Alan's gaze lit up in recognition. He knew the beautiful woman was a player from the Black Sand Corporation.

The Black Sand Corporation's reputation was widespread all around the world as one of the largest private military companies in the world. A behemoth, to say the least.

They were also one of the most active organizations in the world that specialized in providing players to any cities that did not have the ability to fulfill the required numbers to participate in the Apocalypse Game. Of course, they offered their service for a steep price.

The corporation would then use the money to train and constantly get new soldiers. To put it simply, they considered the existence of the Apocalypse Game as part of their business.

As for the girl, she was one of Kal-Umbra's graduates. Before his regression, the woman was known as one of the best sworders in the games. She was also the old master's relative. Looking at their relationship, it was clear how close the Black Sand Corporation and Kal-Umbra were.

The woman walked straight towards the old master. A smile hung on her face, her long, luscious hair fluttering with her movements, her skin giving off an alluring aura under the light. She stopped in front of the old master, and bowed slightly.

"Master, please accept my apologies for coming so abruptly, but I come bearing urgent news."

The girl was so excited she didn't even notice the tense situation from the things happening in the middle of the courtyard between Alan and Nims. It seemed as if nothing was as important as what she was about to say.

Still looking at the old master with reverence and respect in her eyes, she added, "Master, the world's governments have finally requested our help. They require both Kal-Umbra and the Black Sand Corporation to participate in the upcoming Apocalypse Game."

The old master nodded and calmly replied, suggesting that he had anticipated the outcome.

"Yes, Su Yin, we will talk about our participation in a bit, but first things first.…"

He turned to look at Alan, followed by the others, staring and waiting for his decision.

"Have you made your decision, foreigner? Your life, or his?"

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Alan knew from what he had seen in his previous life that the Kal-Umbra never made light of their traditions, so the old master intended to make sure either he or the other man would die. But at the same time, he also had had enough interaction with the old master before his regression, enough to the extent of knowing his character and how to manipulate the event in his favor.

Instead of choosing any given options, Alan decided to say the sentence he had carefully constructed. "Master, the truth is, I will be joining the Apocalypse Games in two weeks. Rather than forcing any of us to die in vain on this floor, please let me and this man prove our honor in the game instead."

In response, the old master laughed boisterously. Amusement was dripping from his tone,

"Foreigner, let it be as you wish."

Without waiting for Alan's response, Master Yi stood up and left the courtyard alongside the girl. They were whispering to each other, seemingly discussing something of great importance.

On the other hand, Alan was relieved he made it through this without losing his life.

He glanced at Nims' who was currently praying, then turned around and left the courtyard. He quickly returned to his room. There, he decided to clean himself, treat his wounds and have a little rest.

A few hours later, Alan woke up from his nap. Now that he had basically graduated from Kal-Umbra, he put on his western clothes and got ready to leave the monastery.

Knock! Knock!

Right as he finished changing and folding his clothes, someone knocked on the door. To his surprise, he saw the woman Su Yin standing in front of him with a flat expression.

She entered the room without saying anything, lightly shoving him aside in the process and walking in as if she owned the place. She looked at Alan from top to bottom; contempt was clear in her gaze, saying,

"Are you leaving already, foreigner?"

Unfazed by her apparent provocation attempt, Alan calmly answered, "Yes, the game is only two weeks away, and I still have something I need to prepare."

Hearing those words, the woman stood up and walked around him, her gaze never leaving him for a second. Alan felt as if he was a piece of antique being scrutinized by an appraiser. Then she leaned closer to Alan and whispered.

"The monastery has accepted many weird people before, but you… you managed to pass the training only in a few weeks, and defeated the unbeatable Nims as well. Tell me, foreigner… who are you?"

She paused for a moment and continued without even waiting for Alan's answer.

"From your looks, you are definitely an American… Are you from the special forces, or perhaps, CIA?"

Alan smiled at her and calmly said, "Actually… I am just a school teacher."

Suddenly, Alan saw a flash of light, and when he came to his senses, he felt the cold touch of a sword's tip aimed at his neck. The girl narrowed her eyes and growled, "Are you mocking me, foreigner?"

Alan, however, stayed calm. He knew the girl would not dare to kill him, at least not while they were in the monastery. He calmly put his finger on the blade and slowly pushed it away.

"No, I am not joking."

Tense seconds passed before the girl smiled and sheathed her sword back, "You are funny… school teacher," she paused for a bit and said, "Come, join my task force for the game. You won't just survive, but you will also be handsomely paid."

A memory from before his regression flashed in his mind as Alan said under his breath, "Yes, we will be in the same task force, but not now. Soon enough…"

It was clear the girl did not understand what he was saying. She rolled her eyes and huffed, "Do all American school teachers love to talk in riddles?"

"Can't exactly say that." Alan shrugged.

The girl nodded in approval, then whispered again, "Then, don't you dare die on me, School teacher." Widening the distance between the two of them, she walked to the door. "I'll see you again in the game."

As soon as the girl left the room, Alan quickly packed up his things, took his small bag, and walked out of the monastery.

As he took a few steps out of the big entrance, a figure was standing near the gate, leaning on a nearby tree.

It was Nims.

The bearded Indian man looked at Alan and said, "The god told me to follow you. Now this will be my creed."