About half an hour later, Shang Xiuheng arrived at the foot of Alexander's building in a police car.

"Han Shao, whatever you need, just say the word."

"You drove a police car here on a Sunday?" Alexander sighed, feeling a headache coming on.

"Using the work car doesn't cost me fuel," Shang Xiuheng replied with a smug grin.

"Misusing public property, don't get reported," Alexander warned.

"Don't worry, I'll take responsibility myself." Always the smooth talker, Shang Xiuheng's rise to the police force had surprised his classmates, and his swift promotions in the criminal investigation department were even more shocking.

"To Baxialing Park."

"That far and secluded? What do you have planned?" he asked, crossing his arms with a mock fearful expression.

"Less talk, just drive," Alexander couldn't be bothered to explain.

They drove to the outskirts, with Alexander sipping canned coffee to stay alert, finding a particularly secluded spot.

He retrieved an M1911 pistol, and to Shang Xiuheng's amazement, attached a silencer to it.

"I want to practice shooting. That's why I asked you to come," Alexander explained as he loaded bullets into the M1911's magazine.

"Are you planning a murder spree or setting something on fire?" Shang Xiuheng joked, but with a trace of unease.

"Enough joking. I need you to teach me combat techniques and how to handle weapons. But you can't ask me why. I can't reveal anything."

"It's not illegal, is it?"

"Certainly not."

"And you're not going to tell me more..."

"No questions. If I'm not saying, there's a reason," Alexander gave him a meaningful look.

"You've competed in several shooting championships, won two, learned martial arts since childhood, and recently started MMA. Your skills are not lacking, which is why I want to learn from you."

With only three months, Alexander couldn't afford to waste time. He needed someone to teach him quickly and effectively, improving his combat readiness.

"You really know how to make trouble," Shang Xiuheng said, scratching his chin, but didn't press for details.

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"In three months, I need to develop a meaningful level of combat proficiency."

"That's a tall order. Three months isn't much time," Shang Xiuheng shook his head, sighing.

"I know your stubborn nature. You won't tell me, and I won't ask. But just remember not to do anything illegal. I can't cover for you."

"Don't worry."

Alexander smiled, patting his friend's shoulder. Xiuheng's willingness to help proved their friendship was well-founded.

"I'll create a comprehensive training plan for you. You'll need lots of equipment. Get ready, because this coach won't go easy on you," Shang Xiuheng grabbed the M1911, glancing at Alexander. "You can't practice shooting here; it's too risky. I'll find you a better spot."

Alexander could only respond with a wry smile.

...

Carmen sat, covered in blood, beneath a massive locust tree; in the distance, flames engulfed a private villa.

The blood wasn't his own. With the power he had harnessed from the Evil Spirit Space, he was a force no ordinary person could withstand.

"Xiaoyu, Ah Ye, I've avenged you by taking down those beasts. Soon, I'll join you."

Quietly, he lit a cigarette, sitting silently under the desolate night sky.

...

Alexander's days turned routine, almost mundane, yet occupied.

By day, he worked at the forensic laboratory. In his spare time, he focused intensely on training—shooting, practicing combat techniques, learning to use equipment, and engaging in extensive basic training.

Shang Xiuheng found him an abandoned factory for shooting practice—spacious, empty, and isolated, equipped with makeshift gear like barbells and sandbags.

"My dad invested in this project, but it tanked. At least we secured the land. It might turn into a mall someday, but for now, it's perfect for your needs."

Shang Xiuheng's father was one of the wealthiest in the city, with a heritage rooted in overseas Chinese connections, many relatives still abroad.

Xiuheng, the "capricious" wealthy kid, had no interest in family business, opting instead for the police force—a move that stunned many.

However, three months was a short time. Generally, it wouldn't suffice to learn much, yet the Evil Spirit Seed boosted Alexander's physical capacity by 0.2 times, allowing him to endure rigorous training. Though not massively accomplished, the progress was better than nothing.

During these three months, he arranged his affairs.

He transferred funds from the money cards directly via banking (peculiarly, the cards functioned like credit cards). The 2.47 million RMB was split into two accounts: one for his foster father's savings, the other for his uncle and aunt who had cared for him—they were his foster father's older brother and wife, a childless couple living on modest pensions.

Orphaned early, Alexander had a reclusive nature, few friends beyond close ones like Shang Xiuheng. His existence was largely solitary.

"Pity, I still can't clear my dad's name."

Sitting at home, Alexander reviewed the Evil Spirit Space interface, noting the precise timing for the next entry.

"Tent, sleeping bag, backpack, canned food, headlamp, canteen, magnesium rod, windproof matches, flashlight, compass, water purifier, sleeping bag, insect repellent, antidiarrheal medicine, iodine, band-aids, climbing rope, plus hook rods and fishing line—these filled the internal spaces."

The Evil Spirit Space's internal storage was limited to small cabinet-sized compartments.

Recently, he’d read some infinite-genre novels where characters had large storage rings or space backpacks—his current capacity paled in comparison.

"I wonder if this Evil Spirit Contract can upgrade. If the space expanded, I could carry more."

As he idly pondered in these final waiting moments, a beam of light materialized before him, forming a radiant portal.

"It's here."

He felt no fear; instead, anticipation thrilled him, as if born with a spirit to seek adventure and excitement.

No, his heart had long been replaced by cold gears and an enigmatic "fragmented" tome.

With a cold, confident smile, Alexander stepped firmly into the portal of light.