The Future

Animals that follow the primal laws of nature possess a special sensory ability that humans lack from birth.

Beyond the instincts for hunting and survival, this ability serves the miraculous purpose of seeking fortune and avoiding disaster. Before natural catastrophes like earthquakes, tsunamis, or forest fires occur, one can observe various animals fleeing in a frenzy. Perhaps humans possessed such skills during their primitive, beast-like era, but they were gradually forgotten; evolution is not always a purely benign development.

In his previous life, James continuously improved himself and heightened his awareness through the practice of martial arts, already possessing sensory capabilities that transcended those of ordinary humans. Beyond more acute reactions to his surroundings, he had developed a degree of sensitivity toward hostility, killing intent, and other forms of danger.

It is said that beyond the "indestructible" physical state of the highest martial arts realm, there exists a miraculous ability in spiritual cultivation known as "seeing without eyes, hearing without ears, sensing danger and avoiding it." This state of mental cultivation is not limited to martial artists; since ancient times, it has been more commonly found among recluses practicing Taoism or Zen, broad-minded literary masters, and even those with extreme religious devotion.

If humanity had chosen a different branch of development in the winding river of history, one distinct from the path of technology, it is impossible to know what kind of world that would be.

Sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed in a forest clearing that had been ravaged beyond recognition, James seemed to have gained a sensory ability similar to a sixth sense, yet more intense and controllable. The foundation of this perception was not only his vastly improved vision and beast-like night vision, but also his exceptional hearing and the wolf-like, highly visual sense of smell. It felt more like the state known as "Nen" achieved when one's spiritual cultivation reaches its peak.

He ecstatically sensed a few unknown birds landing on tree branches to test the air, the soft murmur of the breeze moving through the leaves, a hare jumping in a panic to avoid the strike of a venomous snake, an owl turning its head on a branch to search for prey, and a cougar yawning as it strode by, disinterestedly startling a small deer...

Slowly, James could even "see" them clearly in his consciousness. After a long while, he carefully controlled and reined in this ability, which he called "beast sense," allowing himself to return as much as possible to the weaker perceptions of an ordinary human. This talent was like an enhanced radar or signal; if it could only be turned on and never off, normal life would be severely affected.

Only by wielding it with ease could it truly become his own strength. He never craved supreme power bestowed from the heavens; strength not mastered bit by bit through oneself could not be pushed to its limit and would carry extremely fatal side effects and weaknesses.

"Cellular self-healing and rapid division at the genetic level have already surpassed any real or legendary peak of the physical body that humans can achieve through cultivation..."

James couldn't help but sigh. He knew clearly that even if the legends were true, and one could reach the so-called "breaking the void, seeing the divine and becoming indestructible" level of martial arts to shed one's mortal frame, repair internal damage, and significantly extend one's lifespan and physical fitness, it still fell far short of this rapid regeneration and a mutant ability with an unknown lifespan limit.

"What would be the effect if I continued to practice martial arts with a body like this? I have mastered the 'dark energy' level; if I reach the levels of 'entering transformation' or 'holding the elixir,' can I go even further on this foundation?" James pondered to himself, considering the possibilities.

Fundamentally, regardless of whether it is internal or external, martial arts are about gradually uncovering the potential of the human body, improving all aspects of physical function, and constantly approaching the theoretical limit of the human physique to achieve a kind of "superhuman" ability.

So, what if one possessed a body with infinite potential? How much power could be unearthed from a mutant capable of rapid self-healing and a long life? A light that was almost tangible shone in James's eyes, like a wolf glowing with a faint green light in the night...

Before sunrise, James returned to his room in the manor. He did not want his grandfather to worry about him again. Over these ten years, he had truly come to accept this stern, serious, and somewhat harsh old man from the bottom of his heart. In some ways, Mr. Howlett was much like his former master—both shielded him from the wind and rain, and both were in the twilight of their years.

The butler, Vane, was the old brother who had spent the most time with Mr. Howlett, but Vane was only slightly older than John Howlett. When Vane was a boy, he and his parents were kidnapped by bandits; Mr. Howlett saved them, and from then on, Vane followed Mr. Howlett. The bond between them could not be described by simple friendship.

After John died, Mr. Howlett did not have the energy to handle the affairs of the entire manor's industry alone, so he asked him to come back to help. Mr. Vane simply took on the role of butler. Beyond taking care of Mr. Howlett and managing the manor, he spent most of his time resolving business matters for various industries.

"Good morning, Mr. Vane." James came down from upstairs and greeted the butler, who was busy arranging the servants in the hall.

"Morning, Young Master James!" The butler bowed in return. It must be said that transitioning from a warrior who only knew how to shoot guns and ride horses into a manor butler with gentlemanly cultivation, Mr. Vane had done an excellent job.

He even wore a monocle, carried a pocket watch in his breast pocket with the chain hanging naturally, and his brown linen suit highlighted his still-sturdy physique. Although both Mr. Howlett and James had repeatedly emphasized not to use honorifics like "sir" or "young master," Mr. Vane insisted; he seemed to enjoy this state and role.

"Busy so early in the morning, is Grandfather going out?" James asked.

"Yes, young master. Mr. Howlett is going to visit the Governor today, so he instructed me last night to prepare everything and ready the gifts." Butler Vane explained. Immediately, the sound of a cane tapping against the wooden floor echoed through the hall, and Mr. Howlett slowly descended, leaning on the banister.

James stepped forward quickly to help his grandfather down the stairs. Mr. Howlett waved his hand and said to his grandson, "It's fine, no need. I might be back late, don't wait for me for dinner. Don't go too far recently, you can handle more of the manor's affairs. You're older now, you should help with more things." Mr. Howlett instructed, always feigning sternness in front of his grandson, only to be betrayed by his own earnest expression.

"Don't worry, I understand. By the way, Grandfather, I heard the Governor has been giving us trouble lately. Are you going to see him because..." Before James could finish, Mr. Howlett interrupted him: "It's precisely because he's causing trouble that I have to go. A new official taking office is just looking for something. Let's resolve these trivial matters early so things will be smoother for you later."

James wanted to say more but stopped, only nodding at his grandfather. He insisted on supporting the old man's arm until he was in the carriage. Mr. Howlett waved his hand, paused his cane, and signaled the coachman.

"Ha!"

The coachman shouted, cracked his whip, and the four horses took off, galloping away. Behind them followed a truck full of gifts and eight riders flanking the sides. James watched Mr. Howlett until he was far away. He stood there thinking for a while before walking toward Victor's cabin.

Governor Kevin Smith knew Mr. Howlett was coming. Surprisingly, he seemed as happy as if he were receiving an old friend he hadn't seen in years. By noon, he had already ordered his servants to decorate and prepare to welcome Mr. Howlett. Given the transportation and road conditions of this era, Mr. Howlett could only depart in the morning and arrive at the Governor's mansion by evening.

The sun was slowly setting, and the last rays of the sunset shone on the tall iron gates of the Governor's mansion. The shadows of the hooves and wheels remained on the ground for a moment before disappearing. The servants at the Governor's mansion opened the gate nimbly upon seeing the carriage and welcomed the weary Mr. Howlett.

"Welcome! Mr. Howlett, the Governor is already waiting for you outside the manor."

Mr. Howlett looked slightly puzzled, then said, "The Governor is too kind. Let's go."

Governor Smith was a short, middle-aged man who looked quite energetic. His hair was much thicker than that of the average British man, who tended toward baldness. He looked ordinary, but he had the appearance of an exceptionally shrewd person. As a high-ranking official, he seemed more like a businessman.

"Mr. Howlett! I've heard so much about you! You should have sent someone to notify me earlier; the preparations are truly rushed." Smith stepped forward quickly and shook Mr. Howlett's hand enthusiastically. Before the old Mr. Howlett could respond, he continued: "I must also apologize for the beef incident a few days ago. It was truly not my intention, and you must listen to my explanation today."

Mr. Howlett felt increasingly uneasy; he sensed that the situation was likely far more troublesome than he had imagined.