Sophia was surprised—John's confidence wasn't forced or boastful.
It was inborn.
And just like that, she believed in him.
As the tension lingered in the air, a man appeared and approached, his gaze falling immediately on Brian who was still on the ground. He spoke, his voice edged with concern, "What happened to you, Brian?"
"Mr. Tennat…" Brian quickly got to his feet, his demeanor suddenly respectful.
It was Hardy Tennat.
As Hardy drew closer, his eyes caught the distinct red imprint and bruising on Brian's face. His brow furrowed in confusion.
"Who slapped him?" Hardy asked in disbelief. "Who would even dare?"
His sharp gaze swept across the crowd—then settled on John.
But Hardy didn't quite buy it. John was, in his eyes, just a Robust Master. Could someone at that level really do this to Brian?
Still, Hardy's confusion grew deeper as Brian, lips trembling, explained the situation.
To Hardy's surprise, Brian didn't deny the truth.
In fact, Brian's cautious attitude intrigued him.
After listening carefully, Hardy tilted his head and smiled knowingly. "Brother John, you're no mere Robust Master, are you?"
Brother John?
Everyone around froze—including Brian.
In the eyes of onlookers, John and Hardy were anything but allies. It was unthinkable for Hardy to speak to him that way.
John raised an eyebrow and replied lightly, "Alas! You've seen through me. I'm not just a Robust Master."
Hardy stepped forward, voice sincere. "Brother John, I owe you an apology for what happened at the banquet. I lost control. I hope you can forgive me."
John looked amused. "Really? You're asking me for forgiveness when you've been the one refusing to forgive all along?"
Hardy bowed slightly and continued, "Please, forgive my outburst. I couldn't control my temper that day… but with my father's help, I've realized how foolish I was."
He offered a calm smile, seemingly genuine.
John responded with the same measured tone, "Well, Mr. Tennat, if what you say is true, then I believe you'll go far."
"I certainly hope so."
Hardy turned to Sophia, eyes sincere. "Miss Long, you've made the right choice."
Sophia blinked, unsure how to respond. The moment felt… off.
Hardy had never addressed her so politely before. Something wasn't adding up.
This sudden change in demeanor—it wasn't like him.
It didn't feel real.
Still smiling, Hardy turned back to Brian. "Brian, let's just forget what happened today. They're my friends."
"…Got it." Brian nodded, clearly not daring to protest.
With that, Hardy gave them all a courteous nod and walked over to a stone bench at the edge of the playground, where he casually took a seat.
Brian hesitated, then turned to Sophia. His expression was conflicted. "You should rest for today and forget what happened. Since Mr. Tennat has spoken, we'll leave it at that."
He gave John one last glance, filled with caution and fear, then silently walked toward Hardy.
Sophia remained rooted to the spot. She wasn't being told to leave anymore—but she wasn't comforted by that either.
Hardy's behavior had been too abnormal.
Something was definitely wrong.
The unease lingered until the next day.
That morning, Brian informed her that she'd be training at the Zephyr Wolf-Hunting Ground.
It was a name that all newly admitted students were familiar with. It was one of the school's core facilities—a harsh proving ground for those determined to become true martial artists.
The place existed to provide real combat experience—battlefield pressure, adrenaline, fear. It was how the school forged warriors.
But Sophia remembered the strict criteria.
Newcomers weren't allowed in—not until they had passed all the basic training stages.
She had barely begun.
It didn't make sense.
When she questioned it, Brian simply explained that she was receiving special training, and that the wolf-hunting ground would help her progress faster.
Sophia didn't dare argue, but the unease didn't leave her. Instead, she confided in John.
After hearing her out, John chuckled. "Maybe Brian has a point. Don't worry. I'm sure he won't let anything happen to you."
Sophia still looked conflicted.
Just then, Brooke—her uncle—spoke up with concern in his voice. "I'm not comfortable letting my niece go alone. I'd feel better if Mr. Lopez could accompany her."
Sophia turned to John, eyes filled with hope.
Only he could make her feel safe.
John glanced briefly at Brian, then gave her a small nod. "Alright. I'm free anyway."
Sophia blinked. "You can enter?"
Her voice carried the worry that had been building inside her. The Zephyr Wolf-Hunting Ground wasn't open to outsiders. Only those affiliated with the Martial Arts League or the Martial Arts School were permitted. And John didn't belong to either.
John simply smiled. "We'll see. If I can't get in, I'll wait for you at the gate."