That morning, Eric used his father's old cell phone to call his homeroom teacher and ask for a half-day off. His teacher, clearly concerned, repeatedly reminded Eric over the phone to rest and take care of his health. After all, Eric was no longer just an ordinary student; he was someone with **promising potential** in martial sciences.
Even his parents had come to fully believe in Eric's bright future. The enthusiastic concern from his teacher made it clear that everyone was starting to see Eric as someone who had a real chance at succeeding in martial sciences. Even his previously doubtful sister, Amy, had to admit that her big brother hadn't been exaggerating. The young girl was beginning to question her own reality—how could her ordinary brother actually be on the verge of getting into martial sciences?
Seeing her incredulous expression, Eric couldn't help but smile wryly.
...
Soon, his parents left for work, Amy went to school, and Eric was left alone in the house. Though it was quiet upstairs, Eric was certain that the mysterious tenant, Jackson, was still home. Jackson was like a hardcore recluse—Eric almost never saw him leave the house except to get food.
Other reclusive types might stay home to browse the internet, watch TV, or do other activities, but not Jackson. Eric was sure Jackson didn't use the internet or watch TV—the upstairs network had been disconnected for a while, and the television had never been turned on. What was this man, who spent his days cooped up in his apartment, planning?
Eric couldn't shake the suspicion that Jackson was lurking by the window or had his ear pressed against the floor, listening for any sounds from Eric's apartment. He didn't know whether knights had enhanced senses, like superhuman hearing, but he figured it was best to be cautious. So even at home, Eric remained on guard, careful not to say anything out of line.
Even when he had gone upstairs to test Jackson, everything from calling in sick that morning to going about his routine was done meticulously, without arousing suspicion. Taking things slow would ensure he didn't slip up.
...
Instead of rushing upstairs to make his move, Eric took his time walking around the house, then put on his jacket and slipped the small bottle of drugged liquid into his sleeve, with the bottle's opening facing his palm. He practiced a few times with a cup in the kitchen, making sure he could quickly pour the liquid into the water unnoticed. Only after he felt confident did he relax.
The drug didn't seem to have any noticeable smell, but Eric still wanted to be cautious. He poured a little of it into a glass of water and took a small sip to test it. His tongue carefully tasted it, but it was no different from regular water. Satisfied, Eric quickly spat it out, relieved that there was no strange aftertaste. A smile crept onto his face.
It was colorless, tasteless, and even more effective than he'd hoped. Even if Jackson, as a knight, had heightened senses, he wouldn't immediately notice anything unusual.
Eric was confident that no matter how wary Jackson was, it was impossible for him to be on high alert all the time, especially since Eric was just a seemingly harmless high school student. Jackson wouldn't expect someone like him to resort to drugging him.
At around 9 a.m., Eric got up and went into the kitchen. He picked up the kettle and said to himself, "There's no hot water left in the house? I can't take my medicine without hot water!" With a sigh, Eric grabbed a few cold medicine tablets and a cup, then headed out the door.
...
**Upstairs**
*Knock, knock, knock!*
Jackson, who had been rummaging through a package, froze when he heard the knocking. His expression darkened slightly. He quickly stuffed the package under the couch and held his breath, staying perfectly still.
"Uncle, are you home?"
The voice outside made Jackson frown even more. It was that kid again! He had been keeping a low profile here to avoid contact with anyone, yet this boy had come twice in two days?
Annoyed, but not wanting to draw suspicion, Jackson decided to answer. "I'm here, coming!"
...
**At the Door**
Jackson opened the door, wearing his usual friendly smile. "Not at school today?"
Eric rubbed his forehead, feigning frustration. "I've been feeling a bit dizzy lately—maybe too much stress. I took the morning off. Uncle, do you have any hot water? I need to take some medicine, but we're out of hot water at home. It'll take a while to boil, so I thought I'd ask you."
Jackson was even more irritated now. *You're really treating me like a convenient neighbor, huh? Coming to borrow hot water?* But keeping his irritation hidden, he maintained his smile. "I've got hot water. Come on in."
"Thanks, Uncle. Sorry for the trouble."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Eric entered the apartment with his cup. Jackson pointed to the kitchen. "The kettle's over there. Need help?"
"No, no, Uncle, it's fine. I'll get it myself," Eric quickly waved off the offer. Glancing at the half-drawn curtains on the balcony, he casually asked, "Uncle, are your curtains broken? Why's it so dark in here?"
"They're not broken."
"Oh, I thought they might be," Eric said, feigning nonchalance.
Jackson sighed inwardly. *This kid sure is nosy. Even asking about the curtains?* But now that Eric had mentioned it, Jackson realized that keeping the curtains drawn during the day was indeed a bit odd. He walked over to the balcony and pulled them open.
Seeing this, Eric inwardly sighed with relief. He had planned this in advance and successfully lured Jackson to the balcony. If Jackson hadn't fallen for it, Eric had a backup plan, but fortunately, it wasn't needed.
While Jackson was at the balcony, Eric quickly entered the kitchen, picked up the kettle, poured himself a cup of hot water, and then swiftly pulled out the drugged bottle from his sleeve, quietly pouring the knockout drug into the kettle.
After finishing, he stashed the bottle back in his pocket, resealed the kettle, and left the kitchen with his cup of water.
By the time Eric reached the living room, Jackson had already pulled the curtains open and was walking back toward the kitchen. Eric kept his face calm, smiled, and said, "Thanks for the water, Uncle."
"No problem," Jackson replied shortly, clearly getting impatient. *Now that he's got his water, he should be leaving, right?*
However, Eric had no intention of leaving yet. He knew he needed to see Jackson drink the drugged water for the plan to succeed. If he left now and Jackson drank the water later, Eric wouldn't know if the plan had worked or not.
Trying to buy more time, Eric pretended to be engrossed in the TV, watching the program playing. Inside, though, he was getting anxious. *When is this guy going to drink the water?*
After about half an hour, Jackson still hadn't touched the water. Frustrated, Eric stood up with his cup and said, "Uncle, I'm feeling really thirsty. I'm going to get a refill and pour you a cup too."
Jackson didn't even have time to refuse before Eric was already in the kitchen, refilling both his own cup and one for Jackson. Jackson, trying to keep his patience, nodded without saying much.
Returning to the living room, Eric once again pretended to be absorbed in the TV, as if completely forgetting about the water. It was a psychological trick—when someone has a drink in front of them, even if they're not thirsty, they'll often take a sip out of habit.
Sure enough, after a few minutes, Jackson, feeling bored, shifted in his seat and absentmindedly picked up his cup. Eric's heart raced, but he kept his face neutral, watching the TV as if nothing was happening. He even pretended to be caught up in the show, shouting, "Come on, score already!"
Jackson, sensing nothing unusual, took a large gulp of the water, downing more than half of it in one go.
Seeing this, Eric finally let out a sigh of relief. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he stood up and said, "Oh no! I think I left the gas on at home. I'd better go check, Uncle."
Jackson was more than happy to see him go and smiled, "Sure, come by anytime."
Acting flustered, Eric hurried toward the door. "Thanks again, Uncle! I'll come back after I've checked."
Jackson forced a smile as he watched him leave, inwardly regretting saying, *Come by anytime? Why'd I say that?*
After closing the door, Jackson rubbed his temples, feeling a little dry in the mouth. He finished the rest of the water without thinking much of it.
With Eric gone, Jackson retrieved the package he had hidden under the couch and continued going through it. He suddenly remembered that Eric had said he might come back, so he took the package into his bedroom to avoid it being seen.
---