The championship victory for Tran Hung Dao High School became legendary. Lam Minh, once a "lucky fluke," was now officially recognized as a combat genius, a "male god" with mysterious power. His life seemed to have changed completely.
When he returned home, the entire alley was decorated with banners welcoming "Hero Lam Minh." Aunts and uncles hugged him, patting his head, pinching his cheeks, and asking all sorts of questions. Mrs. Mai wept tears of pride. Mr. Lam Dao just quietly patted his son's shoulder, but an undeniable glory shone in his eyes.
"Big bro! You were so cool!" Lam An jumped up and down, showing him the tens of thousands of comments in his fan club. "You're more famous than pop idols now!"
Lam Minh could only manage a wry smile. He didn't enjoy this clamor at all. All he wanted was some peace and quiet to farm points.
After a few days of living with the "annoyance" of fame, he finally returned to school. And of course, he was welcomed like a king. Students from other classes flocked to Class 10A1 just to get a glimpse of his face. His desk was filled with love letters and snacks.
"Brother Minh! You're the pride of our school!" Hung 'Map' puffed out his chest proudly as if he himself had won the championship.
Tran Tuan sulked in a corner, not daring to look directly at Lam Minh. After his performance in the finals, Tran Tuan was completely convinced and didn't dare utter another word against him.
To Quyen was the same as always, calm and intelligent. But whenever she looked at Lam Minh, an extra sparkle glittered in her eyes. She handed him a new file. "I've re-analyzed all of your matches. The way you neutralized Ly Thien Ba's power... it's not like any known martial art. Lam Minh, who are you really..."
"It's a secret," Lam Minh winked at her, cutting off her question. "Knowing too much isn't good for you, Class President."
To Quyen pouted but didn't press further. She knew everyone had their own secrets.
That afternoon, after school, a black military jeep from Blacklight parked right in front of the school gate. Quynh Nhu got out of the car, dressed in her combat uniform, attracting everyone's attention.
She walked straight up to Lam Minh, who was about to go home.
"Come with me," she said curtly.
"Where to? I haven't even finished my homework," Lam Minh feigned weariness.
"Stop pretending," Quynh Nhu glared at him. "A high-ranking leader from Blacklight wants to see you. This is an honor, kid."
Lam Minh shrugged and didn't refuse. He was also curious to know what ASEAN's most elite force wanted with him.
The jeep took him to a secret military base. He was led into a minimalist but solemn office. A middle-aged man with a general's insignia was waiting for him. It was General Tran Khang, the supreme commander of the Blacklight special forces.
"Hello, Lam Minh," General Khang smiled warmly. "I've watched all of your matches. Very impressive."
"Hello, General. I was just lucky," Lam Minh replied modestly, continuing his act.
General Khang laughed. "If that's luck, then I hope every soldier in my army can have that kind of luck. Well, let's not beat around the bush. I've invited you here for two reasons."
He pushed a metal box towards Lam Minh.
"First, this is the reward for your championship. A gift from Blacklight."
Lam Minh opened the box. Inside was a tactical dagger made from a Graphene-Adamantium alloy, incomparably sharp and hard, along with a set of ultra-lightweight, form-fitting body armor with excellent bulletproof and shock-absorbing capabilities.
Lam Minh's eyes lit up. This was all top-of-the-line equipment, issued only to the core members of Blacklight.
"Thank you, General."
"No need for thanks," General Khang waved his hand. "This is what you deserve. And the second, more important reason..."
He looked straight into Lam Minh's eyes, his voice becoming serious. "Lam Minh, I am officially inviting you to join Blacklight. We will give you a special exception, bypassing all the usual recruitment and training procedures. You will become the youngest member in our history."
This offer stunned even Quynh Nhu, who was standing beside them. Being specially recruited into Blacklight was an unprecedented honor.
But Lam Minh, after a moment's thought, shook his head.
"General, I deeply appreciate your offer. But I must respectfully decline."
"What?" Quynh Nhu blurted out. "Are you crazy? Do you know how many people dream of getting in here?"
General Khang was also surprised, but he remained calm. "May I know the reason?"
"Because I'm still a student," Lam Minh replied, his voice sincere. "I'm only 16. According to the law, I have to be 18 to go to the front lines. I don't want to be an exception. Besides, I still have my family and friends. I want to enjoy my school years before taking on greater responsibilities."
He spoke from the bottom of his heart. In his past life, he had lost everything too soon. In this life, he wanted to cherish every moment with his loved ones.
Hearing Lam Minh's reason, General Khang was not disappointed but nodded in approval. "A very good answer. You have power but are not arrogant, you think of your family, and you respect the rules. You are more mature than many of my soldiers. Alright, I respect your decision."
He stood up and continued, "However, the doors of Blacklight will always be open to you. In the next two years, if you need any support with equipment or training, just contact Quynh Nhu. And..."
He smiled. "Your school will soon have many extracurricular programs and internships at the logistics zones on the Great Wall. I think it will be a good opportunity for you to gradually familiarize yourself with the military environment. I hope you won't disappoint us."
Lam Minh understood General Khang's meaning. This was a clever way to "keep" him.
"I understand, sir. Thank you, General."
Leaving the Blacklight base, Lam Minh held the precious gift, feeling a sense of relief. The path he had chosen might be different, but he believed it was the right one.
"Hey, you really turned it down?" Quynh Nhu asked as she drove him home.
"I did," Lam Minh replied. "I still owe you ten million. I can't leave until that's paid off."
Hearing this, Quynh Nhu blushed and shot him a glare. "Who cares about your stupid money! But anyway, it's good that you didn't join. Otherwise, people would say I used my connections to get my 'punching bag' onto the team."
Lam Minh just smiled. He looked out at the city lights, a plan for the next two years already forming in his mind.
Studying, cultivating, protecting his family, teasing a pink-haired loli... and occasionally participating in some extracurricular activities to "show off" a bit. A life like this wasn't bad at all.