Chapter 92 He Must Be Challenging Me!

"Dad, Mom, I'm home."

"You're back?"

John's parents were in the middle of dinner.

His dad, Sebastian, stood up and peeked outside. "No one's chasing you, right?"

John rolled his eyes. "I'm not a fugitive!"

Then he remembered something. "But I did run into a nutjob today."

"One of your fellow patients?" Sebastian asked.

John chuckled awkwardly.

"You seem in good spirits," Sebastian said, looking relieved.

John plopped down at the table. "Being home always cheers me up."

Grace chimed in, "We thought you'd be upset about David."

John raised an eyebrow. "David? He got into Skylight Culinary Academy. Why would I be upset?"

Sebastian sighed. "It's because he got in. You three have been friends forever, but Mia and David are so accomplished, and you're... well, not. It's natural to feel a bit off."

"Even if I'm not the best, at least I have a good mindset."

Sebastian patted his shoulder. "With a good mindset, you'll live long. The longest-living wins!"

"Dad, you're really something," John said. "Besides, I'm just biding my time. One day, they'll need my help."

Sebastian nodded. "Your mindset's fine, but you've got some mental issues."

John just focused on his dinner.

The next day, John planned to take it easy.

But his phone rang in the morning.

"Unknown number, flagged as a scam?" John smirked. They didn't even change the number. He answered.

"Hey, old classmate, I miss you."

"But I don't know you."

"You don't recognize me? It's Micheal Smith."

John grinned, "Micheal? Nope, doesn't ring a bell."

There was a pause. "You haven't changed, still as forgetful as ever."

"Just kidding, Micheal. I remember you..." John's eyes lit up. "So, what have you been up to?"

"I'm a fitness coach now, but I'm low on Stellar Coin. Looking for a business partner."

"Micheal, weren't you always sick as a kid? How'd you become a fitness coach?"

Another pause.

John stifled a laugh, picturing Micheal's face.

"Medical advancements, you know. I'm all better now."

"Congrats on the recovery," John said.

"Let's talk investment."

John's smile turned sly. "Wait a minute, Micheal. In middle school, you got drunk, danced in the street, got hit by a car, and lost your left leg. How are you a fitness coach?"

Micheal's voice wavered. "You must be mistaken."

"Then I must be," John said, feigning apology. "It's been years; memories fade. My bad. It was your right leg that got amputated. My mistake."

Mr. Lee fell silent, almost broke down, and hung up.

"Hello! Micheal!"

John couldn't help but laugh, imagining how furious the guy must be.

Just as John was feeling pleased, another call came in.

"Another unknown number. So many scammers these days."

John answered, "What's up? Micheal, is your illness cured?"

A familiar voice responded, "It's Uriah. What are you talking about?"

"Oh, Uriah," John said, chuckling. "A scammer called me earlier, and I was messing with him."

Then John remembered something. "You're not a scammer, right?"

"Of course not," Uriah said, sounding annoyed. "Are you free today? I took on a task. Interested?"

"What task?"

"A robber's been causing trouble lately!"

"Not interested. Call the cops," John replied.

"There's a reward of fifty thousand Stellar Coin!" Uriah added.

"I hate robbers. Where are you? I'll come find you!"

Uriah sighed, "Your attitude changes so fast."

"Claiming to be a robber, he must be challenging me!"

John grabbed his bag and left the neighborhood.

Half an hour later, John arrived at Rainflower Street.

Uriah, in a blue T-shirt and jeans, looked young—if you ignored his face.

"Uriah, why'd you stop selling beef?" John asked.

"Fewer buyers lately, so I quit. It was just a part-time gig anyway."

"Part-time butcher? That's pretty wild," John said, patting his shoulder. "But you're better off. Last night, I heard someone took a part-time job as a lunatic."

Uriah smirked, "Mine was a serious job. Enough chit-chat. Show me the mission details."

John nodded and took a small booklet.

[Mission Name: Capture the Robber.]

[Mission Difficulty: None]

[Mission Content: Recently, a robber has been targeting wealthy families in the City of Wisdom. His methods are sophisticated, leaving no clues. The stolen wealth amounts to millions of Stellar Coin. Capture him ASAP!]

[Mission Reward: One hundred thousand Stellar Coin]

[Mission Challenges: 1. No basic information about the robber, not even the gender. 2. His methods are mysterious, avoiding all surveillance, possibly using a contract spirit.]

[Mission Tips: 1. The robber is acting alone, not part of a gang. 2. The robber's Beast Tamer level is low. 3. After each crime, he leaves a note saying 'Stealing from the rich to help the poor,' possibly living in the slums.]

"Beast Tamer?" John frowned, looking serious.

"What's wrong?" Uriah asked. Although he was a Beast Tamer, he had almost no combat ability, so he needed John's help.

"If the criminal is a Beast Tamer, it's tricky. They're ruthless, and their Bound Beasts are vicious. Tough to deal with."

"Can't we catch him? I've already gathered specific info," Uriah said, frowning.

John laughed. "If others can catch him, I can. If others can't, I still can!"

"What I mean is," John paused, "I want more Stellar Coin!"