"I wish for heightened nerves and sharper senses. Let my perception multiply."
Ding! Wish granted!
A wave of sensation rushed through Alex Lin.Even the slightest breeze brushing his skin now felt sharp, alive, electric.
Meanwhile, inside the hospital room—
Dr. Simon Zhao pulled out a long, thick silver needle and sterilized it over a flame.
"Junior Brother, endure it for a moment. It will be over soon."
Ethan Chen's face turned pale."Senior Brother… isn't this needle a bit too big? Can't we use something smaller?"
"No choice." Dr. Zhao sighed."Your skin is too tough. The previous needles snapped. We need a stronger one. If it's thinner, it won't pierce at all."
Ethan swallowed hard. It made sense… but dread tightened in his chest.
"Be gentle."
"I know what I'm doing. Relax."
Dr. Zhao pressed a hand to Ethan's chest, found the position, took a deep breath, and drove the silver needle downward.
This time, it slid in smoothly—too smoothly.
The needle sank seven, eight centimeters in—almost straight through his chest.
At that exact moment, Ethan's nerves—strengthened by the doubled system backlash—exploded with pain.A shockwave of agony pierced through his brain like lightning.
His eyes widened.
Then he screamed.
It wasn't just a scream.
It was a roar of agony so loud the walls shook.
"AAAAAAHHHH—!"
Doctors and nurses sprinted down the corridor.
"What's going on!?"
They burst through the door, Alex following behind them with a look of urgency.
The attending physician's face darkened."Who are you? What are you doing!?"
Dr. Zhao panicked."I–I'm saving him—"
"Saving him!?" the doctor roared."You stabbed a patient in the chest with a spike and made him scream like he was dying, and you call that saving him? Are you insane?!"
"I didn't—I wouldn't—he's my junior brother, why would I harm him!?"
"Enough. Explain it to the police! Nurse, call the police! Restrain him before he escapes!"
"Yes, Dr. Liu!"
Dr. Zhao froze, horrified.
"Don't! I wasn't killing him—!"
Alex stepped in front of him with a solemn expression."Dr. Zhao, I advise you not to move. Otherwise, I may have to defend myself."
Surrounded by medical staff glaring at him, Dr. Zhao could only groan in despair and crouch down.
The police arrived quickly and took Dr. Zhao into custody.
Alex gave his statement firmly and with righteous conviction.
"Cooperating with law enforcement is every citizen's duty. Call me anytime. I'll assist fully."
"We appreciate citizens like you," the officer said.
"Hehe, the people and the police are one family."
Back in the hospital room—
Alex looked at the doctor with concern."Doctor, how is my friend?"
"Miracle," the doctor said gravely."The needle penetrated nearly eight centimeters. It almost pierced his heart. Fortunately, it slipped through a gap. Only mild bleeding, but he needs observation."
Alex sighed dramatically."Doctor, you're right. He must stay and be treated properly. No matter the cost, please save my friend."
The doctor shook his head."For someone unrelated to care this much, while his own senior brother harms him… human nature is truly confusing."
"As confusing as it is cruel," Alex replied seriously. "Let's not dwell on it. It's too painful to think about."
The doctor left.
Alex lowered his head and looked at Ethan, who glared at him with venom in his eyes.
Alex spoke solemnly, one word at a time.
"Brother, rest assured. I will seek justice for you. I will not let the killer escape."
Ethan struggled to lift his hand."S–S–set… my senior brother… free…"
Alex sighed."It's late, and you're still thinking of him? He pretended to be your brother, but he tried to kill you. Rest well. I'll visit tomorrow."
He closed the door gently behind him.
Inside, Ethan closed his eyes in despair.
His rebirth had only brought him greater misery.