celery, etc. She ate them daily, every meal, without tiring of them.
Sinestro realized that the Earthling before him was no ordinary person, but likely a hidden powerhouse among humanity. But this did not deter him. The Lantern Ring was Abin Sur's relic and the symbol of the Green Lantern Corps. It absolutely could not fall into the hands of an outsider.
"One final warning: The Ring belongs to the Green Lantern Corps, and it belongs to Hal Jordan. If you don't return it, don't blame me for resorting to force."
"That's what I was waiting for! Aunt Li, keep the dumplings warm! I'll be back to eat them soon."
With that, the girl soared into the air, flying toward the suburbs at astonishing speed.
Sinestro did not hesitate and immediately followed.
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