Strongest Maniac: Born in an Asylum

"Go on!"

Walter raised a fist to cheer Leo on. His own hand still throbbed from his earlier punch; the man's body was surprisingly, almost unnaturally, hard.

Kyle, for his part, was quite confident in his abilities.

Of course, that confidence was based on facing ordinary people, not malevolent spirits.

To think that a simple display of his Daoist technique could bring so much joy to these two patients—it was a truly heartwarming experience.

"Don't be nervous. Don't be afraid. Come on," Kyle said with a gentle smile.

In his short time here, he had discovered that the world of these patients was remarkably simple. Their pursuit of happiness was just as straightforward; often, the smallest, most ordinary thing could make them smile. It was a precious quality.

It was no wonder Director Hess had taken notice of Kyle.

He was a young man with insight.

"Okay."

Leo stood before Kyle, studying his own clenched fist. He measured the distance, planning to strike with just that much force. But he knew he had to be very, very gentle, otherwise his own fist would surely be in a world of pain.

Not far away, the other top students from the Four Academies were interacting well with the patients.

One patient had taken out his beloved suona and was puffing his cheeks, playing a tune.

The king of instruments, the rogue of the orchestra.

"That sound... something about it feels off," Kyle murmured, glancing toward the source of the music. It was a cheerful scene, yet for some reason, a sense of unease crept into his heart. It was a strange, baseless feeling.

A verse drifted into his mind.

A pipa played for a thousand years, a zither for ten thousand more, a life spent on an erhu's mournful score. But when the suona sounds, the play is done. The first time you hear it, you don't know its meaning; the next time you hear it, you're the one in the coffin. A forlorn soul on the road to the underworld, a memory of home from the spirit-viewing platform, a bowl of Meng Po's soup to forget this life, a broken spirit crossing the Bridge of No Return, to be reborn once more in the Dragon Nation.

"Haha!"

How strange. Why would I think of something like that?

Kyle shook his head, casting the unsettling thoughts aside. He nodded at Leo.

"Bring it on!"

A smile touched the corners of his lips.

Using his own skills to bring joy to a patient and foster a deeper connection was a truly...

Leo's fist flew forward.

As it made contact with Kyle's abdomen, Kyle's face still wore a faint, confident smile. But in the next instant, that smile vanished. His mouth fell slightly open, his tongue lolled out, and his eyes bulged so wide they nearly burst from their sockets.

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

BAM!

Kyle was launched backward. He saw the blue sky, the white clouds, the brilliant sun high above. What a beautiful view.

But he felt his consciousness slowly fading.

The world went silent. He couldn't hear a thing. Liquid trickled from his seven orifices. He didn't know what it was. Saliva, perhaps.

For some reason, he could suddenly hear the suona again.

He wanted to say something, but he no longer had the strength.

A few people noticed the commotion but didn't think much of it.

At most, they just sighed in admiration. He's really putting on a show to entertain the patients.

Kyle flew more than a dozen meters before his back slammed into the ground, bouncing several times upon impact. A large amount of blood poured from his nose and mouth, and the perfect imprint of a fist was visible on his stomach.

His last conscious thought was...

What was I doing?

"That was amazing!" Walter exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly as he saw Kyle fly so far. "Leo, you sent him flying with one punch!"

Leo smiled faintly. "I didn't realize I was that strong."

He wanted to continue playing with Kyle.

But as the seconds ticked by, he noticed that Kyle was lying perfectly still on the ground, without the slightest reaction.

Leo ran over, with Walter close behind him.

When they reached Kyle, they froze, standing there in stunned silence.

"He's..." Walter pointed at Kyle, who was now covered in blood. His own body began to tremble with fear.

Seeing his friend in this state, Leo's smile gradually stiffened. He could feel Kyle's life force weakening. He was... dying.

"How... how could I kill someone who was willing to be our friend?"

He was overcome with profound self-blame. The hand that had thrown the punch trembled uncontrollably. He hadn't wanted this. They had said it would be fine, so why had it turned out like this?

Seeing Leo consumed by guilt and sorrow, Walter's own mood soured. He tried to comfort him.

"Don't be sad. I'll save him. I definitely will. Trust me."

As he spoke, Walter took out his treasured case of needles and knelt beside Kyle.

His expression was solemn and focused as he grasped a single silver needle.

In the past, he would have just picked a spot that looked good.

But now, kneeling beside Kyle, he studied the body with intense concentration. He found his target and, with a swift, precise, and firm motion, inserted the needle.

The first needle!

Leo stood to the side, wracked with guilt.

Though he was a patient, his feelings for those willing to be his friend were genuine. He never harbored any ill will.

He had truly trusted his friend.

His friend had said it would be fine and had even caringly warned him, "Be careful not to hurt your hand."

The memory had warmed his heart.

He never imagined...

Kyle's current state was not something he had ever wanted to see.

The second needle!

Walter was deeply engrossed, a bead of sweat trickling down his brow. He felt exhausted, as if each needle he placed was draining his own life force.

The third needle!

...

He continued his work.

On the walkway.

The agent from the Special Department pointed into the distance and said, "Director Hess, look at this batch of students. Aren't they impressive? Especially the one you asked about earlier, he's truly outstanding. The lengths he's going to just to make the patients happy is really something."

"That technique Kyle just used is the Indestructible Diamond Body from the Mountain Sect. When performed, the body becomes as hard as stone."

"But after taking one punch from your patient, he threw himself backward like that. Hahaha, that's really amusing."

"Who are you calling?"

The agent watched with curiosity as Director Hess, his face grim, dialed a number.

The Director's movements were practiced, with a proficiency that was heartbreaking.

He was all too familiar with the torment of situations like this.

"Green—"

"No need to say more. We know. We're already on our way."

"We're hanging up. We're driving."

Director Hess had barely uttered a single word, "Green," before the person on the other end cut him off. They were so familiar with calls from this number that as soon as the caller ID showed 'Green Mountain Asylum,' no more words were needed. Just get the ambulance and go.

Director Hess began running toward the scene.

The agent from the Special Department frowned, a sense of unease growing. He followed behind Director Hess. What's there to be so tense about? It's just a game. Nothing could have possibly happened. Does he really think the top graduates from our Four Academies are that weak?

If anything, he thought, we should be asking if your patient's fist is okay.

The thirteenth needle fell.

Gasp!

Kyle, who had briefly stopped breathing, suddenly drew in a sharp breath.

"I brought him back! I saved him! You don't have to blame yourself anymore, he's not going to die," Walter said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a happy smile.

Leo's face broke into a relieved grin. "Really?"

"Yes, really," Walter confirmed.

"I will never hit a friend again," Leo said, looking at his fist with firm resolve. If there was ever a next time, he would cut this fist off himself.

Just then, Director Hess arrived. Seeing the scene before him, he didn't say a word. His eyes, however, were filled with a deep sense of pity.

The agent from the Special Department stared, his jaw dropping at the sight before him. Then, he roared:

"Doctor! Get a doctor over here!"

"No, wait! Get a graduate from the Medical Sect over here, now!"