"That's the reality of this world. The moment you appear weak, someone will take advantage," Caleb said, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of resignation. His broad shoulders nearly brushed the walls of the royal carriage. He takes up so much space.

I sat across from him, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage as it moved along the cobbled road, next to Jane, who was quietly observing the passing scenery. The carriage itself was a sight to behold, painted in vibrant hues of orange, red, and white, with intricate zig-zag patterns adorning the interior. The warm cushions provided comfort against the chill of the impending winter. The air inside was cozy, contrasting with the cold bite of the wind outside, a reminder that winter was fast approaching in Mas Kuli. Despite this, we were journeying southwest, toward a region where snow was but a myth.

I looked at Caleb, intrigued by his words. "Are you referring to what happened to the Fist of God?" I asked.

He yawned, stretching slightly in the confined space, "To anyone, really. It just so happened to happen to them recently. The noble family, who were in the shadows, are now in the spotlight." His gaze shifted to the window, where a solitary flake of snow lazily drifted down, melting as it touched the glass. "That's why Leo is like that. People have to change for violence to end, but it never will."

He turned to Jane, who had been silent throughout the conversation, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the carriage’s lanterns. "What do you think?"

Jane stuttered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and resignation, "I've lived under and around evil, and as much as I wish for it to change, I have to agree. We have to accept it."

I couldn't hold back my response. "Do we?" I interjected, leaning forward slightly, my eyes searching hers for any flicker of hope. "With that defeatist attitude, we will have to accept it. One man can't change the world, but if he rallies others, maybe, just maybe, the world will get just a tiny bit better."

Emma, who had been quietly reviewing a clipboard filled with documents beside Caleb, looked up, her brow furrowed in thought. "That's what we need." she murmured, a hint of determination in her voice. Then, a small smile crept onto her lips as an idea formed. "What if there was one centralized power?"

Caleb chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that filled the carriage. "It's funny you mention that," he said, tilting his head as he regarded Emma. "that's what Leo is trying to achieve. He wants Sun to be the one ruling power of this country."

Jane, who had been listening intently, suddenly spat out, her tone filled with incredulity, "All that power in one person's hands?"

Caleb clicked his tongue, shaking his head slightly. "The Flames would also hold a part of said power." he explained, attempting to diffuse her concern.

I leaned back, slowly closing my eyes as if trying to envision the world we were discussing. "One just power," I said softly, "kept in check by the people, with certain inalienable laws ordained to everyone by a righteous and fair ruler."

The carriage grew silent, each of us lost in thought, contemplating the enormity of such an idea.

Four hours later..

I had learned many things about Caleb during our journey. He had a wife waiting for him in Grand Sasebella, a woman who anchored him and gave his fight purpose. He fought not just for himself but for her, for their shared dreams. It was admirable, but it also complicated things. I wanted to recruit him, to have him on my side, but his loyalty posed a significant problem. Would his allegiance to Leo supersede his loyalty to me or even his own family? Most likely. From everything I had gathered, Leo was a master manipulator, pulling strings and controlling those around him. To truly understand Caleb's devotion, I need to meet Leo in person, to confirm my suspicions.

The carriage slowed to a halt, the sun hanged low in the sky. It was nearly dusk, and the air was beginning to cool. The time had come to set up camp for the night. Caleb reached over to the right windowsill, his large hand gripping a lever. He rolled it down, the window descending smoothly. Leaning out, he shouted to the attendants outside, his voice carrying the authority of someone used to giving orders, "Set up the camp already!"

Stolen novel; please report.

He pulled back inside, a satisfied smile on his face as he turned to us. "Let's go outside, everyone." he said, his tone lightening. "I have something fun for us to do."

"And what's that?" I asked, curiosity sparking as Caleb stepped out of the carriage.

He raised his humongous left arm, muscles bulging beneath his sleeve. "Arm wrestling!" he declared with a grin, the playful challenge lighting up his face.

I stepped aside, letting Jane and Emma exit first. Jane shot Caleb a concerned glance, her brow furrowing. "You're hurt, Caleb. You should rest." she said, her voice soft.

Emma nodded in agreement, placing her clipboard on a makeshift table the soldiers had hastily set up. "We need your recovery to be smooth for what's upcoming." she added.

Caleb's expression softened as he glanced toward the few carts at the back, where the bodies of fallen comrades were solemnly laid. His frown deepened. "The atmosphere has been worrisome," he admitted, a trace of sadness in his voice. "many of our friends died, and I want to introduce some joy again. We need something to lift our spirits, even if just for a moment."

He turned back to Emma, his eyes regaining a bit of their earlier spark. "Emma, bring two chairs and a sturdy table here," he instructed, his voice taking on a gentle coaxing tone.

Emma sighed, shaking her head but relenting. "Only because you convinced me." she muttered, walking off to fulfill his request.

As she moved away, I began rolling up the sleeve of my long jacket, revealing my arm, taut and ready. "Caleb, I know what you're able to do." I said, my voice carrying a slight challenge. "But aren't you underestimating me too much? You know I've transcended."

Caleb's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Weight classes exist."

The table and chairs were brought quickly, and I took my seat on the right side. The soldiers, having completed their duties, began to gather around, forming a tight circle of anticipation and excitement. Their eyes were fixed on the table, eager to witness the upcoming clash of strength.

A large man with a stern expression crossed his arms, leaning slightly forward. "The Piercing Serpent stands no chance." he declared, his voice low and confident. "He's a speed and technique type of martial artist."

Another man, wearing a hoodie that obscured most of his face, nudged him with a grin. "Can technique overcome the Demon Buddha in the first place?" he asked, a note of curiosity in his tone, as if genuinely pondering the odds.

I extended my arm, flexing my fingers as I prepared for the test of strength, "You ready, Caleb?"

Caleb primed his left arm, his muscles coiling like a spring ready to unleash. "Ready as I'll ever be." he responded, his tone calm yet resolute.

Our hands clasped, a brief moment of mutual respect before the battle began. The large man who had spoken earlier placed his hand over ours. "When I let go, go."

He released his hand, and I immediately summoned all my strength, every muscle in my arm firing in unison. My veins pulsed with the effort, and I felt Caleb's arm respond in kind. He didn't budge, but it was clear he wasn't winning without effort either. I pushed harder, my focus narrowing as I noticed his arm begin to lean slightly to the right. I could feel victory within reach. "I can win!" I thought, every fiber of my being straining toward that goal.

Caleb's eyes locked onto mine, his expression darkening with determination.

"Fifty percent."

The force from his arm surged, nearly doubling, and I felt my arm being pushed back, bending uncomfortably in the wrong direction. I clenched my teeth, refusing to yield. I cannot lose this! I gripped tighter and holding on for dear life. "C'mon...!" I grunted, the strain audible in my voice. The soldiers erupted in a chorus of cheers and shouts, their excitement electrifying the air around us. "You got this, Vellin!" Jane cheered, her hands clapping enthusiastically.

Emma joined in, her smile bright as she clapped. "This is good!" she exclaimed.

What if I try implementing Piercing Hand into arm wrestling? The idea formed quickly, a strategy born of necessity. If I try... replicating the twisting motion!

My forearm felt like it was about to burst, but the technique began to take effect. Slowly, I managed to push Caleb's arm back, almost returning to the starting position. Hope surged within me, only for Caleb to smirk, his eyes narrowing further.

"Eighty percent."

He slammed my arm through the table with such force that the wood shattered beneath me, sending splinters and dust flying everywhere. The sound echoed around us, silencing the crowd for a moment as the sheer impact registered in everyone's minds. My arm throbbed from the sudden and overwhelming force, the sting of defeat seeping into my pride. I looked up at Caleb, my breath ragged as I took in his formidable figure. He stood over me, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with exertion. His eyes, still sharp and intense, met mine, and for a moment, we both understood the vast gulf between us in sheer power.

If I'm a serpent, you're an elephant.