One morning in July.
In the hospital ward.
Dean supervises Rusty and Britney, a confused couple, practicing SAT test questions in preparation for the fall exam.
"The exam ends in half an hour." Dean glanced at the quartz watch on his wrist, recalled the "shadow" hovering like a kite in the air, and then turned to his two friends who were immersed in "reading comprehension" beside the hospital bed, "Insert As a side note, do you two already have a target school?"
"University of Arizona, you know I've loved watching stars since I was a child." Rust bit the end of his pen, "So I applied to the astronomy department."
"If you are ambitious, this is not an easy test. I suggest you look for a few more options and apply to at least five schools."
Rust nodded, "I know there is little hope, so I have already found a way out."
"Britney?"
"Department of Philosophy." The girl smiled and poked her hair with a pencil and asked, "I haven't seen you doing questions with us these days. You have been reading the volunteer training materials. Do you not plan to go to college? ?”
Dean acquiesced.
Rust's expression tightened, "Don't tell me that you have abandoned the 'Future University Alliance' and are preparing to take the police exam?"
"Not necessarily the police." Dean shook his head.
His thoughts have changed drastically from when he first arrived. After seeing supernatural powers, he still has the energy to spend a few years on the university campus.
What's more, he had already gone to college once in his previous life. This time, he planned to change his life:
Become a volunteer first to understand the basic situation, and then become a private detective, psychic expert, or freelancer. They are all good options.
Try every possibility, work hard to develop systems and strengthen capabilities.
If necessary, I will go to a community college in the future.
"Should we brothers not be able to see each other more often in the future?" Rust's handsome face wrinkled into a bitter melon, feeling aggrieved and unwilling to accept it.
"Don't worry, no matter where I am in the future, I will go to see you often to get together. Besides, there is still a whole year until graduation, and you are afraid that you won't be able to see me?"
…
The beginning of July passed in a hurry amid this diligence and regularity.
July 20th, the day I was discharged from the hospital.
The bright sunshine shines through the window onto Dean's face.
He blinked and woke up from his meditation. The pale red sphere that had been lingering in the distance was replaced by gentle white light.
At the same time, a reminder flashed before my eyes.
Proficiency +1, Balance Meditation lv0 (100/100
Upgrade?
yes!
Balance Meditation lv1(0/200)
Your lower Willpower attribute increases from 11.2 to 12.2.
…
When the willpower is raised a little, there is far less strong reaction than when the perception is raised. There is only a hint of cool air passing through the mind in the first moment.
Dean closed his eyes and recalled the terrifying pale ghost face of Alexander Raphael, but this time there was no wave in his heart, as if he had seen a cheap and shoddy mask.
He tried to recall the slender curves of his girlfriend, Caroline, whom he had not seen for a month. She was not as excited and ready to move as before.
"Improve your willpower and reduce the interference of emotions and desires."
But he was still a little distracted.
After all, he had been in the hospital for a month without any strenuous exercise, and his balance meditation and Ironman expertise had accumulated his energy to the extreme. He was a humanoid explosive waiting to be ignited!
…
In addition to progress in meditation this month.
Under the unremitting mental tempering and the nurturing of 1 point of proficiency every day, Shadow of the Past lv0 (13/100→43/100)
In addition, he also read through the legal, first on-site first aid, police dispatch scenarios, and physical training materials that Holden sent over.
…
After sorting it out, Dean walked out of the hospital door.
Under the long-lost warm sunshine, the white Bronco's tall body, large tires, square front and headlights make people feel more friendly.
Next to Bronco, Rust and Britney, dressed as a couple, came over with smiles.
"Man, welcome to the hospital! Have you had enough lying in the hospital bed? Come and join us on a trip to California's passionate mountains and gentle beaches! Everyone is waiting for you, we're leaving right now!"
Rust's face was filled with joy,
Dean was caught off guard, "You're in such a hurry, have you got all your camping equipment ready?"
"Of course, there is a camping expert in our team, a beautiful woman. Tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, camera, mountaineering bag, lighting and ignition equipment, high-calorie snacks, drinking water...etc., all have been purchased in advance. , I’ve prepared your share, it’s interesting.”
Rust's face was red, his eyes were shining, like a big cock showing off, he was a little too excited,
“Which advisor is trustworthy?”
"She is a veteran. She has been camping more than a dozen times without a single accident!"
"Okay, but don't be too busy setting off. I have to go back to get some clothes and prepare some personal items."
"Meet in front of my house later."
…
Dean drove home and packed his personal belongings, put on a pair of fresh jeans and a T-shirt, and then brought M1911A1, two boxes of .45acp, a Ouija board and some sage incense burners, which, together with the Ouija board, were just right for mediumships. ceremony.
From now on, a fully loaded Colt and psychic suit will become Dean's standard equipment when traveling far away.
Everything is ready.
Dean drove to Rust's house. At the door was a red Ford F-150 with a cargo compartment filled with backpacks and suitcases of various sizes.
Parked on the other side is a Mercury station wagon with two-door doors. The Guanyin doors are open, and the body is full of retro-looking wood grain. It's as beautiful as a work of art.
Six young men and women were leaning against two cars, chatting animatedly.
"Hey, ladies and gentlemen, look over here and welcome our last member, the savior of Lake Mead, the living descendant of Bruce Lee, Dean Lew!"
Dean's cheeks trembled, what the hell kind of nickname is this?
"Hi…"
Six people waved to him enthusiastically.
"This couple is Beck and Jenny from eleventh grade. Good friends from the school's swimming club. They were there at Lake Mead." Britney pointed to the couple cuddling together next to the station wagon.
The boy wears a floral shirt and denim shorts and has a strong build. The girl has wheat-colored skin and slightly curly black hair. She is obviously a black man. She has a cheerful personality and speaks with a unique rhythm, as if she is about to perform a rap on the spot to welcome Dean as a new friend.
"Nice clothes, man." Dean glanced at the boy's chest exposed by the shirt. It was covered with thick black chest hair. He might have some Slavic blood.
"I've always wanted to say thank you." Baker in the floral shirt gave Dean a hug.
"Dean, you can be at your call anytime, anywhere." Jenny, who had slightly curly hair, stretched out her fist to touch him.
…
The white couple leaning on the side of the F150 are Long and Ashley.
Lang wore a pair of thick black-rimmed glasses, a plaid shirt, sweatpants and sneakers, while Ashley was petite and sweet-looking.
Both of them were a little shy and didn't talk much. They just smiled kindly at Dean.
…
Finally, Rust led Dean to meet a couple wearing blue T-shirts.
"Hi! I'm Abby from the eleventh grade." The slightly shorter black-haired boy waved his hand to Dean in a weak voice. The acne and pimples on his face were a bit scary in the sun. There is also some inferiority complex and fear of life.
"Good morning." Dean nodded at him.
"Gretchen, who is in eleventh grade, is the 'general counselor' of this camp, and Britney's good sister. Britney and Rust often talk about you, praising you and saying you are a genius." The girl next to her said He stretched out his hand generously and shook Dean's hand gently, his eyes filled with emotion.
Her external conditions are much better than those of her boyfriend. She has big eyes, a high nose bridge, clear facial features without aggressive edges, and a neat black braid hanging from the back of her head. Her height is similar to Dean who is 1.76 meters tall. .
Wearing a blue T-shirt and gray tights, her round and slender thighs and plump chest were revealed. Her tall and sexy figure reminded people of the legendary Amazon female warrior.
The most impressive thing was the pair of light blue eyes, which were pure and beautiful, and even the finest light sapphires were eclipsed in front of her.
"Don't listen to Rust's nonsense, I'm just ordinary." Dean glanced at them covertly, Abby and Gretchen stood together like an ugly duckling and a white swan, the contrast was very sharp.
After meeting new friends, Dean returned to Bronco, opened the car door, and half-joked at Rust, "What do you think? It's obviously a couple camping, but you have to call me a light bulb?"
"What kind of couple camping?" Rust asked with a question mark on his face, "Do you have any misunderstanding?"
"You and Britney, Beck and Jenny, Ron and Ashley, Abby and Gretchen, are not four couples? Why do you call me an odd number?"
"Haha." Rust opened his mouth wide, overjoyed, "You made a mistake this time, man."
Next to her, Britney put her hands on her hips and puffed up her cheeks angrily like a little hamster.
"Abby and Gretchen are good sisters, not a couple!"
"puff--"
Dean glanced back awkwardly and apologetically.
The "boy" with acne on his face darkened when he heard their discussion and lowered his head.
And Gretchen put her arms around her sister's shoulders and whispered comfort, her blue eyes looking at Dean displeased.
"Sorry, Abby, I didn't mean to do it, Rust, explain, I'm not that kind of person."
"It's okay, Dean, I'm used to it." Abby took a deep breath and forced a smile, "I am a 'tomboy'."
When Dean heard this, he couldn't help but glance at her chest. It was a 3A-level airport. Even the tight-fitting shirt could not see the slightest fluctuation. Her chest muscles were not as developed as those of men with floral shirts and hairy chests.
Plus a neutral voice and look.
Dude oh no ma'am.
I'm really sorry.
"Abby and Gretchen are left to you, get in the car, everyone!"
Rust waved Britney into the F150, and the four of them got into the station wagon.
And Dean pushed the Bronco's front seat back forward, revealing the narrow and awkward back seat entrance.
"Ladies, please."
…
The three cars drove out of Las Vegas one after another, onto the I-15 interstate highway, and headed west.
