"Thank you for the warning, Senior. However, as the saying goes, 'the sharpest sword is forged through the harshest fire, and the sweetest fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitterest cold,'" Howard replied with a light chuckle.
"Without trials and tribulations, how can a young man grow? I'd prefer to face this enemy on my own."
It wasn't arrogance on Howard's part but an understanding that if the Alliance were to take action, they wouldn't go too far.
Given the disparity between his apparent and actual abilities, he felt confident enough to handle whoever the Alliance might send.
What Howard didn't expect, however, was that his enemy was not from the Alliance.
Rick Suleiman studied Howard carefully, then nodded in approval. "Impressive. I haven't misjudged you.
That's why I let that person go. If you change your mind, you can always come to me; I've taken the liberty of doing something to him."
