Somad had three books before him. He had completed the first book he received from Mingliang. Now, all the books were in his hand, and he was free to choose which one he wanted to learn. Previously, Mingliang explained each book's content. Not all the books contained a technique, some only a notes from Mingliang's father and grandfather.

Although Mingliang explained each book's content and importance, he didn't leave any guidance to Somad which books and in which order he should study. Somad had to think about it himself. A few hours ago, the body was walking back and forth near the room where Mingliang and Sari practiced.

He wanted to ask for guidance since Mingliang never prohibited him from doing so. But the boy knew, his teacher wanted him to learn how to solve the problem by himself.

He wasted almost an hour, unable to make a decision. He feared to make mistakes and at the same time, wished he could fulfill his teacher wish. In the end, Somad chose to risk making a mistake. The boy knew why his teacher had decided to leave him such enormous responsibility.

Somad knew he had to prepare for the worst. There wasn't much hope to win the battle. His teacher believed he might lose his life in that battle. Thus, Somad had to survive and save their inheritance on his own.

Somad left the room and went to where he kept all the books.

After spent almost two hours to make a plan, Somad's choice finally left to these three books. One book explained a body strengthening technique. It wouldn't prevent him to practice Xuan Wu body in the future. It wasn't as strong as Xuan Wu body technique, but it still allowed him to withstand a shot from a gun.

The second book was an advance rune technique. Besides introducing several complicated advance runes, it also taught how to combine runes and formed a complex array.

The third book was a complete fist technique, teaching a set of body movement, defense, and offensive skills. It was called The Seven Constellation Fist. The fist art combined martial art with knowledge of runes. It would look great for a demonstration. He could imagine how the fight would resemble a scene in an action movie. A young kid fought and won against several opponents armed with guns.

Somad had browsed through other books. With the three weeks limit of time, only these three were within his current ability to learn, and gain some decent attainment. Personally, the one that caught his interest was the fist art. But the one that fitted with his current direction of learning was the advance rune technique.

He quickly put aside the book that taught body refinement technique. It was time-consuming and lack versatility. Besides work well as a tool for demonstration, it didn't give him further advantage.

Left with two options, Somad spent nearly half an hour. With a heavy heart, the boy put aside The Seven Constellation Fist technique book. As much as he liked the technique, it wouldn't be able to support Sari and Mingliang much during the battle. If he wanted to be useful for them, then he had to choose the advance rune technique.

Somad kept the other two books back to its safe place.

After he made sure all the book secured, he closed his eyes and meditated to calm and clear his mind. About an hour later he opened his eyes. He stretched his body a bit. Feeling refreshed both in body and mind, Somad picked the book and started studying it.

Black Jade, accompanied the boy faithfully. When she saw Somad was busy with his training, the young snake chose a corner for herself and practiced the law given by Mingliang.

Three weeks passed in a blink of an eye. Jim and Anton came several times during that period. Mingliang and Sari never left the room only Somad met them two. As soon as he understood their situation, Jim arranged a catering service to provide their daily needs. So, even Somad focused solely on training during those three weeks.

That morning, Somad wasn't practicing his skill as usual. The boy sat on the back porch quietly. He hung the bronze medal on his neck and then tucked it behind his shirt.

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He was waiting for Jim and Anton.

Today, Somad had to represent his teacher and convince a group of powerful officials in government.

He had checked all his preparation several times. Black Jade now was curled on his wrist, looked like a bracelet from black wooden roots. He had planned all the routines. He even prepared a speech, just in case they wanted him to speak.

Now, he preferred to sit and calm his mind. He didn't want to ruin the meeting today, out of nervousness. He could feel his heart beat faster whenever he started to picture the meeting in his head. Yesterday, he visualized the meeting, thinking about various scenarios that might happen. In the end, he gave up. He had no idea how today's meeting was going to happen. After all, he never had such experience before. So the boy decided to let things took its course.

Somad's faintly heard the sound of a car stopped, the door opened and then closed. And several seconds later, steps of heavy boots on the floor.

The boy stood up, he looked down and saw Black Jade raised her head.

Somad nodded his head, "It's the time Black Jade. Wish me luck."

The snake rubbed her head on Somad's wrist before returned to the shape of a bracelet. Somad didn't wait for Jim and Anton at the back porch. He went out to greet them first.

Jim watched the kid with critical eyes, "Are you ready?"

Somad showed his thumb up, "Just get it on."

Jim turned around and went to his car. Anton waited for Somad to catch up and patted the boy's shoulder, "Don't worry, I know you can do it."

Somad grinned, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's easy for you to say. Just by thinking about it, I almost pissed myself this morning."

Anton laughed, "Well, it seems you're fine."

Somad unconsciously tried to imitate Mingliang's laid back disposition, but he couldn't well hide his nervousness. He was glad, that Anton kept throwing small jokes, helped him to distract his mind from the meeting. He couldn't imagine if there were only Jim and his grim face.

They were on the road, passed the busy hour, and arrived at the police headquarter less than an hour.

Jim didn't lead Somad through the front door. They didn't even enter the main building. He took them through the side yard, crossing a large yard where they used to hold the flag ceremony. Somad didn't ask anything, he followed him blindly, his mind wasn't on the road at all. Anton who didn't have to face the questioning slowly grew restless too.

Quickly they arrived at another building. It was smaller compared to the main building, and the location was a bit reserved. But it was built with better building materials. The moment Jim opened the door, a cold air braved from inside. Somad took a deep breath before he entered.

The air inside was slightly cooler than outside. Faintly Somad could hear the air conditioner hummed. Their steps echoed on the marble floor. Jim led them to the second floor. Following along the corridor, they reached a large meeting room at the end of it.

Jim turned to Somad, "You wait here. I'll call them and arrange the meeting."

Then he turned to Anton, "You know what to do, right?"

Anton nodded, "Sure, no problem. I'll get them here right away."

Jim nodded his head and then left. Somad and Anton stood quietly, listened to the sounds of Jim's steps, clattered on the marble floor.

Anton patted Somad's shoulder, "Okay buddy. I'll leave you for a moment. I'll be right back quickly."

Somad nodded his head. He didn't have his usual grin, and when he asked Anton his voice trembled a bit, "Ugh, so what you got to do anyway?"

Anton caught his nervousness. He laughed and punched the boy's shoulder lightly, "What's wrong? Don't tell me you got a scare?"

Somad blushed a bit, "Who said I got a scare? I just curious."

Anton nodded his head, "Well, that's much better. I'll call several friends of mine. They'll be here to help you with the demonstration."

Somad already got some of his spunk back, the boy put his hand on his pocket and shrugged his shoulder, "Great, I hope they won't disappoint me."

Anton laughed as he left the room. A few minutes later, no one in the building but Somad. The boy looked around the room. It was a large room. Arranged like a classroom, but with better desks and chairs. There was a large empty space at the front. Somad could imagine, he would have to demonstrate his ability there.

Somad didn't have to wait alone for long. He was walking along the room, and counting the chairs to take his mind off the interview when he heard noises coming from the corridor. Somad stopped on his track and watched the door.

A few moments later, Anton and a small group of men came into the room.

When Somad saw Anton's expression, he knew something was wrong.