CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: [TIME]

1:30 PM.

Compared to the vibrant atmosphere on the cliffs of Winster University, the city of Winster didn’t really feel much of a ripple.

People continued with their day-to-day lives.

No one changed due to Pupol’s arrival.

Except for...

Palon.

Palon woke up from a morning nightmare and started drinking; he had drunk a lot.

Even with his high tolerance, he was feeling dizzy now, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Because his hands were still trembling uncontrollably.

He picked up the bottle again.

A hand suddenly snatched it away.

"Stop drinking, Palon. There’s nothing to be afraid of. He knows nothing, and we hold all the advantages."

The speaker was a man with a full beard.

His name was Gary, Big Bearded Gary.

He was once the largest leader under Joan, and also the most loyal one.

Even when Fred came later, he couldn’t replace him; he remained Joan’s confidant.

The events of that night happened quickly and suddenly, and Fred, as the second-in-command, made him stay on guard, so he had no chance to rescue his master.

Afterwards, Fred died, Ethan took over the Cabreya family’s territory without settling scores with the old members.

Gary’s territory didn’t change, and he didn’t make any moves.

At most, he secretly contacted Palon from time to time.

Using a secret code only understood by the core members of the Cabreya family.

For a long time, Palon ignored Gary.

He didn’t want to die.

He was afraid of Ethan.

Until...

Until that accident.

Lewis.

Palon finally reconnected with Gary.

Then Gary contacted all the trusted elders of the Cabreya Clan.

In the shadows, the former Cabreya Clan revived once more.

Gary appeared very excited, continuously smoking, filling the whole room with smoke.

"We have those people to help, and he’s not home, this is heaven’s opportunity for us, Palon, don’t be afraid, when the time comes, I’ll bring his head to you."

Gary lit another cigarette after finishing his words, then took out his pocket watch for a look.

The time was almost 2:00 PM.

Everyone was ready.

Just waiting for the moment when the bullet leaves the chamber.

2:00 PM.

He extinguished the last cigarette.

Gary took out a custom-made Margonan 717, which is also Margonan Company’s proud creation, second only to the hand cannon in power.

He gently wiped the gun’s surface, then forcefully loaded it.

The only regret was never managing to get hold of that thing called a "Winster Typewriter."

Otherwise, today would have been smoother.

But that’s okay, after today, everything will be available.

"Palon, if you’re scared, find a place where no one knows to hide, I’ll come find you when it’s all over."

Palon said nothing, just poured himself another drink.

——————

2:30 PM.

The sky’s gloom had thickened, the snow hidden in it ready to fall at any moment.

But even this snowy anticipation couldn’t dampen the excitement at Winster University.

At this point, Pupol had finished his exchange and entered the dining reception.

Many of Winster’s elite finally found a chance to converse with him.

Pupol didn’t keep people at a distance; he was pleasant in conversation, even humorous, making those nearby laugh frequently.

Ethan watched the great painter from afar.

He was a middle-aged man of about forty, sporting somewhat exaggerated handlebar mustaches. Not a handsome man, but with a very unique charisma.

There was a kind of... hmm...

Ethan thought for a long time, and came up with a word, avant-garde.

Pupol was indeed considered an avant-garde figure in the art circle, his style was distinctive, unlike any other.

In his early days, critics harshly criticized his style, claiming he was desecrating art.

His style was peculiar, often unexpected, with contents that were whimsical, a sense of fantasy.

Later, his style became known as the whimsical school.

Ethan had studied his style over the past days and already had some alternative plans in mind.

It just depended on what topic the other party would present.

Time went by little by little.

Nearing 3:00 PM.

Today’s most captivating segment was about to begin.

The great artist Pupol was about to personally assess a student’s talent.

This news had spread days earlier, a great artist, an ordinary art student, a talent assessment, it was already eye-catching.

Moreover, that student’s identity wasn’t simple.

That student, with the last name Polleta.

This was a surname that had recently been quite stormy in Winster City.

Additionally, this assessment was entangled with some internal conflicts at Winster University.

Truly fascinating.

As the time approached, Ethan was already called over by El.

Despite the initial statement that the test would be conducted in public, it wasn’t feasible to have Ethan paint in front of the crowd due to the pressure.

El was really afraid Ethan would have issues, so he argued strongly and got Loren’s tacit consent, eventually arranging a sea-facing classroom as Ethan’s studio.

While others continued with the reception outside.

Giving Ethan two hours to see what he could produce.

3:00 PM sharp.

The entire reception site suddenly quieted down.

Everyone was waiting, also looking for the upcoming protagonist.

Pupol was looking too.

Ethan stepped forward voluntarily, approaching Pupol.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Pupol, I am Ethan Polleta, pleased to accept your test."

Ethan was courteous, even using a bow reserved for nobility.

Quite a few were captivated by Ethan’s appearance.

After all, his features were excessively handsome.

"Ethan, Ethan, I seem to have heard your name before." Pupol stroked his mustache, thought for a while, but seemed not to recall.

"Anyway, be careful, young man, I am no nice guy, don’t get deceived by my joke-telling here, when it comes to art, my eyes see only ’good’ or ’bad’, if your work is poor, I will criticize you mercilessly."

"Naturally, that’s the essence of art."

"Well then, everyone..."

Pupol raised his voice for all present to hear.

"The theme I give this young man is... Time."

Time?

Hearing this theme left many bewildered.

What kind of theme is this?

How to paint it?

Compared to tangible themes like the sea, people, flowers, mountains...

Time is a completely odd theme.

"Time? Okay, I think I have some ideas." Ethan walked towards the studio without looking back.

While those outside were still mired in confusion.