Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Large beads of sweat trickled down Hank’s forehead, stinging his eyes as they fell. After a grueling ten–minute standoff, Hank was drenched, his throat dry and his tongue parched. He knew he couldn’t outlast Lance in this endurance. test. The longer the deadlock, the worse it got for him. With a sudden burst of resolve, Hank decided to go for a quick and decisive strike, launching an 

all–out attack. 

Hank was no stranger to combat. He had a wealth of experience, while Lance, if you counted, only had Freddy as a notable opponent. Hank’s moves were varied and unpredictable, throwing Lance off his game at first. His responses were chaotic, making it clear he was struggling to keep up. 

Everyone watching held their breath, eyes glued to the stage, not daring to blink. Soon enough, Lance began to catch on to Hank’s tactics, countering each move with pinpoint precision. Against such overwhelming strength, all of Hank’s tricks were useless. After several exchanges, Hank took a few solid hits from Lance, leaving him looking utterly disheveled. 

Hank had always been arrogant and overbearing since joining the Enforcement. Many disliked him, and seeing him humiliated brought cheers from the crowd. They shouted for Lance to teach him a lesson and kick him. out of the competition. 

Hank knelt on the ground, sweat dripping heavily onto the surface. Each drop felt like a heavy stone crashing into his chest, making it hard for him to breathe. His chest was filled with frustration and resentment, and he was on the verge of exploding. 

He couldn’t understand it. Just half a month ago, Lance was a nobody, and now he was a powerhouse. Hank was convinced the boss had secretly given Lance special training. He had fought tooth and nail for his position, while Lance, considered a nobody, was pampered by everyone. Now, even the boss. seemed to be in his corner. Life had always been smooth sailing for Lance. Hank couldn’t accept this. 

He wouldn’t allow Lance to join the Enforcement, even if it meant sacrificing himself. With a cold glint in his eyes, Hank suddenly leaped up, aiming a punch at Lance’s face. His energy was spent, making his movements slow. Lance easily caught the punch, but Hank was counting on close combat. 

09:13 1 

“Die!” Hank shouted, raising his other hand, which held two silver needles. The needles were nearly invisible under the sunlight, aiming straight for Lance’s 

eyes. 

“Watch out!” The crowd gasped in shock. No one expected Hank to resort to at sneak attack. The rules clearly stated that weapons were not allowed, and competitors had to fight unarmed. Before entering the stage, contestants. were supposed to leave all weapons behind. However, Hank’s silver needles. were so small they went undetected during the inspection. The staff hadn’t anticipated someone being bold enough to cheat in such a manner. 

The silver needles, glinting under the sun, forced Lance to squint, delaying his reaction. The needles grazed his cheek, leaving a bloody trail. Lance quickly grabbed Hank’s arms, breaking them with force, then delivered a knee to Hank, forcing him to kneel. 

Hank knelt in defeat, his arms broken and hanging limply. His life was over. The moment he chose to launch a sneak attack, he had ruined his future. The Enforcement would never take him now. But having failed to injure Lance, he was filled with unbearable frustration. 

The match was over. The Enforcement members rushed to check on Lance’s injuries and to give Hank a harsh lesson. “Lance, are you alright? I hope your face isn’t ruined,” Jason said, visibly anxious. 

Lance’s right cheek was bloody, a terrifying sight. “I’m fine,” Lance said, his voice soft. “It’s just a scratch.” 

Colton, with a storm brewing in his eyes, especially after seeing the cut on Lance’s face and realizing Hank had aimed for his eyes, was shaking with rage. He picked up the silver needles from the ground, clutching them tightly, then advanced towards Hank, driving the needles into his eyes. 

Everyone had been focused on Lance and hadn’t noticed Colton’s actions until Hank’s screams filled the air. The sight of Hank, his eyes pierced and bleeding profusely, shocked everyone. Despite the scorching sun, a chill ran down their spines. No one expected Colton, known for his cold demeanor and pride, yet always adhering to the rules, to act so drastically. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Hank had erred, but it was not Colton’s place to mete out punishment.