Chapter 71: Shadows Amidst the Light 2
"You don't belong here, Lei."
Lucas sneered, his lip curled with disdain. "Why don't you crawl back to wherever you came from... peacefully."
Laughter erupted from his cronies like a pack of hyenas, their mockery echoing off the polished street walls.
Lei Feng didn't flinch. His icy blue eyes locked onto Lucas.
"What if I say no?"
Lucas' smirk twisted into something darker. "Then I'll make you. Maybe break a few of your bones and send you limping back to the backwater side of the city... where you belong."
"Backwater, huh?" Lei Feng scoffed inwardly. "So that's what they call it here..."
Fragments of Ling Chen's memories surfaced — the harsh divisions of Volaris etched in stone.
> Volaris City was split into three distinct zones:
The Outland, infamously called the Slums — a festering ground of vice, brothels, underground fighting rings, and the black market. A lawless realm where only the ruthless thrived.
The Mainland formed the beating heart of the city — a sprawling realm of tech, magic, and modern civilization. It held the majority of the city's populace and spanned the vast urban stretch. This was where Lei Feng currently lived.
Volaris Prime — the glittering core. Seat of ancient bloodlines, aristocrats, and ruling elites. Entry was strictly controlled, its inner circles sealed by tradition and status.
"To think these brats would call the Mainland a backwater," Lei Feng muttered under his breath.
"Hey! What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" one of Lucas' friends jeered. "You were acting all brave a second ago!"
A chorus of snickers followed, sharp and taunting.
Lei Feng exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. "Come at me, then. Let's see how strong you really are."
His stance shifted subtly — measured, calm, prepared.
> "System, scan the opponent."
DING!
A mechanical chime echoed in his mind.
Name: Lucas Tan
Race: Human
Status: Awakener
Level: 30 (Magic Elite)
Class: Magic Brawler
Threat Level: Minor
"Magic Brawler, huh?" Lei Feng studied Lucas' posture. "Fits him — that brutish frame and overly confident stance. But the word 'magic'… interesting."
> [The Magic Brawler class blends elemental magic with close-range brawling. Users enhance their fists and physical form with their unique elemental affinity, gaining immense strength and endurance.]
"So he's not just muscle. He's a brawler with elemental boosts. That complicates things..."
"IRON FIST!"
Lucas roared as his arm shimmered with silvery energy, transmuting into a gleaming alloy. His fist transformed into solid steel and launched forward with a thunderous crack.
Woosh!
Lei Feng's eyes glinted, cold and calm. Lightning flickered faintly in his irises, his figure flickered like smoke. The punch split the air — but hit nothing.
Lucas skidded, eyes wide. "He dodged?! I aimed dead-on!"
Gritting his teeth, he snarled. "You dodged? Good. That means you'll be wide open for the next one!"
Lei Feng raised a hand, his voice calm. "I don't want to fight. Not here. Not in the city."
"Haha! Did you hear that?" one of Lucas' friends cackled. "He's scared! That last punch must've rattled his brain!"
"Yeah, better run back to the slums!"
Another one added with a grin, "You know who his father is, right? Commander Tan — second only to Lord Vale, head of the city's armed forces!"
Vale...
Lei Feng's eyes narrowed. "That name. Could he be related to Orion Vale?"
Lucas stepped forward, sneering arrogantly. "I can break a few rules in this city and still sleep comfortably in my bed at night."
He jabbed his thumb at his chest.
"Kneel and apologize, and maybe — just maybe — I'll let you leave with your dignity."
Lei Feng sighed.
He finally took his hands out of his pockets. "Then have it your way. But I guarantee... you won't last a minute."
The shift in the air was immediate.
"What?! He's still acting tough?!"
Lucas' face flushed red, veins bulging as energy surged through him.
"Power Punch!"
A silver aura exploded around Lucas' fist as he lunged forward, ground cracking beneath his feet.
Lei Feng vanished in a burst of flickering shadows and sparks.
"Shadowstorm Steps."
Zing!
He reappeared a dozen meters away, perfectly balanced, hair drifting in the wake of unseen wind.
"W-What?! He moved that fast?!"
"He dodged again! It was like—like teleportation!"
"You only know how to dodge, coward?!" Lucas barked, face red with rage.
Lei Feng met his gaze.
"Fine. I'll grant your wish."
He lifted his hand.
"Dark Lightning Manipulation."
A ripple tore through the air. Black lightning sparked to life, the sky dimming briefly as ozone filled the street.
Crackling arcs coiled around Lei Feng's body like living serpents.
> [Dark Lightning Intent — Activated]
From the storm coalesced a blade of pure obsidian lightning, jagged and pulsing with raw power.
Lucas took an instinctive step back. His friends froze, fear overtaking mockery.
Lei Feng no longer looked like a teenager — he looked like a god of storms clad in shadow and lightning.
"Do you still want to continue?"
His voice boomed like distant thunder.
"N-No! You can't—my fath—!"
"I asked you a question," Lei Feng interrupted coldly. "And you failed to answer. That alone... has consequences."
Just as he moved—
Whoosh!
A new figure blurred into existence, landing between them with calm precision.
Clad in a crisp blue shirt and black tactical trousers, a glowing defense badge on his chest, the man bowed politely.
"I'm sorry, sir," the newcomer said. "But fighting is prohibited in the city."
Lei Feng froze mid-step, a bead of sweat trailing down his temple.
"I didn't even sense him until now..."
"Officer Brandon!" Lucas called, relief flooding his voice. "Thank god it's you! That bastard tried to attack us!"
Lei Feng raised a brow. "From your appearance, I assumed you had some dignity. But you're just shameless."
Brandon ignored Lucas entirely. His gaze remained fixed on Lei Feng.
"Such rare control... Those techniques are Rare+, maybe higher. And that black lightning... it's not just lightning, it's a dual-element affinity — darkness and storm. Unheard of."
"Who is this kid?"
He stepped forward.
Lucas grinned. "Yes! Officer Brandon, put him in his place!"
Brandon held up a hand without looking back. "Quiet."
The sudden shift in his tone silenced the crowd.
Lucas flinched. "Wh-What...?"
Brandon exhaled and bowed lightly to Lei Feng. "Apologies for any trouble this young master has caused."
Lei Feng blinked. "At least one of you has sense."
The crowd gawked in silence.
"Wha—Officer Brandon?!"
"I said quiet," Brandon snapped again, his aura flaring briefly, silencing even the breeze.
Lucas stood stiffly, fists clenched."
Lei Feng nodded slightly. "Thanks for settling things."
Brandon observed him closely.
"He's calm under pressure... This kid isn't ordinary. I made the right call."
"No need to thank me," he said with a faint smile. "Just doing my job."
His head tilted curiously. "If I may ask... which noble house or background do you belong to?"
Lei Feng smiled faintly. "I'd rather not say."
"Of course," Brandon nodded. "Enjoy your stay in Volaris Prime."
Lei Feng gave a slight nod and turned.
Once he was far enough away—
"Stealth."
He faded from sight — a ghost wrapped in sparks of black lightning.
Brandon stood still, watching the place he'd vanished from.
"What a mysterious young man..."
Lucas stormed forward. "Why'd you let him go?!"
Brandon turned slowly, his eyes sharp.
"Because he's not someone you want to mess with."
He stepped closer, voice low and grim.
"The Tan family might hold some power here... but the world beyond this city?"
"It's vast. Ruthless. Filled with powers that could crush your entire bloodline without a second glance. Don't let your pride lead you into ruin."
Lucas stood frozen, his fists trembling.
"…I understand."
Brandon began walking off. Then he paused and glanced back.
"And don't even think about revenge."
He glanced back over his shoulder.
"Or you'll regret it."