Lau's movements were precise and calculated as he practiced his techniques in the dimly lit room.
The soft glow of the candles cast shadows on the walls, and his breathing was the only noise that broke the silence. He was lost in his training, honing his skills to perfection.
The knock on the door shattered the tranquility, and Lau's eyes narrowed slightly as he paused mid-movement. He approached the door cautiously, his senses on high alert.
As he opened it, he was met with a group of seniors, their faces adorned with arrogant smiles.
"Can I help you?" Lau asked, his voice neutral.
The leader, a tall and muscular student, sneered at Lau. "You're the one who's been making waves with your skills, huh? We heard you're quite talented."
Lau's expression remained neutral, his eyes locked onto the senior. "What do you want?"
The senior chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, we just wanted to introduce ourselves and...welcome you to the academy.
You see, we have a little tradition here. New students like you are expected to show respect to their seniors. You know, in the form of gifts."
Lau's gaze didn't waver, his voice calm. "What kind of gifts?"
The senior's smile grew wider. "Pills, gold coins...anything that shows your appreciation for our...guidance. Let's say...a protection fee, of sorts. You wouldn't want anything...unfortunate to happen to you while you're here, would you?"
Lau raised an eyebrow, his mind racing with the implications. "Protection fee? I'm not sure I'm interested in paying for something I can handle myself."
The senior's expression darkened, his face twisting into a scowl. "You're not interested? That's not an option, kid. You see, we take care of ourselves here. And you...you're not one of us. Yet. But you can be, if you're willing to show your respect."
Lau's eyes locked onto the senior, his voice firm. "I'm not afraid of you. And I don't think I need your protection."
The senior snorted, his eyes glinting with malice. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that. But let's see how you handle this. Either you pay us the protection fee, or...well, let's just say you'll be sorry you ever came to this academy."
Lau's gaze remained steady, his eyes flashing with a hint of warning. He knew he couldn't back down, not now. He was here to take talented students to make an external branch of the Dark Shadow Alliance.
"I think I'll pass," Lau said, his voice firm.
The senior's face twisted into a snarl, and Lau knew the situation was about to escalate. He stood his ground, his eyes locked onto the senior, ready for whatever came next.
The air was thick with tension as the two sides stared each other down. The outcome was far from certain, but one thing was clear: Lau wouldn't back down without a fight.
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