Chapter 165

The boy wasn't bad; he'd hit the target, albeit the outer ring. He said proudly, "How is it? Not bad, right? Emma, do you need me to teach you?"

Emma, already annoyed by his chatter, fired three consecutive shots. Ten rings! Ten rings! Ten rings! All bullseyes, clustered so tightly they formed a single, large hole.

The boy's smugness vanished, replaced by shock. "Oh my god, so capable?" he thought.

Emma's expression remained cold. "How is it? Do you need me to teach you?" she echoed his earlier question. He blushed, stammering, "I... I'm sorry, continue..."

After morning's shooting practice, they ran weighted courses in the afternoon, each carrying sandbags—lighter for the girls, heavier for the boys—across the forest. This training directly related to their upcoming midterm exam.

Emma studied diligently. Late that night, an instructor from another class approached. "Emma, are you there?" he asked.

"I'm here," she replied.

"Jerome wants to meet you. Come with me."

"Okay," she said, wondering, Jerome doesn't know about Justine, so why is he looking for me?

Seeing Jerome, she also noticed Richard. "Mr. Zahn, Richard," she greeted them. Jerome wore a green military uniform, looking imposing; Richard, similarly uniformed, appeared equally majestic. Their attire was undeniably striking.

"Why are you looking for me?" Emma asked.

Richard explained, "The National Boxing Association contacted us. There's an international Youth Boxing Competition, and they want us to recommend outstanding students. We believe you're the most suitable candidate, considering your overall strength and standing. Emma, are you willing to participate?"

Richard's words reflected his and Jerome's hope for her participation. Jerome added, "Traditional boxing faces significant challenges overseas, even online criticism. Your participation would be a strong statement."

Emma knew the National Boxing Association's importance, similar to the Pharmaceutical Medical Association. While she didn't mind participating, Justine was her priority.

"Mr. Zahn, I'm sorry," she said. "My goal is the Krot Competition at the year's end. Participation in this boxing competition would conflict with my studies."

Jerome smiled. "Don't worry. We're considering you because temporary absence won't matter. A top ranking in this competition guarantees full marks on your midterm exam, plus fifty bonus points. Richard can help you catch up on military theory if needed, wouldn't you agree, Richard?"

Richard nodded. "Of course. Ultimately, the decision is yours, Emma."

After a moment's thought, Emma agreed, "Alright then, I'll participate."

That night, she told Liam. "I don't care about personal honors. I agreed because it means more time with you."

Liam, gazing at her, felt his breath deepen. Her every expression affected him profoundly. Seeing the darkness in his eyes, she smiled captivatingly. "Honey," she teased, "I think I'm a little too full for dinner."

His voice, rough yet pleasing, responded, "I'll rub it for you, okay?"

She shook her head, taking his hand. "We haven't hugged in a long time, right? Don't you miss me?"

His eyes darkened, unable to resist. He buried his head in her embrace.

The next day, representatives from the National Boxing Association arrived at Icovine Estate, having already viewed online videos of her wrestling and fencing matches. They were confident in her victory, though aware of her weaknesses. After discussion, they approved of Emma.

"The younger generation will surpass us!" one exclaimed. "You possess an exceptional understanding of traditional boxing for your age. Normally, you'd be a shoo-in for the championship. However, a Nuverland participant has a unique situation. She's a former member of their underground market, with a ferocious, powerful fighting style. If you face her, avoid head-on conflict."

Emma received her opponent's information. Her pupils constricted. It's her! A chill ran down her spine.

Seeing her reaction, they asked, "Why? Do you know her?"

"Yes," she replied coldly, her fists clenched. We know each other far too well. Dana Coast, like Dummy, was once in our organization. She betrayed us. That scar on her face is from me, when I captured her on behalf of the organization. She fell off a cliff then, her whereabouts unknown until now. She hates me intensely, and her strength is comparable to mine. This isn't just a competition; it's a life-or-death struggle.

Distant memories surfaced—her early days in the organization, unprotected and vulnerable, repeatedly beaten and bullied. She and Dummy had most feared facing Dana, who was nearly twice their size, often beating them half to death. Dummy was almost killed several times. Emma's relentless training—to protect herself and Justine—transformed her into Blaze, the boxing master who could finally challenge Dana.

After the meeting, gripping Dana's information, Emma thought, What will be, will be. Those from the old organization...we meet again.