Chapter 29: The Road to Strength

The sun had barely risen, casting a dim orange glow over the abandoned warehouse. Jackim stood outside, his breath misting in the crisp morning air. Every inch of his body ached from yesterday's brutal training, but he was here.

Zhou had made it clear—this wasn't just training. This was survival.

As he stepped inside, the air was thick with the sound of flesh meeting flesh, grunts of pain, and the steady rhythm of disciplined footwork. Fighters were already sparring, their movements sharp and lethal.

Zhou was waiting.

"You're late," he said, though Jackim had arrived exactly on time.

Jackim exhaled. He knew what this was. Another test.

"I'm here," he said simply.

Zhou smirked. "Then let's begin."

Breaking the Weakness

Jackim had expected more combat, but Zhou had something else planned.

A steel rod was placed in Jackim's hands. It was heavy, the cold metal biting against his palms.

"Run," Zhou ordered.

Jackim blinked. "Run where?"

"Around the city. With that on your back. Don't come back until sunset."

Jackim stared at him. Was he serious?

Zhou didn't blink.

Jackim clenched his teeth and turned toward the door.

The moment he started running, he realized just how hellish this was going to be.

---

The weight of the rod dug into his shoulders, his muscles screaming in protest. Every step felt like dragging chains through quicksand.

As he ran through the streets, people turned to stare.

A group of rich college students near a café snickered.

"Look at that idiot."

"Is he homeless or just insane?"

"Probably some fool trying to show off."

Jackim ignored them.

His legs burned. His back throbbed. But he kept running.

Hours passed.

By midday, sweat drenched his shirt, sticking to his skin like a second layer. His body begged him to stop.

Then, in the distance—a familiar voice.

"Jackim?"

He froze.

Melissa.

She stood near a sleek black car, her arms crossed, her beautiful features twisted in amusement. Beside her was a tall man in an expensive suit—her new boyfriend.

"Wow," she laughed. "You look… awful."

Jackim said nothing.

Her boyfriend smirked. "Is this what you do for fun now? Carrying metal around like a pack mule?"

Jackim exhaled. Keep moving.

He stepped forward.

Melissa's smile faded slightly. "Are you seriously ignoring me?"

Jackim walked past her without a word.

Her boyfriend scoffed. "Pathetic."

Jackim didn't stop.

Let them talk. Let them laugh.

He had something bigger to prove.

---

By the time he reached the warehouse again, the sky was painted in deep hues of red and violet. He had done it.

Zhou was waiting.

Jackim dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. His body was beyond exhaustion.

Zhou looked down at him. "What did you learn?"

Jackim gritted his teeth. His mind replayed the laughter, the insults, the ache in his bones.

"...That I'm still weak."

Zhou smirked. "Good. That means you can still grow."

Jackim clenched his fists.

He wasn't done yet.