Chapter 3

North China, Hebei Province, Shenzhou City, March 20, 2030 — 10:05 AM

Tiang woke up with a start, gasping for air. He rubbed his face, disturbed by the nightmare.

— What the hell was that...?

A dream? No, it felt far too real.

The young man shook his head and tried to shake off the memories of his sleep. But he didn't have time to think about it any longer.

A hand slammed down onto his shoulder.

— Hey, you little shit... Come here for a moment.

Tiang felt his stomach knot. He recognized that voice. Even before turning around, he knew what was coming.

Two boys grabbed him immediately and dragged him down a dark hallway. There were three of them in total. Bullies. His tormentors.

And, as always, he knew no one would come to help him.

One of them kicked him in the stomach, knocking the breath out of him. Tiang collapsed to the floor, gasping for air.

— You think we're idiots?! spat the toughest one. You talked to the teacher, huh?!

Another one crushed his hand under his shoe, pressing down slowly. Pain exploded in his fingers.

— Stop... Tiang murmured, his voice trembling. P-please...!

His plea only fueled their sadism. A chuckle. Then a steel bar slammed into his side.

Tiang gritted his teeth, stifling a cry. He searched with his eyes for a sign of help, a sympathetic gaze, someone who would dare to intervene. But all he saw were the silent shadows of those who preferred to look away.

It was at that moment that a voice rang out, clear and sharp as a blade.

— Let him go.

Meilin stood there, upright, her dark gaze locked with that of the aggressors.

The three boys exchanged amused glances. One of them, Wen, approached with an obscene smile.

— Well, well… If it isn't the little Buddhist saint. He lingered over her body with a lecherous look.

— You're really hot, actually... He reached for her chest. You wanna hang out with us instead of this loser?

He never had time to finish his gesture.

Tiang, despite the pain burning in his ribs, raised his fist and smashed it into Wen's face.

A dull thud. Wen staggered backward, his nose shattered.

— You son of a bitch! one of the others shouted, immediately striking Tiang in the face.

Tiang collapsed again, punches raining down on him relentlessly. Until everything stopped, a heavy silence fell over the hallway. Tiang, half-conscious, saw something strange. Tao, one of his tormentors, was frozen. His eyes were wide open, filled with absolute terror.

— What... What monster are you...? he stammered, mouth open, staring at Meilin.

The other two turned toward her, confused.

— Hey, Tao, what the hell's going on with you?! Jin snapped.

But Tao didn't answer. He backed away, the horror painted on his face, and suddenly fled without a word. Jin and Wen exchanged an anxious look before turning on their heels.

— Tss... We're leaving. He pointed an accusatory finger. I'll find you at the exit, and you're a dead man, Tiang.

The three disappeared, leaving behind a heavy silence. Tiang turned toward Meilin, who simply looked at him with an unreadable expression.

— What did he see...? Tiang murmured, still dazed.

Meilin didn't answer.