At the underground training field of Edess Academy.
Valk held his personal terminal, quietly listening to the voice on the other end, conveying news about Grid.
“Last night, he disappeared after entering Alley 142 in the Water Rat Zone and hasn’t been seen since. The place is now empty—no body, no traces.”
This was followed by other related information and speculations.
…
“I understand. Thank you.” Valk ended the call, his gaze fixed on the mirror in the training room.
Compared to other students at the academy, Valk’s physique was exceptionally robust. His well-defined muscles, thick fingers, and an aura of subdued intensity set him apart—qualities that most students, who had grown up in the sheltered environment of the academy, lacked.
It was no wonder that, despite his humble origins, Valk attracted considerable attention at Edess Academy, even earning admiration from daughters of prominent families.
However, Valk was not swayed by such affections. He knew that nothing was certain yet. What others saw was only his potential. If his future performance failed to meet the expectations of these influential figures, all of his current privileges could be taken away.
He was no longer a naive child who indulged in fanciful dreams.
“Grid…” he murmured, softly repeating the familiar yet increasingly distant name.
After sitting quietly in the lounge for half an hour, Valk stood up, entered the nearby shower room, cleaned himself, and changed into a crisp uniform before leaving the underground training field.
He went straight to the office of the teacher who oversaw his development.
After hearing Valk’s request, the teacher shook his head.
“Valk, while Edess Academy has a great reputation, it’s not omnipotent. Or, to be precise, you currently don’t have the strength to make such demands.”
“Helping and supporting you is one thing, but helping your friend is another matter entirely. We cannot assist every friend of our students. Offering support to students themselves is already a significant display of goodwill.”
“I’m not here to judge your friend, but as your teacher and senior, I must tell you that someone like him will only drag you down. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself in greater danger because of him.”
“I know this might upset you, but it’s the truth. The academy isn’t a charity organization, and it cannot endlessly accommodate your personal desires and needs.”
“Ah, fine… I’ll use my limited authority to have the information department keep an eye on your friend’s whereabouts. But if there’s still no news, there’s nothing more I can do.” Finally, out of consideration for Valk’s potential as a rising star, the teacher agreed to help.
“Thank you very much, Teacher.” Valk stood straight, bowing deeply in gratitude.
“No need to thank me, but you must figure out a way to ensure this kind of situation doesn’t happen again,” the teacher advised meaningfully.
“I understand, Teacher.” Valk then took his leave.
He grasped the underlying goodwill in his teacher’s words. Though not eloquent, Valk was far from foolish; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been admitted to Edess Academy.
Still… abandoning Grid entirely was something he found difficult to do.
On that snowy night many years ago, had they not supported each other, they might have frozen to death in the wild. Those memories, along with the scars on his body, were constant reminders.
While talent knows no birthright, geniuses born in impoverished circumstances often face harsher trials. These trials could stem from discordant families, ignorant parents, traumatic childhoods, the entanglement of past close relationships, or the ill intent of others.
It isn’t that poor people are inherently bad, but when resources are scarce, resisting the urge to act selfishly can be immensely challenging.
Many adults teach children to be generous—to share their toys and snacks. But for children, giving away a cherished toy might mean never seeing it again, and sharing their treats could mean not knowing when they might taste such things next.
Adults calculate the value of toys and snacks based on their income. These items are trivial for them and easily replaceable, so they don’t feel the loss.
For children without income, however, these things may be their only treasures, painstakingly acquired. Sharing often means permanent loss, so they hesitate.
Teaching children to share is simple if they have an abundance of toys and snacks. Sharing one becomes easy. But in poverty, kindness is much harder to cultivate.
Valk’s childhood was far from happy. He had lived on the brink of death, and while others might see Grid as despicable and unprincipled, Valk understood him. People struggling on the margins often have little choice about being “good.” Even if such a friend was a burden—even if it risked dragging him down—Valk couldn’t simply sit by and watch him die like a stray dog while he enjoyed comfort and accolades in a warm, cozy room.
…
The wait was long and agonizing. By the time Valk received news again, it was already the following afternoon.
“Apparently, he was captured by a mercenary from the underground. This individual is quite famous in the underworld.”
“The capture was ordered by a hidden major corporation, and the ‘Three Pointer Workshop’ has also sent people to handle it. If we interfere, we’ll face significant resistance.” The implication was clear: the academy could not entangle itself in a patent dispute between two corporations for Valk’s sake.
“I understand. Can you at least tell me the approximate location?” Valk pressed further.
Despite repeated denials, under Valk’s insistence, the person finally relented.
“Sala Tree Module, North Leaf Street, Number Five. This information came from the ‘Three Pointer Workshop,’ which is also tracking Grid’s whereabouts.”
“Thank you.” After ending the call, Valk searched his room for his combat training gear and began suiting up.
Though it was only training gear, Edess Academy’s wealth meant its protective capabilities were on par with standard exoskeleton armor. Once fully equipped, only Valk’s dark eyes were visible, with the rest of his body covered in deep gray steel armor.
After checking his appearance in the mirror, Valk put on a large coat to conceal the fitted armor. For his head, he pulled up the coat’s oversized hood.
Fully prepared, he grabbed an emergency lightsaber hilt, tucked it into his waist, and left his residence.
Soon, a hovercar sped out of the academy, heading southwest toward the Sala Tree Module.