Chapter 12: The Clash Ignites
After the tense hours of study, Minh Hoang couldn't shake off the thoughts of the Elite Assembly. From To Nhuan to Duat Van, Hao Thien, and now the old faces that had become even more determined, everyone seemed to be pushing Minh Hoang into a world he didn't want to participate in, yet couldn't escape.
As Minh Hoang walked into the schoolyard during break, the thoughts still swirled in his head. Passing by a row of benches, he unexpectedly encountered Ngoc Han. She was sitting there reading a book, her eyes sparkling under the sunlight. Upon seeing Minh Hoang, she smiled brightly, her gaze somewhat gentler than usual.
"What are you thinking about?" Ngoc Han asked, her voice soft yet full of curiosity.
Minh Hoang stopped, feeling slightly surprised by her concern. "Just... things related to the Elite Assembly."
Ngoc Han didn't seem surprised. She closed her book, looking at Minh Hoang with a focused gaze. "Will you participate?"
That gentle question made Minh Hoang feel a bit of pressure. He didn't want to participate, yet felt like he couldn't stand on the sidelines. Ngoc Han knew this, but she didn't urge him, only quietly observed him.
"Participating or not isn't important. What's important is what you'll face after stepping into this battle," Ngoc Han said, her eyes sharp as if she had seen through the hesitation in Minh Hoang's heart.
Minh Hoang couldn't help but feel a bit worried at Ngoc Han's words. He didn't think that this competition could affect him so much. But deep down, he knew that participating or not participating wasn't just his own choice, but also related to his relationship with Duat Van, Hao Thien, and everyone around him.
"What do you think of To Nhuan?" Minh Hoang suddenly asked, curiosity evident on his face.
Ngoc Han raised an eyebrow, her eyes a bit surprised. "She... is unlike others. I heard To Nhuan is new, but her aura is very different. Although her background is unclear, I can't underestimate her."
Minh Hoang nodded, feeling Ngoc Han's words made sense. To Nhuan was different. She wasn't noisy, wasn't arrogant, but always made others feel the coldness and determination in every word, every gesture. Minh Hoang couldn't help but suspect that this girl had something that wasn't simple.
"Do you think I should participate?" Minh Hoang asked, his eyes looking at Ngoc Han as if seeking guidance.
Ngoc Han smiled, but that smile wasn't entirely gentle. "Don't let the things around you control your decision. If you don't participate, that's fine. But if you decide to participate, remember that in this battle, not everyone plays by the rules."
Minh Hoang felt that Ngoc Han's words were somewhat ominous, yet very realistic. He understood that this competition wasn't just a battle of wits, but also a covert war of relationships, power, and acceptance.
"Thank you," Minh Hoang said softly, although in his heart he hadn't completely decided.
Ngoc Han just smiled, her eyes a bit encouraging. "Just don't let yourself get too caught up in that vortex."
Minh Hoang nodded, feeling a bit reassured, but couldn't avoid the confusion. He stood up, preparing to return to class, but Ngoc Han's eyes still followed him. Anyway, in that moment, Minh Hoang felt a great deal of encouragement from her.
As for the Elite Assembly competition, the battle never showed signs of stopping. Minh Hoang couldn't stay out of it any longer, but he also didn't know what challenges he would face when entering this battle.
Would he win or just be a pawn in the hands of others?