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The late-night darkness pressed in on Mu Jin, or rather, on the body he now inhabited. He was still weak, the lingering effects of his injuries a dull ache. He looked down at Mu Yiner, her small form curled up beside him, fast asleep. He gently stroked her hair, the gesture oddly comforting. *Another world, another death,* he thought, a grim smile playing on his lips. First, the truck in the mortal world, then betrayal and murder in the cultivation world, and now this… this world of Rankers. He wasn't sure what awaited him here, but he knew one thing: he wouldn't let Mu Yiner suffer. "Don't worry," he whispered, his voice barely a breath, "we'll be fine soon."

The next morning, the harsh reality of their situation crashed down. A gruff doctor barked at Mu Yiner, demanding payment for the hospital fees. Mu Yiner, her face pale and drawn, could only shake her head. "I don't have anything left," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I sold everything—our home, our belongings—to pay the rent and cover the first day's operation and medicine."

The doctor's voice rose, sharp and cruel. "Then get lost! I don't care about your sob stories!"

Mu Jin's eyes flashed. He sat up, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't you dare scold my sister," he said, his words laced with steel. "We're leaving, and you will pay for your cruelty." He helped Mu Yiner to her feet, his hand firm on her arm. They left the hospital, the doctor's furious shouts echoing behind them.

Outside, the harsh sunlight seemed to mock their plight. Mu Yiner's shoulders slumped. "We have nowhere to go," she whispered, her voice choked with despair. "No clothes, no money… nothing."

Mu Jin pulled her close, his gaze firm and resolute. "Don't worry," he said, his voice filled with a quiet strength that surprised even himself.

"I'll take care of everything." He knew he had no plan, no resources, only a fierce determination burning within him. He would protect Mu Yiner, no matter the cost. This was a new world, a new life, and he would forge a new path, one where she would never again know hunger or hardship. His resolve solidified, he knew where to start. He needed to awaken his abilities, whatever they might be. The Rankers Awakening Institute was his only hope.

He arrived at the Institute, a towering structure of gleaming steel and glass. Inside, the air hummed with latent power. He explained his situation to a manager, a striking woman of only 25, yet already an SSS-class Ranker. Her eyes, sharp and assessing, fell upon Mu Yiner, who stood silently beside him, her face etched with worry.

"Why is this girl crying?" the manager asked, her voice calm but authoritative.

Mu Jin recounted their ordeal at the hospital, his voice tight with suppressed anger. He spoke of the doctor's cruelty, of his sister's despair, and of his own desperate resolve to protect her. He finished, his gaze unwavering.

The manager listened intently, her expression unreadable. When he was done, she offered a solution that surprised him. "Give her to me," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "I will take care of her as my own sister. She will have everything she needs."

Mu Yiner looked up at her brother, her eyes wide with uncertainty. She saw the unwavering determination in his gaze, the quiet strength that promised a better future. She watched him smile, a small, reassuring smile that held the weight of his promise. And with a silent nod, she accepted.

To be continue!

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