720 DAYS IN PRISON, HE RETURNED INVINCIBLE

Chapter six: In the lobby of pride

And Killian began taking lessons from Master Chen. He taught him everything from fighting techniques to medical knowledge that could kill and revive and survival methods that makes you walk through hell.

The lessons were extraordinary.

Killian mastered everything in 720 days when it would take one thousand years for beginners to learn it and another five hundred years to master it.

He ascended to the god level in seven hundred and twenty days while the Ashbourne family thought they'd broken him in exile.

"You're born for something greater, kid" Master Chen would always say. "No one has mastered those skills faster like you did."

You're the invincible one."

The lobby of St. Augustine Hospital buzzed with the mixed rhythm of patrons conversations, clatters of nurses rushing into the emergency ward rolling gurney and calling for doctor attention. Killian Walked straight to the receptionist desk, a young woman sat behind, finger clattering across keys with purpose, a badge pinned to her chest, revealing her status in the enormous infirmary: RECEPTIONIST HEAD.

"Good afternoon." Killian stopped at her desk. "I ask of Sandra Whitmore." He said directly.

The receptionist paused mid-work. Her head snapped up in surprise like she'd heard something wrong. Her expression twisted slowly as she looked Killian up and down in condescension.

"And who are you supposed to be to Mrs. Whitmore to address her like that? What business does someone like you have with her? Dressed like this? Even coming here without a formal appointment."

"Even Mrs. Whitmore's cleaner shouldn't dress like this."

Her gaze was judgement and mockery.

"It's Personal business." Killian said simply. "It's between me and Sandra Whitmore. Just let her know about my presence. Tell her Kill..."

"Excuse me!" The receptionist cut him off with a hiss. Her voice was raised now, loud enough to cut through the lobby's frantic rhythm and turn heads in their direction.

Her expression was pure distaste. Behind those desks, she had authority and she won't take it for just anyone to speak to her in a way that didn't align with her pride.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Killian asked calmly, "Directing me to meet your Boss?"

She completely abandoned the task, dropping all forms of professionalism.

"And you think you think someone like you is worthy of sharing a room with Mrs. Whitmore? How dishonorable and laughable!"

She continued.

"A lot of people come here to beg but it looks like you're the king of the beggars—"

"— coming straight to ask for Mrs. Whitmore to con her out of her money. Incredible. Very confident!"

She spun to the entrance and called out loudly.

"Securities!"

Two securities in black uniforms stormed inside the lobby.

Murmuring rose in the front wing of St. Augustus that was meant for hospitality. The hall instantly transformed into a theatre centre, Rich Patrons commenting about unfortunate people, some laughing at the insults the receptionist hurled at him, a few silently condemning her act without stepping in.

Her finger snapped at Killian.

"Take him out of this place! People like you— Beggars— parade this place everyday spinning the same hijinks to get through to see Mrs. Whitmore."

Killian was calm all through her jab.

"Don't you think you need to inform Mrs. Whitmore about my presence here?" He said, his voice still calm.

"You're giving orders now?" She sneered. "Take him out. Now! It is people like you that pollute Mrs. Whitmore's space."

Laughter rang across the lobby.

The Securities moved.

"Don't" killian said. One word. One command that stopped them. His firm expression made the two Securities hesitated.

Killian looked at the receptionist and said quietly. His voice wasn't angry. Just a quiet statement delivered like a prophecy.

"I'll walk out. And You'll come begging."

He moved. The receptionist continued ranting behind.