The power system of this universe was quite distinctive; through the sedimentation of time and history, certain legendary treasures with mythical backgrounds could manifest unique powers.

  Upon coming into contact with these treasures, a wielder could obtain this special power. Of course, not everyone was granted such a privilege.

  Only when destiny favored you sufficiently, and you received the treasure's recognition, would you be qualified to utilize that force.

  This was the power system of the Treasure Universe.

  It was strikingly simple.

  "The Tear of the Nation?"

  "Isn't that the cursed blue diamond from the legends? They say every owner of the Tear of the Nation throughout history eventually met a violent end."

  "For real?"

  "Just rumors. Collectors probably made up those stories to create hype."

  "Want to go take a look?"

  "......"

  On the roadside.

  Passing pedestrians occasionally discussed the Tear of the Nation currently on display at the city museum. Before long, a tall, powerfully built young man walked up to Mei.

  He opened his mouth and said: "Hey beautiful, how about we be friends? I'm Chuck."

  Mei turned her head.

  A single glance pierced through causality, reaching the very essence. Her calm eyes were as still as water; to her, he appeared to be an entirely ordinary young man who couldn't even lift a heavy weight.

  She gave Chuck a faint smile.

  "Mei."

  Chuck stared at Mei with intense purpose, yet without a shred of concealment: "If I said our meeting here was an arrangement of destiny, would you believe me?"

  Had an ordinary person heard Chuck say this, they would likely have dismissed him as a rambling lunatic.

  Mei, having nothing better to do, found this quite interesting.

  "How so?"

  Chuck seemed to be suffering from a bout of chuunibyou, saying things that would make people laugh, yet he remained perfectly serious: "Destiny guided me here. Your safety is tied to the very survival of the world. If you have no objections, then from this moment on, I will take full responsibility for protecting your life."

  "Protect me?"

  Mei's expression became strange.

  This foolish boy had likely misunderstood the warning given by destiny. For this universe, with Mei present here, the one in danger was the universe itself.

  Mei couldn't help but chuckle.

  "Are you sure you didn't misunderstand the guidance destiny gave you?"

  "Absolutely not."

  Chuck stood with his back straight, his expression overflowing with confidence. This confidence didn't stem from faith in his own strength; he was simply a naturally confident person.

  The kind of confidence that required no reason at all.

  Mei did not refuse.

  "If you insist on protecting me, I have no objections."

  Chuck was very satisfied with Mei's choice: "That is a very wise decision. After all, you are just an ordinary person who couldn't hurt a fly."

  "Hahahaha."

  Chuck glanced at the news.

  "Do you mind coming with me to the city museum? I have some business to attend to there."

  "Whatever."

  ...

  On the road.

  Chuck was fully convinced that destiny had guided him to protect Mei; therefore, he divulged all the secrets he knew, giving Mei a brand new understanding of this world.

  "In this world, some treasures possess special powers that transcend logic. As long as a person is recognized by these treasures, they can control that force."

  "There aren't many people like me in the world, but whenever it involves these special treasures, it's very easy to attract people like us."

  "Since you have also received the gaze of destiny, I think you might also be capable of being recognized by a certain treasure. Why not try with this blue diamond?"

  Chuck rambled on the entire way, completely oblivious to whether Mei was actually listening. He considered himself a Child of Destiny, obligated to prevent all evildoers from abusing the power of treasures.

  Therefore,

  He dedicated himself to striking down all evil individuals worldwide who misused treasures, while doing his utmost to prevent treasures from falling into their hands.

  The Tear of the Nation was steeped in legend and was a gemstone that possessed special power. Chuck had received word early on that a group of people was planning to seize it.

  "So, your actions are entirely self-initiated."

  "Exactly."

  In other words:

  Free of charge.

  Where could one find such a good person? No one had even asked him, yet he came on his own accord. Chuck didn't mind this at all, because he claimed to be a Child of Destiny.

  This was his mission.

  "......"

  Mei had never encountered someone quite this self-assured.

  Even though he was alone, Chuck didn't show a hint of fear. He stated: "Don't worry, I'm invincible. No one is my match. I have never lost a single battle. Just make sure to stay as far away as possible when I'm fighting, otherwise I'm afraid the collateral damage might affect you."

  Mei nodded with mock seriousness.

  "I'll do my best."

  "Ooh—"

  Beside her, Shiro looked at the big guy walking in front, then back at the seemingly ordinary Mei, its expression becoming somewhat peculiar.

  "Hmm?"

  Chuck's footsteps came to a halt.

  He turned his head to look behind him, but saw nothing. Shiro was elusive; besides Mei, essentially no one could sense its presence.

  Even if it was walking right behind you.

  ...

  The City Museum.

  Tourists and visitors drawn by the diamond's fame arrived in swarms. The queue of people waiting to purchase tickets packed the outer streets like sardines; at a glance, it was just a vast, dark sea of people.

  Beep!

  A middle-aged man wearing a black suit smoothly passed through security, walking with steady, measured steps toward the Tear of the Nation displayed at the central booth.

  At close range, under the illumination, the Tear of the Nation refracted a dazzling, soul-stirring radiance, as if possessing an irresistible magic.

  Clarence quietly immersed himself in the allure of the Tear of the Nation until his companion's voice sounded in his ear. Although there was clearly no communication device present, he could still contact his allies.

  "Boss, what's the verdict?"

  Clarence replied.

  "It's definitely the genuine article."

  "When do we make our move?"

  "Now."

  As he spoke, Clarence took another step toward the booth, directly crossing the barrier. Seeing this, the surrounding security guards immediately moved to intercept him, but in the same instant, they all collapsed to the ground.

  The Tear of the Nation!

  Clarence walked as if strolling through a garden right up to the display booth, completely disregarding the fallen security personnel. Just as he was about to shatter the display case, a figure shot through the museum wall like a thunderbolt.

  In the blink of an eye, the newcomer slammed into Clarence, sending him flying outward.

  Boom!

  Clarence crashed through the opposite wall and tumbled outside the museum. At this moment, the deafening, massive din left the visitors stunned, and the security guards were equally bewildered.

  "Exhibition suspended. Time is critical; everyone, please evacuate in an orderly manner."

  An expressionless Chuck dusted himself off, his body still carrying the momentum of someone who had just slammed into a person like a cargo vehicle. Finally, the visitors reacted.

  They immediately scattered in panic, but the crowd outside was too dense. They couldn't break through immediately and could only choose to squeeze out through the large hole Chuck had smashed.

  "..."

  "Boss, are you unharmed!"

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  Clatter!

  Amidst the pile of rubble, Clarence was completely intact, though slightly disheveled. He cursed as he walked through the hole in the wall, returning to the museum's interior.

  "Damn it, it’s that bastard again!"

  This wasn't Clarence's first heist. He had plundered numerous treasures from various locations across the world. Over time, it was inevitable he would encounter a fool like Chuck, who styled himself the Child of Destiny.

  The two sides had clashed several times; eventually, they became quite familiar with each other. The sensation of being rammed and sent flying just now was a feeling Clarence knew all too well.

  Back inside the museum.

  Clarence was instantly consumed by rage, shouting curses at Chuck: "You just won't stop interfering, will you? How many times has this been?"

  "My apologies."

  Chuck cracked his neck, performing a quick warm-up. He spoke with a casual nonchalance that infuriated Clarence even more: "You were the one closest to me."

  "I'm going to cripple you today if it's the last thing I do!"

  Clarence was about to explode from Chuck’s dismissive attitude. Unable to hold back any longer, he moved. He charged forward like a mad bull toward Chuck.

  His speed and power appeared no weaker than when Chuck had rammed him earlier.

  The Bull Chariot.

  This was the treasure that had recognized Clarence—an artifact excavated from the ancient Sulik civilization, with a history dating back over two thousand years. Legend held that it was once the chariot the ancient King of Sulik used on the battlefield.

  It possessed the rumored power to pierce through a thousand armies.

  In reality, of course, it wasn't that exaggerated. However, even without sweeping away a thousand armies, Clarence had indeed obtained a superhuman physique and strength after receiving the Bull Chariot's recognition.

  Seeing Clarence charge, Chuck—perhaps because he truly believed he was invincible—didn't dodge at all. He threw a direct punch right at Clarence’s face.

  Bang!

  Clarence swung a punch in return.

  As their fists met, a shockwave of air erupted. The booming echo resonated through the museum. In terms of raw power, the two were evenly matched, with almost no discernible difference between them.

  Chuck suggested: "You aren't taking the Tear of the Nation. I think you'd be better off making a run for it now. Dragging this out won't do you any favors."

  "Don't waste your breath."

  Clarence snorted coldly, his hands never slowing. He swung both fists like a machine gun, delivering a torrential barrage of punches, one after another.

  Facing such an offensive, Chuck didn't fall back even half a step. He put his full weight into every punch, meeting Clarence head-on in a brutal exchange of blows.

  Bang bang bang!

  Bang bang bang!

  In an instant, the museum was filled with an unending series of explosive cracks, as if dozens of period cannons were firing simultaneously, vibrating the air into visible ripples.

  The Armored Chariot.

  This was the name Chuck had given his own power, because he possessed the strength and defensive capability of an armored tank—essentially a human war machine.

  Perhaps by some design of destiny, his power was remarkably similar to Clarence's, with almost no difference in their respective levels of strength.

  Bang bang bang!

  In the blink of an eye, their fists collided hundreds of times. Their bodies, seemingly as indestructible as steel, clashed with a din that grew louder and louder.

  Gradually, Clarence’s eyes became bloodshot. Veins bulged on Chuck’s neck and forehead.

  Neither cared about the panicked visitors. Only after the crowd had mostly fled did Mei slowly walk through the hole in the wall.

  Looking at the combat prowess of the two, they were actually only around Tier 1. However, based on the potential of his ability's development, it was only a matter of time before Chuck surpassed that level. Clarence’s Bull Chariot, on the other hand, had very little potential left to develop.

  Just as Chuck had claimed, this kid truly was a Child of Destiny.

  "Quickly, evacuate the tourists!"

  "Whatever happens, we cannot lose the Tear of the Nation!"

  At that moment, a contingent of museum security personnel rushed in shouting, armed with electric batons, riot forks, and a few stun guns.

  The moment they witnessed the absurd scene—essentially two tanks frantically slamming into each other—they skidded to a halt.

  They looked at one another in bewilderment.

  Mei spoke up at the opportune moment: "I suggest you stay as far back as possible."

  "Wise counsel."

  Upon hearing this, the guards immediately turned and fled. No matter their monthly salary, it wasn't worth their lives. They might not be world-travelers, but they certainly understood that staying alive was paramount.

  Seeing this, the museum curator was momentarily speechless regarding what action to take.

  In the blink of an eye, Chuck and his opponent exchanged hundreds more punches. There was no finesse, no intricate technique—only a contest of the most primal speed and raw power.

  Ding!

  Amidst the sound of flesh striking flesh, a crisp, metallic chime rang out. It echoed melodiously in everyone’s ears, and for a fleeting moment, everyone's movements—including the combatants'—jerked to a halt for a full second.

  It was this single second that caught Chuck completely off guard.

  Clarence's paralysis lasted only half a second. Given their punching speed, half a second was more than enough time to land an uncountable number of strikes.

  "Heh."

  As the half-second passed, Clarence regained his mobility. Chuck, however, remained frozen in a mid-punch stance, his pupils suddenly contracting. Clarence grinned broadly.

  He then wound up for a heavy blow.

  Bang!

  The power of this punch resonated like rolling thunder. Chuck’s body was launched like a cannonball, smashing a third hole into the museum wall.

  "Hiss—"

  The sight made the curator’s scalp tingle with fear. He internally concluded that if he were struck by such a blow, he wouldn't just smash through the wall; he'd likely be smeared against it.

  At that thought, he turned and bolted.

  No job was as critical as survival; if the Tear of the Nation was lost, so be it.

  "Huff—"

  Clarence shook his nearly numb hands, panting heavily from exertion. His gaze drifted to the side, meeting Mei’s eyes for a brief moment before he dismissively looked away.

  He turned and walked back toward the display stand.

  His companion’s voice sounded in his ear.

  "Boss, that person standing there looks a bit suspicious. Be cautious."

  "She’s just an ordinary person."

  Clarence paid Mei no mind.

  The sound of footsteps approached.

  Chuck re-entered the museum, blood staining the corner of his mouth, yet his posture remained as straight as a spear. Clarence had already opened the display case and retrieved the Tear of the Nation.

  He looked up at Chuck and sneered, "I truly don't know where your confidence originates. After so many clashes, did you genuinely think I had no countermeasures for you? And yet you still dare to face me single-handedly."

  Chuck spat out a mouthful of blood.

  He wiped his mouth, his conviction unshaken.

  "I am invincible. No matter what trick you employ, it will only affect me once. You failed to finish me just now, and you certainly won't succeed now. As long as I stand here, you are destined to flee in disgrace."

  "Haha."

  Clarence laughed.

  Ding!

  Once again, that crisp metallic chime resonated through the air. In an instant, Clarence charged at Chuck with the force of a thunderbolt, throwing a punch fueled by blatant, intense killing intent.

  However,

  Just as Chuck had asserted, the same tactic would only work once on him. Clarence failed to gain the half-second advantage this time.

  Simultaneous with the metallic chime,

  Hum—

  A golden radiance blossomed behind Chuck. A phantom of a divine golden scale manifested in mid-air. This was the true essence of Chuck’s power.

  The Golden Scales.

  An ancient artifact excavated from the ancient Samir civilization, a priceless treasure said to be the supreme masterpiece of the ancient alchemists.

  Thus, based on the recognition of the Golden Scales, the true nature of the ability Chuck obtained was Equivalent Exchange. The value of the exchanged items was determined solely by the Golden Scales.

  Absolute fairness.

  The first time he received recognition from the Golden Scales, Chuck was in a war-torn region. He had sacrificed twenty years of his lifespan to obtain the superhuman physique of the Armored Chariot.

  Three years had passed since then.

  Today marked the second time he revealed the true core of his ability. As long as he paid the appropriate price, he could obtain any power, or negate any damage or negative status effect.

  Naturally, this included the current eerie paralysis effect.

  The moment that iron-like fist was inches away, Chuck broke free from the force freezing his body. Under Clarence’s disbelieving gaze, he threw a punch with even greater speed.

  The muscles, bulging with veins, contained explosive power; his arm, as flawlessly perfect as an aesthetic sculpture, swept through a thunderous arc.

  The massive fist enlarged rapidly in Clarence’s vision.

  Bang!

  The explosion sounded like a clap of thunder.

  Clarence’s eyes rolled back instantly, blood sprayed, and he lost consciousness. He was launched like a cannonball out of the museum, soaring over the street before crashing headlong into a building on the opposite side.

  Cough! Cough!

  Clarence’s earlier punch had been truly heavy. Despite spitting blood, Chuck acted as if it were nothing, casually wiping away the blood.

  He stepped out and walked toward the building across the street.

  "As an opponent, your strength is unquestionable. But unfortunately, you faced me. I told you, you are destined to flee in disgrace."

  Confident.

  Resolute.

  Fearless.

  That was Chuck.

  He had sacrificed one year of his life to break the one-second paralysis, and another year to obtain a strike that transcended his limits.

  Based on the judgment of the Golden Scales, this was the essential power required for Chuck to save his life and reverse the situation; therefore, taking such a heavy price was deemed natural.

  The exchange: two years of life lost.

  Without the exchange, he would have lost his life right there.

  "Whether it's one year or two, take it. The final victory belongs to me."

  What sounded like a chuunibyou declaration was, in fact, Chuck’s most solemn conviction regarding Clarence—the opponent who had forced him to sacrifice two years of his life to defeat.

  He felt no anger.

  Nor even a hint of tension.

  There was only the high-and-mighty gaze of a victor looking down upon the defeated.

  That was Chuck.

  Click!

  The sound of a round being chambered rang out. A man, a cigarette dangling from his lips, pointed a gun directly at Mei's head. "Taking a hostage is a low-rent tactic, I know. But unfortunately, the current situation doesn't leave me many choices. If you don't want your friend's head to pop, you’d better stop."

  Chuck halted instantly.

  Mei turned her head with interest to look at the gunman. She was so calm that the man felt a flicker of unease, though he didn't have the luxury to worry about it.

  It appeared this was Clarence's third companion. He was the one who had been interfering with Chuck during the fight, wielding the ability to paralyze others.

  The scene fell into a tense silence.

  A moment later, the man began to back away slowly, exiting through the hole in the wall. Chuck turned his head and saw Clarence's other partner appear across the street.

  A middle-aged man with silver hair.

  The silver-haired man first held up the Tear of the Nation to show Chuck, then hurled it far away into the distance, where it landed out of sight.

  Mei evaluated the situation.

  "They certainly are professional."

  The gunman provided the suppression.

  The white-haired man took the opportunity to rescue Clarence.

  Finally, they decisively abandoned the Tear of the Nation in exchange for an opportunity to escape. Their coordination was fluid, their timing perfect.

  Chuck had clashed with them many times.

  He agreed, "They are indeed extremely professional."

  Chuck paid them no more mind and immediately went to search for the Tear of the Nation. Mei walked side-by-side with Chuck as if nothing had happened, completely ignoring a loud crash coming from the other side of the museum.

  It was just a common traffic accident. A man illegally carrying a firearm had run a red light while crossing the street and was promptly sent to a "re-roll" by a heavy truck.

  No need for emergency services.

  He was sent straight to the morgue.

  That’s how it goes when luck isn't on your side.

  ...

  A few days later.

  Clarence woke up in an underground clinic. His injuries were severe; over a dozen ribs were shattered, and he was barely breathing when he was brought in for emergency care.

  It wasn't that the quack surgeon at this clinic was particularly gifted; it was simply that the Bull Chariot possessed a stubborn vitality and a remarkable rate of recovery. The doctor only needed to keep him from flatlining; the Bull Chariot took care of the rest.

  The first thing Clarence asked the white-haired middle-aged man was: "Where is the Tear of the Nation?"

  "We didn't get it."

  "......"

  Clarence remained perfectly calm, showing no emotional fluctuation. As long as he wasn't dealing with Chuck, his temperament was usually very stable.

  "Where is Toga?"

  "Dead."

  "He got into a car accident while escaping. He wasn't killed by Chuck; he just had a bit of bad luck."

  Bad luck?

  While the world is unpredictable, the timing of Toga's accident was far too coincidental. Clarence harbored certain suspicions, yet that manner of death didn't seem like Chuck’s style at all.

  In an instant, the image of that ordinary-looking girl in the museum flashed through his mind. From start to finish, she had been far too composed; her psychological state and demeanor were not those of a normal person.

  Furthermore, Chuck’s true ability was unexpected. The next time they clashed, they would need a far more meticulous plan.

  Swish!

  Suddenly, an elegant, white-haired old man pulled back the curtain surrounding the hospital bed. His gaze fell upon the weakened Clarence. "Gentlemen, I wonder if you would be interested in playing the role of savior?"

  An ordinary person? No.

  Clarence’s face remained stoic as he stared back at the old gentleman, his interest piqued by the topic.

  "Savior?"

  "Indeed."

  The old gentleman offered a warm, kindly smile that felt like a spring breeze. He spoke: "Destiny guided me here. You possess the qualities required to become saviors."

  At the same time, in a corner of the city.

  A teenage boy wearing a high school uniform picked up a deep blue gemstone from the ground.