In the hushed embrace of a moonlit night, Richard's eyes snapped open to a stark reality: he was confined within the sterile confines of a clinic. The antiseptic scent hung heavy in the air, as an eerie stillness gripped the room. Beside his bed stood a nurse, her gaze fixed on him. With a knowing smile, she uttered, 'You're finally awake,' plunging Richard into a labyrinth of uncertainty."
"How long was I out?" Richard asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern. The nurse's lips curved into a reassuring smile as she replied, "Well, it's been about 11 hours, I guess. It's so good to have you back. Everyone was worried," she said, her words a balm to his bewildered mind."
"Someone has been waiting for you," Richard mentioned, his voice a mix of intrigue and anticipation. "He said he's a friend of yours. Are you ready to receive any visitors?" Richard nodded in agreement, his curiosity piqued. "Okay, I will call him to come in," the nurse responded, stepping out of the room. As she left, Richard's mind swirled with thoughts. "Eleven hours? That's way too long," he muttered to himself, a sense of bewilderment settling in.
As he mumbled to himself, Shun walked into the room. "Wow, you're awake now!" he exclaimed with a mixture of relief and delight. "We were so worried. I wanted to make sure you were okay before leaving."
"Leaving?" Richard's voice held a touch of confusion. "Of course. Yes, we are going for a camping trip for our second training phase," Shun explained. Richard's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "Why are you guys going without him?" he asked, determined to join in despite his weakened state, attempting to sit up as he spoke.
As Richard questioned, he couldn't help but notice the disappointment etched on Shun's face. "Sir Jacob was having doubts about your health," Shun began, his tone tinged with empathy. "He felt that if something happened to you during the training, it could jeopardize the whole section. He even mentioned a chance that you might have to go home."
Richard's anger flared, his frustration palpable. "What? I literally finished a hundred rounds! Why does he think I'm not good enough?" His emotions driving him, Richard rose to his feet, determination fueling his actions. "I'm going to talk to him myself," he declared, the fire in his eyes reflecting his unwavering resolve to prove his worth.
As Richard strode towards Sir Jacob's office, his path was abruptly halted by Mike. "Dude, I thought you were gonna die," Mike smirked, his tone laced with a mix of concern and jest. "You better stop acting tough and go home while you still have the chance. Believe me, I hate it when people get in my way." With a sudden intensity, Mike gripped Richard's shirt, pinning him against the wall.
Richard's patience wore thin, his frustration giving way to anger. "Let me go, you fool!" he snapped, his voice edged with authority. He pushed Mike away forcefully, his eyes blazing with determination. "Don't ever try that again," he warned, the words a clear boundary that Mike had crossed.
"Well, we will see how things go from now on," Mike stated, his tone cryptic. "Just know you've played with a lion's tail." With those enigmatic words, he walked away, leaving Richard to digest the warning.
Undeterred, Richard redirected his attention and made his way back to Sir Jacob's office. Knocking on the door, he was granted entry. Inside, Jacob was engrossed in examining a list of names on some papers.
"So glad to see you back on your feet, Richard," Jacob greeted, looking up from his work. "You got all of us worried." The sincerity in Jacob's voice was evident, though Richard couldn't shake the lingering sense that his future hung in the balance.
"I heard that you want to send me home," Richard questioned, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Jacob sighed, his expression a blend of understanding and caution. "Well, I just don't want to take unnecessary risks. You have to understand, Richard. While I admire your resilience, I'm also deeply concerned about your health. I looked at your age, and you're just 18. What makes you think you'll make it this far?"
Richard's determination shone through as he leaned forward, his gaze unyielding. "Because I'm not just any kid who gives up easily. I might be young, but believe me, I can be tough too. I possess all the qualities you're looking for. All you have to do is teach me. Is that too much to ask?" His words carried an earnest plea, a plea for a chance to prove himself.
"Well, you have done nothing to be disqualified," Sir Jacob began, his tone both serious and reassuring. "But I just want you to know one thing." Richard leaned in, his expression expectant. "What's that?" he asked.
Jacob's gaze held a mix of concern and hope. "Please, don't die," he said sincerely. Richard couldn't help but chuckle at the straightforwardness of the request. "No problem, I won't die. Trust me," he replied with a confident grin, his determination to succeed burning even brighter.
"Well, just have some rest. We'll be heading for camp tomorrow. Make sure you're fit enough," Jacob advised, his concern evident. "Even if you miss this second program, you can make it up with the others. Just know how you'll do it."
Richard nodded, his gratitude clear. "No problem, sir. I'll figure it out. Thank you for the chance." He bowed respectfully before leaving Jacob's office, determination coursing through his veins. The road ahead might be tough, but he was ready to meet it head-on.