Chapter 77: The Portal in Reality

Cech and Brook were almost driven mad. They looked at Sun Fei with expressions full of deep resentment. Only at that moment did they finally realize that they had been tricked by the young King who loved pranks. It was actually a beautiful little joke.

Brook excitedly swallowed another bottle of [Hulk Potion].

In numerous previous experiments, Sun Fei had tested the [Hulk Potion] on poultry like chickens, ducks, pigs, and dogs, as well as on a few severely condemned death row prisoners. Therefore, he had a full understanding of the potion’s effects, dosage, side effects, and long-term impacts. Brook and Cech had similar levels of strength before, so Sun Fei had prepared roughly the same amount of potion for both in advance. After enduring unspeakable pain, Brook also explosively raised his strength. His physical Might directly reached the two-star level, and his Qi Channel was widened and extended. This held extraordinary significance for his future Battle Qi training—it instantly turned an ordinary person into a Battle Qi genius.

The full power of the [Hulk Potion] required further practice to activate completely. At this time, some residual pharmacological effects remained in both men’s bodies. So, upon close inspection, a faint hint of green could still be seen on Brook’s and Cech’s skin. They exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but chuckle.

The continuous appearance of such miraculous potions by His Majesty the King left Brook and Cech deeply astonished. If news of this spread, many people would likely fight fiercely for it, possibly even causing wars between Vassal States. As the saying goes, the innocent suffer because of their treasures. They now understood why King Alexander had specifically called them to the King’s Hall alone—except for the close personal guard, Fernando Torres, all other guards had been dismissed early.

“The effects of the [Hulk Potion] are indeed amazing, but they can’t be stacked. It works only once, and a second dose won’t show such dramatic results. So, don’t slack off on your own training in the future—keep working hard… I do have some leftover potions, but the stock is small, meant only to boost Shampoo City’s strength. Both of you are my most trusted men and the first to drink the [Hulk Potion]. Remember, this matter must be kept a strict secret—never leak it. As for the reason behind your own strength growth, find your own way to explain it… This requires caution, and you know why inside.”

After the excitement, Sun Fei returned to the throne between the double-lion Magical Beast statues on the stone steps. He instantly switched to [Paladin Mode]. The noble and imposing presence of a level 12 Paladin instantly filled the entire Great Hall. The majestic power surged like waves throughout the room. Sun Fei resumed the supreme position of King who commanded everything, as dignified and untouchable as a god.

Upon hearing Sun Fei’s words, Brook and Cech realized they were the first to contact the [Hulk Potion]. Gratitude filled their hearts, and their blood boiled with passion. They knelt and said loudly in unison, “Your Majesty, rest assured, no one else will ever know of this.”

Sun Fei nodded with satisfaction.

He suddenly stretched out his hand again. Another bottle of [Hulk Potion] appeared in his palm. Pushing it outward, the vast Aura from the level 12 Paladin gently wrapped around the potion bottle, slowly sending it to Brook’s hands.

Sun Fei continued, “After you return, immediately select 200 soldiers within the city—clean background and loyal reliability required. Dilute this [Hulk Potion] into at least four barrels of clean water. Have them drink it unknowingly within three days. This won’t achieve the same effects as for you two, but it should greatly enhance the soldiers’ Might and physique. Remember, these 200 soldiers will be the main elite force for the Imperial Martial Arts Warfare Tournament in Zenit half a year from now. No sloppiness is allowed—choose carefully. Skills come second, loyalty first. Best if they’re all young men born in Shampoo City… Brook, after you finish, hand the soldiers to Captain Cech for training and command. I want you two to build an undefeatable iron army for my Shampoo City in half a year—can you do it?”

“Your Majesty, rest assured, absolutely no problem.”

Brook grasped the potion tightly in his hand, as if holding a key to a priceless treasure. He answered loudly with full confidence, “With this [Hulk Potion], which rivals an epic potion in effectiveness, we definitely can forge a horrifyingly powerful army in the shortest time. Our chances in the Martial Arts Tournament half a year from now just increased.”

Even the usually reserved Cech was exhilarated at the sight. He nodded repeatedly and declared loudly, “King Alexander, rest assured. Peter Cech vows to forge an unbeatable iron army for you within half a year.”

Sun Fei nodded with satisfaction.

He wasn’t worried about any issues with the use of the [Hulk Potion]. During earlier tests on the [Hulk Potion], Sun Fei had discovered another phenomenon that pleased him immensely—whether humans or animals, if they endured the intense, life-wrenching agony that lasted almost a minute at the start, after their Might greatly improved, they instinctively felt a deep inner loyalty towards Sun Fei. This loyalty grew immensely, like children toward their parents. Pondering the reason for this magical effect, Sun Fei guessed it came from the faint Mental Power contained within the [Hulk Potion] itself. Each bottle of [Hulk Potion] held a weak emotional wave after creation, almost as if alive, resembling a newborn’s dependence on its mother. It seemed this Mental Power silently influenced the soul of whoever drank the potion, boosting their loyalty to Sun Fei.

With the [Hulk Potion] matter concluded, over the next ten or so minutes, Sun Fei and Brook discussed reforms for Shampoo City’s military system. Sun Fei wasn’t a military genius himself; he merely drew from memories and knowledge of past books and stated some general principles. Brook was greatly inspired by this, and Cech contributed many ideas too. Sun Fei realized the Captain of the Royal Guard also showed considerable talent in military affairs. After a conversation among the three, Brook cheerfully took notes filling three sheets of animal hide. Seeing how late it was, he and Cech finally rose, knelt, and bid farewell.

Only Sun Fei and the close personal guard, Fernando Torres, were left in the Great Hall.

Feeling the intense gaze behind him, Sun Fei turned his head instinctively. He noticed Torres indeed watched him with eager eyes, the expression hot like a young girl meeting a dashing suitor. The fiery look nearly melted him. Sun Fei knew exactly his thoughts and asked directly with a laugh, “Fernando, do you also want a bottle of [Hulk Potion] to boost your Might?”

Torres hesitated briefly. He knew the potion might be incredibly precious, that each bottle used was one less available. Yet, ultimately tempted by the power, he knelt and answered honestly, “Your Majesty, serving by your side is Torres’s lifelong honor. Torres wants to fight for you, but my Might is too weak—I can barely lift a sword now… So I boldly ask Your Majesty to grant me a bottle of [Hulk Potion].”

“This [Hulk Potion] was meant for you too, but I cannot give it to you right away…” Sun Fei gestured for Torres to rise. He continued, “This potion has amazing effects, but it is brutally potent. Ordinary people can hardly bear the excruciating agony during the body transformation. If they fall unconscious, it reverses the benefits. Lords Brook and Cech are battle-hardened Warriors with some foundational strength, which helped them endure the transformation phase and fully absorb the potion’s power. But your physical Might is still far too weak to withstand such potent impact. Drinking it now would harm you… If you want to reach the standard for the [Hulk Potion] quickly, go find people like Pierce and Drogba. Train with them according to the methods I taught. Once your body reaches the required toughness, I’ll reserve a potion for you.”

Hearing Sun Fei’s clear explanation, Torres’s face shifted from disappointment to hope. He clenched his fists excitedly, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll go find Lord Pierce immediately…”

After saying that, the Young Man hurriedly dashed out of the Great Hall.

Sun Fei watched the Young Man’s back and quietly smiled.

Through secret observations over this time, Sun Fei had confirmed the Young Man, Fernando Torres, was indeed a promising talent—clever, upright, brave, possessing all essential qualities of a true Warrior. Born and raised in Shampoo City, he was deeply loyal to the royal family and worshiped King Alexander like an idol, right to his very bones. For someone like this, Sun Fei had no reason not to mentor and favor him.

But Torres was still too young at that moment, so Sun Fei wanted to temper him through training.

However, what Sun Fei said earlier about the [Hulk Potion]’s potent effects was absolutely true—no exaggeration whatsoever. In his earlier experiments, eighteen dogs and thirty-three pigs had died. Countless other small animals like chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits met similar fates. Even most of the death row prisoners sent by Prison Warden Oleg died during the power absorption process, proving how terrifying it was.

In the Great Hall, Sun Fei thoughtfully reviewed all recent events to ensure nothing was overlooked. He slowly breathed out a sigh and switched to [Barbarian Mode]. Seeing no one around, he suddenly whispered mysteriously to the air before him, “Ileena… you can come out now!”

As soon as the words ended, a soft humming sound filled the air.

A blue radiance flashed from nothingness, growing larger and larger into a massive blue oval of light. As the blue light flowed, it gradually stabilized into a [Portal] from the Diablo World that had materialized out of thin air. Then, a graceful figure slowly emerged from the Portal, stepping into the King’s Hall.