Chapter 102: Chapter102-Truly Shameless

In the secret base of the Hidden Stars division, within the training room, the training session ended with John being carried out by others.

His once handsome face had swollen to resemble a pig's, and there wasn't a single spot on his body that wasn't bruised.

The medical staff tending to John's wounds could barely bring themselves to look directly at him, such was the pitiable state he was in.

Victor hadn't held back in the slightest, unleashing a beating on John who, for his part, had no capability to retaliate and could only passively endure the onslaught.

What was supposed to be training seemed more like John serving as a human punching bag for Victor.

At Victor's request, the division deployed its best medical equipment and healing tools for John and even summoned Stellarburg's top doctor to stand by for emergency treatment.

This doctor was the same diamond-tier chief physician who had treated John a few days prior.

Upon seeing John return in such a ghastly condition so soon, the physician was at a loss for words, probably wondering if John had gone off to battle the Dusk Sect again.

The sight of John's battered state brought tears to the eyes of a young nurse.

Upon learning that John's injuries were the result of a training session, she was filled with righteous indignation and confronted Victor.

"How can someone train like this? I'm definitely reporting you, you scoundrel, for taking personal revenge!" she scolded, hands on her hips and fury in her voice.

Everyone present was stunned silent.

"Holy smokes, girl, do you have a death wish?" they thought.

This was Celestiblade Victor, after all! The chief physician broke out in a cold sweat, fearing for the nurse.

He quickly pulled her back and informed her of Victor's identity.

"Even if the Federal President were here, he wouldn't be allowed to beat someone to this extent!"

The usually gentle nurse was fiercely adamant, her courage undimmed even upon learning of Victor's identity.

Faced with the nurse's tirade, Victor found himself in an uncomfortable position.

He certainly couldn't lay a hand on an ordinary nurse, and so, his only option was to make a swift exit.

Thanks to the advanced medical care, John's recovery was rapid.

Victor had been measured in his approach; despite the severity of the beatings, he ensured they wouldn't compromise John's fundamental well-being.

Otherwise, a single training session would leave John bedridden for weeks.

Remarkably, just one night passed and John was back on his feet, bouncing around.

Although his body still ached, John could clearly sense an improvement in his control over his physical faculties.

This enhancement might elude most, but with John's keen perception, it was unmistakably evident.

A weird smirk crossed John's face.

"Damn, getting beat up actually did boost my strength!"

After eating, John, now brimming with enthusiasm, sought out Victor.

Drawing his long sword, he declared, "Let's continue!" Victor was surprised by John's swift recovery.

He had initially planned for at least a day and a night's rest for John to recuperate.

John's recovery time had effectively halved his expectations.

Seeing John's eager face, Victor's eyes narrowed as he slowly gripped his wooden stick.

Well, this was an unexpected turn of events.

After being berated by that nurse, Victor was feeling somewhat frustrated.

Now that John was ready for more, it seemed a perfect opportunity for a bit of personal retribution.

...

Under this relentless training regime, time flew by rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, another half-month had passed.

When John entered the training room again, he was surprised to find an additional person there.

This was a disheveled old man.

Seated in a wheelchair, he was voraciously devouring a chicken leg, his white beard smeared with grease, presenting a rather unkempt appearance.

However, whether it was Victor or Scarlett Monroe and others, their gazes upon him were devoid of disdain, filled only with respect.

This was because he was the Shadow Emperor, Shadowcloud!

Apart from appearing a bit paler and older, Shadowcloud looked no different from the man John remembered.

John expressed his surprise, "Huh, old cripple, when did you wake up?"

Shadowcloud had overextended himself by using the Godslayer Blade twice in the battle against Rean, severely depleting his life force.

Despite Hidden Stars expending a great deal to save him, Shadowcloud had been in a coma since the aftermath of the Dusk Sect incident.

John had visited him a few times.

Just a few days ago, there had been no sign of Shadowcloud awakening, but now he seemed almost fully recovered, likely indicating his injuries had stabilized.

"Just woke up not long ago," Shadowcloud replied nonchalantly.

Having known John for a considerable time, he was indifferent to John's informal address.

Discarding the chicken bone carelessly, he scrutinized John from head to toe, then chuckled, "I always knew you were an extraordinary talent, which is why I passed the 'Stealth Spell' to you. Seems my judgment was indeed sharp."

John scoffed dismissively, "So what if you're broke? The way you tout it as if it's something to be proud of, you're really good at giving yourself a pat on the back."

Despite his words, John remained unsure whether Shadowcloud had truly seen something special in him.

Shadowcloud's mood soured immediately, retorting angrily, "If that's how you see it, young man, then I might as well leave."

With that, he began to wheel himself away.

Observing this, Scarlett Monroe desperately signaled to John with her eyes.

The others also made exaggerated gestures, frantically hinting at something.

A realization struck John.

Could it be that the old cripple was here to train him? This thought ignited a fervor within him.

Despite his unreliable appearance, Shadowcloud was a bona fide legendary awakener!

Even a smidgen of his knowledge could benefit John for a lifetime.

The advantages that the Stealth Spell had brought to John were a testament to this.

With this in mind, John's expression instantly became one of enthusiastic warmth.

He hurriedly approached Shadowcloud and grasped his wheelchair, showering him with flattery.

Grinning broadly, John said, "Oh, come on, General Shadowcloud, I was just joking earlier. Your discernment is beyond question. Without your guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today..."

This sudden barrage of compliments stunned everyone around.

"Wow, talk about shameless!"

They couldn't help but think.

Just moments ago, he was calling him an "old cripple," and now, upon seeing an opportunity for gain, his address had switched to "General Shadowcloud!"