Chapter 79: The Old Fox, Dishonorable and Cunning

After leaving the classroom, the sunlight was no longer so harsh; the golden hues of dusk had already begun to emerge. The endless sky was tinged with a dusky yellow, with a faint blush of red seeping through.

The entire academic building was steeped in silence, creating a stark contrast with the lively, bustling club building not far away. It was said that during this time of day, just walking around that building would infect even the most indifferent soul with the youthful, passionate atmosphere within. Especially as competition days approached, all kinds of friendships, romances, and fervor would erupt, colliding and intertwining within that modest six-story building.

Haruhito Harano walked out of the classroom with his backpack slung over his shoulder, no one by his side. Yuriko had already gone to her club activities; just thinking about the girl's earlier mood made him want to laugh.

Lost in thought, Haruhito stepped outside the teaching building. As soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs, a loud shout pierced the air.

"One more time!"

He turned his head and, peering through the open glass windows of the club building, caught sight of a boy no taller than 171 centimeters leaping into the air. The height he reached seemed almost as if he were flying; his whole body curved into a C-shape as a volleyball, guided as if by navigation, landed perfectly in his hands.

With a resounding smack, the ball collided with his broad palm. In the next instant, a sharp whistle cut through the air as the volleyball shot out like a meteor, slamming into the ground and bouncing high. The opposing team hardly had time to react.

The boy landed and excitedly rushed to high-five his teammate, the one who had just set up the pass, but the other wore a look of cold indifference.

This was the National High School volleyball club, renowned in its day—a once-glorious team, though for reasons unknown, it had since fallen from grace.

Ah, the former champions…

It wasn't until the sweet-faced club manager, busy taking notes on the sidelines, offered him a gentle smile that Haruhito snapped back to reality. He nodded politely and left.

He recalled hearing from Heisuke that this year's volleyball team had recruited several star junior high players, and even one, only 1.70 meters tall, who could jump to a height of 2.03—a little monster with a real shot at making nationals and perhaps going far.

It must have been that boy. Such athletic prowess was truly terrifying.

Exiting the school, Haruhito saw a black, extended Toyota parked at the gate.

Haruhito merely glanced at it and walked on. At National High, luxury cars were a common sight—nothing to marvel at.

No doubt another family had come to pick up their young master or lady. What a detestable bunch, born free from worries…

He shot a cursory glance at the tinted luxury windows and was about to leave when a burly man in a black suit blocked his path.

Even with Haruhito’s impressive height of 1.83 meters, he had to look up at the man.

"Haruhito Harano? Please come with us," the man rumbled in a low voice—clearly some young master or lady’s bodyguard.

Was this some kind of vendetta? Could it be because of Seiryo Miroku? Which one could it be—the judo club captain or the kendo club captain?

The bystanders took one look and hurried off, eager to avoid trouble.

Haruhito narrowed his eyes and quickly began to strategize. No matter the reason, best to simulate the elite-level combat module first. He had meant to study it at home, but now caution was paramount.

He summoned the virtual panel and confirmed the option flashing "Simulation Available."

In an instant, the scene before him changed. The impatient bodyguard and curious onlookers vanished, replaced by a pale blue virtual space. Apart from a blue holographic figure, there was nothing—simple and empty.

The figure across from him assumed a martial salute, reminiscent of ancient swordmasters preparing to spar. Haruhito hesitated, then imitated the gesture in earnest.

"I am Haruhito Harano of Wing Chun—"

"Ow!"

Before he could finish, his tall frame was sent flying in a C-shaped arc. The hologram, without his noticing, had remained in place, right fist extended.

The culprit was clear.

Clutching his stomach, Haruhito half-knelt on the ground, agony searing through him, making him bare his teeth. He looked up, eyes full of disbelief.

The virtual figure, seeing Haruhito's gaze, shamelessly withdrew its fist, clasped its hands behind its back, and assumed the air of a wise master.

"This move is called 'all's fair in war'—your first lesson from me."

"Are you kidding me? You can talk?!" Haruhito was clearly taken aback, inwardly cursing the old rascal for being so devious.

The hologram pointed a finger at him, and instantly the pain vanished; he felt better than ever.

Just as Haruhito stared in amazement, the virtual figure lunged at him again. With a single punch, he was sent flying once more.

Red-faced and furious, Haruhito shouted, "You old fraud, you have no sense of honor!"

Now he was truly incensed, his whole body heating up with rage.

But clearly, the virtual opponent had no intention of cooling things down.

And so, through countless beatings, Haruhito gradually improved—from being knocked out with one punch to eventually enduring three, four, five punches…

Eventually, he could even occasionally catch his opponent off guard—a clear case of a master raising a cunning pupil.

...

"Ha… ha…"

Haruhito panted heavily, staring at the virtual figure across from him. Unknowingly, he had spent a whole week in this space.

If not for the massive timer overhead, he wouldn't have had any sense of time at all.

He hesitated, wondering whether he should say something moving or sentimental, as the story demanded at times like these.

But before he could speak, the space twisted, and reality blurred as if a lifetime had passed.