《Path of The Limitless: Genius Warrior in Fantasy Worlds [Isekai, LitRPG, OPMC]》 Chapter 1: The End of Blood Age The stench of blood and rot was suffocating¡ªa thick, cloying miasma that clung to the boy¡¯s lungs. Yun Jin crouched low, his small body trembling as he pressed himself deeper into the pile of corpses. His arms wrapped tightly around his knees, his breath muffled against his sleeve. All around him, chaos raged. Shouts, screams, and the sickening clang of steel on steel filled the air. The once-green fields of Yunhe Valley had been turned into a sea of red, the ground slick with blood and littered with the fallen. Soldiers, villagers, and the twisted forms of demonic cultists lay where they had fallen, their faces frozen in terror and agony. This valley had been meant to herald a new future. Yun Jin and his parents had been traveling to a secret assembly¡ªthe founding of a new Warrior Federation that would unite the martial world and bring an end to the chaos of the Blood Age. But they had been ambushed by the entirety of the demonic cult. ¡°It¡¯s the demonic cult! Alert the Sword Saint!¡± The desperate cry had rung out moments before the battle began, but now even the memory of that voice had been drowned beneath the ceaseless clash of steel and the anguished wails of the dying. ¡°Hide here, and don¡¯t make a sound,¡± his mother had whispered, pressing him into the pile of bodies. ¡°Mother, please!¡± Yun Jin stared up at her, his wide eyes brimming with tears. ¡°I love you, Yun Jin,¡± she kissed his forehead. Then she was gone, vanishing into the fray alongside his father. He hadn¡¯t understood it then¡ªnot fully¡ªbut he had known enough to realize they had no chance. They weren¡¯t fighting to win. They were buying time. Even a single second longer to ensure their son¡¯s survival. His life. Yun Jin peeked through the tangled limbs of the dead, his small eyes trembling as he searched for them. He saw flashes of steel, sprays of blood, and then¡ªfinally¡ªa burst of crimson light against the pale sky. His father¡¯s sword met the blade of a towering figure cloaked in black. The man¡¯s face was sharp and striking, unnervingly clean amidst the carnage, but his eyes burned with malice. His wild hair framed his expression like a storm, and his presence radiated an oppressive aura. Choenma, the Heavenly Demon. His father fought with everything he had, each movement a testament to decades of training in the Wudang Sect. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Against the Heavenly Demon, one of the three absolute powers of the martial world, it was like hurling pebbles into the ocean. Choenma¡¯s blade swung with the weight of a mountain. With a single, devastating strike, his father¡¯s sword shattered into glittering shards. Blood sprayed into the air as the blade continued its deadly arc, slicing him in half like a slab of soft meat. ¡°Is this all the so-called Warrior Federation has to offer?¡± Choenma said, his voice smooth and mocking. Yun Jin¡¯s mother, desperate to avenge her husband, charged forward with a dagger clutched tightly in her hands. She didn¡¯t make it far. ¡°Foolishness.¡± Without sparing her a glance, Choenma flicked his wrist. His qi rippled through the air in an invisible wave, a force so overwhelming that it hurled her like a rag doll into the dirt. She hit the ground with a sickening crack, her body crumpling unnaturally, her limbs twisted from the sheer destructive power. Both his parents were warriors of renown. His father, an elder of the Wudang Sect, and his mother, a descendant of a prestigious martial family. Yet, before Choenma, they were nothing. Yun Jin bit down on his sleeve to stop himself from screaming, every fiber of his being torn between fleeing and leaping out to help, knowing both would be futile. The Heavenly Demon stood as the pinnacle of unorthodox martial power, his name whispered in fear even among the demonic sects he ruled. Together with the Demon King of the Evil Sect and the Sword Saint of the Righteous, he was one of the three absolutes of the martial world. The Demon King was already dead¡ªslain by his hand. And now, Choenma sought to destroy the last bastion of hope¡ªthe Sword Saint himself. ¡°Choenma!¡± The voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade slicing sky. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The battlefield stilled. Even the demonic cultists paused. A gust of wind swept across the valley, scattering the smoke and ash. Amid the haze, a lone figure emerged. His white robes were unblemished, glowing faintly in the light. At his side, a simple looking green sword hung loosely, its edge gleaming like a sliver of stardust. Baek Tianjun, the Sword Saint. Choenma¡¯s lips curled into a grin, his teeth gleaming like fangs. ¡°Finally,¡± he said, spreading his arms wide in mock welcome. ¡°The so-called savior of the martial world graces us with his presence.¡± Baek Tianjun¡¯s gaze swept across the battlefield. His eyes burned with fury, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He had arrived minutes too late, and now the bodies of the innocent lay scattered before him. Baek Tianjun was no hypocrite, no self-serving fraud cloaked in righteousness. He truly walked the path of virtue¡ªand that was why the anger swelling within him now was so consuming. He stepped forward. ¡°Your reign of blood ends today!¡± Choenma laughed, the sound low and guttural. ¡°Bold words, Baek Tianjun,¡± he sneered. Crimson light flared around his blade as he raised it. ¡°Come, then. Let us see whose sword holds the truth of this world.¡± Baek Tianjun stepped forward, his hand rested on the hilt of the Heaven Ruling Blade, bestowed upon him by the emperor himself. Choenma grinned, unfazed, his fingers tightening around the hilt of the Divine Blood Sword. The blade pulsed with a sinister red glow, each heartbeat sending ripples of dark energy through the air. The two masters surged forward, their swords colliding in a dazzling flash of light and fury. The battle raged on, relentless and unforgiving, for three consecutive days. By the end of the third day, both warriors had pushed themselves to their absolute limits. Their strikes slowed, their steps grew heavier, yet neither wavered, neither surrendered. Everything around them lay in ruin¡ªgrass and trees reduced to splinters, human bodies scattered like broken dolls, even the once-proud mountains bore deep scars from their unyielding clash. Baek Tianjun swung the Heaven Ruling Blade in a sweeping arc, its radiant light cutting through Choenma¡¯s defenses and grazing his shoulder. Blood sprayed into the air like crimson mist. Choenma retaliated immediately, driving the Divine Blood Sword into Baek Tianjun¡¯s side. The blade tore through flesh, its dark energy rippling outward with a sinister hum. Both men stumbled back, their breathing heavy and ragged. Yet, despite their battered bodies, the fire in their eyes refused to dim. Baek Tianjun¡¯s blade darted forward like lightning, aiming for Choenma¡¯s chest, but the Heavenly Demon deflected it with a twist of his wrist, countering with a horizontal slash that sent sparks flying. Baek Tianjun''s legs gave way, and he stumbled, falling forward onto his hands. For a brief moment, his vision darkened, the edges of his world fading to black. Seeing his enemy falter, Choenma¡¯s hoarse laughter broke the heavy silence, tinged with bitter triumph. He wiped the blood from his lips, his crimson aura flickering faintly. ¡°You¡¯re old, Baek Tianjun, or should I say, Master,¡± Choenma said, his voice rasping but steady. ¡°Ten years younger, and perhaps...¡± He paused, his grin fading as he straightened. For a moment, his expression flickered with grudging acknowledgment. ¡°Perhaps you could have killed me.¡± Baek Tianjun tightened his grip on the Heaven Ruling Blade. His body screamed with exhaustion, but his resolve remained unshaken. ¡°You talk too much,¡± he said. Choenma smirked. ¡°Take solace in this, Master: Your greatest failure has become the pinnacle of the martial world. The world doesn¡¯t need your dreams¡ªit needs men like me.¡± Baek Tianjun¡¯s reply came cold and firm. ¡°The world needs neither of us. My dream was to make you kind, Choenma. But you turned into a nightmare.¡± Choenma sneered. ¡°Your dream? A world where the weak smile while the strong stand idle? A world without evil and demonic way? It¡¯s a fantasy! Power is the only law of this world. You taught me that better than anyone!!¡± ¡°No,¡± Baek Tianjun said, his voice steady. ¡°I failed to teach you what true strength is.¡± "You... after all these years, you became soft, master. Now. Get out of my sight!" The Divine Blood Sword pulsed with malevolent energy as Choenma raised it high, the crimson blade crackling with destructive qi. The air around it twisted and screamed, resonating with the finality of the killing blow about to be delivered. But before he could strike, a small shadow darted from behind. Yun Jin, face streaked with dirt and blood, rose from the corpses like a ghost. From behind, the boy leapt and drove the dagger into Choenma¡¯s back, straight into his dantian. The blade sank deep, piercing the core of the Heavenly Demon¡¯s power. Choenma staggered, his qi flaring wildly as a guttural roar escaped his throat. He twisted around, his face contorted with shock and fury. ¡°You little insect!¡± Choenma bellowed. His hand shot out, crackling with crimson energy, ready to swat the boy into oblivion. Baek Tianjun¡¯s eyes widened as the moment he¡¯d been waiting for arrived. With a burst of speed that defied his battered body, the Sword Saint surged forward. The Heaven Ruling Blade ignited with a blinding light as it cleaved through the air. In one smooth, decisive motion, Baek Tianjun¡¯s blade severed Choenma¡¯s head, cutting through flesh and bone as though the heavens themselves had guided his strike. The red aura surrounding the Heavenly Demon flickered, then vanished entirely as his head hit the ground with a dull thud. Yun Jin collapsed onto the ground, his small hands trembling as the dagger slipped from his grasp. For days, he had hidden among the corpses, crawling through the sea of blood. Every step, every breath, had been agony. Yet he endured, driven by one singular purpose: to avenge his family. Now that it was over, his soul felt at peace. And with it, so did his life. ¡°No,¡± Baek Tianjun murmured, his voice hoarse but firm. ¡°Not yet.¡± He knelt down, placing a steady hand on Yun Jin¡¯s head. The boy¡¯s body was cold, his breathing faint, but his eyes fluttered open as the warmth of Baek Tianjun¡¯s qi began to flow into him. The Sword Saint¡¯s energy enveloped the boy¡¯s fragile frame, stabilizing his flickering life force. Rising slowly, Baek Tianjun sheathed the Heaven Ruling Blade and gripped it tightly, using it as a cane to steady himself. With his free arm, he lifted Yun Jin, cradling the boy¡¯s fragile body against his chest. And then, he walked. Above, the faint light of dawn began to break through the smoke-filled sky, casting pale rays over the ruined valley. Choenma was dead. His reign of terror had ended. And with it, the Blood Age. Chapter 2: Tale of The Limitless Blade Years had passed since the day the Blood Age ended. The newly founded Warrior Federation united all sects, ushering in an era of stability and order. Among the many warriors who rose to prominence in this new age, one name stood above all others: Yun Jin, the Limitless Blade. The name spread like wildfire across the martial world. In every tournament held by the Federation, Yun Jin emerged victorious. From the flowing techniques of the Mount Hua Sect to the indomitable forms of Shaolin, and even the profound arts of his former home, the Wudang Sect, none could match his strength. It wasn¡¯t just his victories that stunned people¡ªit was the way he fought. Each match revealed something new, his techniques ever-changing and unpredictable, as though no limits existed to his potential. This unpredictability earned him the title Limitless Blade. Yet, for all his accomplishments, Yun Jin was not content. In the Imperial City, deep within the training grounds of the Sword Pavilion¡ªa place where only royalty could tread¡ªYun Jin faced his master, Baek Tianjun, the Sword Saint. The older man now served as the Emperor¡¯s personal sword instructor, a role fitting his legendary status. To Yun Jin, however, Baek Tianjun was more than a servant of the court. He was the man who had saved him, raised him, and forged him into the warrior he had become. And now, he was the only opponent Yun Jin couldn¡¯t surpass. ¡°Again,¡± Baek Tianjun commanded, his voice calm yet sharp, like the edge of a blade. Yun Jin tightened his grip on his sword, its polished steel reflecting the sunlight. He moved, his figure a blur as he attacked. But Baek Tianjun met each strike with effortless grace. Each counter was precise, almost preternaturally so, as if the Sword Saint anticipated every move before Jin made it. ¡°Nice try!¡± Baek Tianjun said as he deflected another flurry of strikes with effortless precision. ¡°You¡¯ve modified the third form of the Light Blade Sovereign Style with Wudang Sect¡¯s sword techniques, transforming it into a single-target strike instead of the usual whirlwind. Impressive adaptation.¡± He stepped back, lowering his sword slightly. A faint, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips. ¡°But you can¡¯t seriously expect me to lose to my own technique, can you?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on his sword. The frustration that had simmered beneath the surface finally broke through. ¡°Yeah? And where exactly am I supposed to find other techniques?¡± he snapped, his tone sharp and bitter. He lowered his blade, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Maybe I should try to find the Blood God Arts.¡± Yun Jin attacked with relentless speed, his blade flashing like silver lightning. Yet, Baek Tianjun moved as though choreographing a dance, each counter precise, effortless, reminding Yun Jin of the vast chasm between them. With each failed strike, Yun Jin¡¯s frustration deepened. His master wasn¡¯t just countering his sword; he was crushing the weight of his ambition with every flawless move. Was this what it meant to be a disciple¡ªforever chasing a shadow he couldn¡¯t catch? Steel met steel in a deafening clash, the force sending Yun Jin sliding backward. He gritted his teeth, his chest heaving as Baek Tianjun stood unmoved, his stance as calm and unyielding as a mountain. No matter how hard he tried, the result was always the same ¡°Even then,¡± Baek Tianjun said, his tone light, ¡°you¡¯d still have to find the Blood Sword buried somewhere on that mountain to perfect the art. And by the time you did, I¡¯d probably be long dead!¡± He let out a soft laugh, a sound that carried both humor and resignation, as if the idea amused him despite its grim undertone. Yun Jin scowled, his grip tightening around his blade. ¡°You just had to kill everyone,¡± he muttered bitterly. ¡°Now who am I supposed to train my techniques against?¡± The words hung in the air, heavy with frustration. This boy... Tianjun thought, his expression softening. The pity he felt for Jin grew stronger with each sparring session, a quiet ache he couldn¡¯t voice aloud.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. The boy¡¯s talent was unmatched, his potential limitless¡ªbut his path was one of isolation, a blade searching for a stone to sharpen itself against in a world that no longer offered one. It was the era of peace. Yun Jin was born for war. Baek Tianjun¡¯s pity grew heavier, though he kept it hidden behind his faint smile. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day,¡± he said casually, his tone light again. ¡°No.¡± Jin exhaled slowly, his blade rising ever so slightly. He didn¡¯t roar, nor did he falter. Instead, he channeled all his qi, his will, and his discipline into the edge of his sword. Baek Tianjun¡¯s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise breaking through his composed demeanor. ¡°You even learned that technique?¡± he murmured, his lips curling into a giant smile. The world seemed to hold its breath almost as time stopped. And then, with a single, flawless motion, Jin swung his blade. The strike was so precise, so clean, that it appeared almost motionless. No wind, no resistance¡ªjust a stillness that defied comprehension. A faint glimmer of light traced the path of the slash as it surged forward, invisible to most but deadly in its intent. It was the ultimate slashing technique of the Sword Saint, an attack born of absolute focus and mastery. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Fourteenth Form ¨C Vector to Heaven. But even that wasn¡¯t enough. Baek Tianjun deflected with ease, his mastery making Yun Jin¡¯s best efforts seem clumsy. Before Jin could react, Baek Tianjun stepped forward, closing the gap in an instant. His blade moved with blinding speed, disarming Jin in one fluid stroke. The younger swordsman stumbled back, his weapon spinning through the air before clattering to the ground behind him. Yun Jin gasped, clutching his arm as the sting of the disarming strike radiated through his body. His chest heaved, and a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. Baek Tianjun lowered his blade with a faint click. His expression remained composed, but his gaze softened with pity. He¡¯s mastered every technique I¡¯ve given him, Baek Tianjun thought, gripping his sword tightly. But without someone to truly test him, he¡¯s stagnating. No matter how strong he becomes, he¡¯ll remain incomplete. ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough for today,¡± Baek Tianjun said, his tone light but carrying a quiet sorrow that lingered in his eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s get something to eat before you wear yourself out.¡± Yun Jin sheathed his sword reluctantly, his pride still stinging from the sparring session. ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered, brushing the dirt from his sleeves. The two made their way to the bustling streets of the Imperial City, where the scent of spiced broth and sizzling meats filled the air. They found a modest street vendor serving bowls of steaming noodles, the kind Baek Tianjun always claimed tasted better than anything from the palace kitchens. Seated at a small wooden table, Yun Jin picked up his chopsticks, twirling the noodles absentmindedly. Between bites, Tianjun broke the silence. ¡°What¡¯s your dream, Jin?¡± Yun Jin paused mid-bite, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°To surpass you,¡± he said simply, his voice steady but earnest. Tianjun leaned back in his chair, a warm smile crossed his face. ¡°You¡¯ve always been straightforward,¡± he said with a chuckle. ¡°But let me tell you something.¡± He set his chopsticks down and rested his arms on the table. ¡°I¡¯m already at this age,¡± Tianjun began, his voice soft but tinged with humor. ¡°I don¡¯t have many years left. One day, I¡¯ll die, and you¡¯ll probably inherit the title of strongest. They¡¯ll call you the Limitless Sword Saint. That¡¯s a good name, don¡¯t you think?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s chopsticks stilled in his hand, his lips tightening into a thin line. ¡°No,¡± he said, shaking his head firmly. ¡°That¡¯s not enough.¡± Baek Tianjun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°I don¡¯t just want to be the strongest by default,¡± Yun Jin continued, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I want to be so strong that even you, in your prime, couldn¡¯t stand against me.¡± For a moment, Baek Tianjun stared at him in silence. Then he threw his head back and laughed, the sound deep and genuine. ¡°Ambitious as ever, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. His voice softened, a rare warmth filling his tone. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, my disciple.¡± The sudden sincerity caught Yun Jin off guard, his retort momentarily stuck in his throat. But before he could respond, Baek Tianjun¡¯s demeanor shifted once again. The Sword Saint picked up his bowl, pointing his chopsticks at Yun Jin with a mischievous grin. ¡°Then let¡¯s see how you handle this challenge! An eating contest¡ªwhoever eats more, wins!¡± Yun Jin blinked, caught off guard yet again. The serious lines of his face sharpened, transforming into an overly competitive grin. ¡°Now you¡¯re on, old man!¡± he shot back, leaning forward with sudden enthusiasm. With a cheeky smirk, he activated his Qi, using it to steady his bowl as he began devouring the noodles with alarming efficiency. ¡°HEY! Don¡¯t use your Qi¡ªthat¡¯s cheating! You damn kids these days!¡± Laughing through mouthfuls of noodles, Yun Jin only shrugged, his grin widening. The two dug in, bowls of steaming noodles vanishing at an astonishing pace as they exchanged mock glares and exaggerated movements. Passersby stopped to watch the spectacle, some chuckling at the absurdity of it all. To see two of the brightest swordsmen in the world locked in an eating contest at a humble street vendor¡ªit was the kind of moment that felt surreal. But for Baek Tianjun, it was perfect. A world of peace where anyone can be happy. The moon hung high in the sky by the time Baek Tianjun carried Yun Jin, half-asleep and stuffed with noodles, back to the inner palace. ¡°For someone who calls me an old man, you sure lost to me in stamina,¡± Baek Tianjun teased, his voice light as he hoisted Yun Jin over his shoulder with surprising ease. The younger swordsman groaned in protest but didn¡¯t bother opening his eyes, his head lolling lazily against his master¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s the noodles¡¯ fault,¡± Yun Jin mumbled, his words slurred with exhaustion. ¡°Skill issue,¡± Tianjun replied with a grin, shifting the boy¡¯s weight slightly. ¡°Maybe start training for stamina next time.¡± He carried Yun Jin into his room, laying him gently onto his bed. For a moment, Baek Tianjun lingered in the doorway. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he turned and left, leaving the younger swordsman to rest. But Yun Jin didn¡¯t sleep. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the bed, his hands resting on his knees. His breathing steadied as he began to meditate, his qi flowing to calm his body and suppress the ache of his overly full stomach. Even in the stillness, his thoughts churned. The joy and lightheartedness of the evening faded quickly, as it always did. When the silence settled in, his mind slipped downward into the same spiral it followed every night. I want to surpass him... but how? He had mastered every technique, defeated every challenger, and yet he remained shackled. The gap between him and his master wasn¡¯t just skill¡ªit was something else, something intangible. Maybe I should go out as a rogue warrior, he thought. Fight bandits, take down criminals. But what good would fighting bandits do when I¡¯m trying to surpass Baek Tianjun? The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. No matter how many scenarios he considered, they all led to the same conclusion: The only path left is to wait. Wait for him to grow old and die... while I do nothing. His fists clenched on his knees, frustration tightening his chest. ¡°Is this all there is for me?¡± he muttered. Suddenly, the air around him shifted. A faint hum filled the room, and before him, something appeared¡ªa glowing screen, faintly translucent, with strange symbols that shifted into readable text. [Would you like a challenge?] Chapter 3: The Invitation [Would you like a challenge?] Yun Jin froze, his brow furrowing as he stared at the glowing text. It hung in the air, foreign and surreal, like a fragment of another world intruding upon his reality. ¡°What is this?¡± he muttered, reaching out cautiously. His hand passed through the screen, but the text remained unyielding, suspended in mid-air. Qinggong technique? An advanced illusion? He frowned. No, this was different¡ªsomething far beyond anything he¡¯d encountered before. ¡°What challenge?¡± Yun Jin asked aloud, his voice firm. The text shifted, rearranging itself with an unnatural grace: [You are invited to the Central Multiverse, where countless encounters and opponents await you.] His pulse quickened. Countless encounters and opponents. The words struck a chord deep within him, stirring an excitement he hadn¡¯t felt in years. A way to break free of stagnation, a chance to test himself against adversaries worthy of his skill. But doubt crept in. Yun Jin¡¯s thoughts turned to Baek Tianjun¡ªthe master who had saved him, raised him, and remained the one opponent he couldn¡¯t surpass. ¡°If I accept... can I return home?¡± Yun Jin asked, his tone quieter now, the weight of the question clear. The screen pulsed faintly before answering: [Yes.] That single word settled his hesitation. Yun Jin stood, his resolve crystallizing as he reached for a brush and parchment. His strokes were swift but precise, his thoughts steady despite the storm of possibilities swirling in his mind. -- Master, I do not know where this path will lead, but it promises what I have sought all my life¡ªa challenge. If I fail, I hope this letter finds you. If I succeed... perhaps we will meet again someday. Your disciple, Yun Jin. -- He placed the letter neatly on the table, his eyes lingering on it for a moment before turning back to the glowing screen. [Would you like to accept? Yes / No.] Without hesitation, Yun Jin pressed Yes. -- The world twisted violently. The dim light of his room dissolved into an endless void of swirling shadows and radiant light. His body was weightless, plummeting through a space that rejected all sense of direction or logic. ¡°Agh! There are too many of them!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry...¡± Yun Jin hit the ground hard, the impact driving the air from his lungs. Without missing a beat, he rolled smoothly and sprang to his feet with practiced precision. His sharp eyes swept over his surroundings. A stone church, weathered and cold. Cracked stained-glass windows cast faint, uneven light across the chamber. In front of him, a boy sprawled near the altar. No older than twelve, the golden-haired child lay limp, clutching a wooden staff with trembling fingers.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Cries of desperation echoed around him. Villagers, wielding rusted tools and makeshift weapons, fought desperately against snarling, green-skinned creatures. Above the creatures¡¯ heads, faint glowing text hovered: [Goblin LV.1]. Yun Jin¡¯s brow furrowed. What in the world... His sharp gaze swept the room, taking in the chaos. The villagers, exhausted and terrified, barely held their own as the goblins lunged with crude weapons, cackling with malice. The boy near the altar whimpered weakly, his golden hair plastered to his pale face. He clutched the wooden staff tighter, but his strength was clearly fading. A guttural snarl snapped Yun Jin¡¯s focus. One of the goblins lunged toward him, its shortsword raised high, eyes gleaming with feral bloodlust. This doesn¡¯t feel real, Yun Jin thought, but his body moved instinctively. He sidestepped the goblin¡¯s swing with precise footwork, his motion fluid and effortless. His hand shot forward, striking with his palm¡ªa clean, forceful blow aimed directly at its chest. Boom! The goblin crumpled under the impact, its body hurtling across the room and slamming into the far wall with a sickening crunch. Yun Jin straightened, his sharp eyes scanning the room as the goblin¡¯s body fell limp. Too weak, he thought, his lips curling faintly. But at least I don¡¯t have to hold back. The sudden display of power froze both the villagers and goblins in place. The defenders stared at Yun Jin with wide eyes as a cry rose among them: ¡°The hero has been summoned!¡± Hero? Yun Jin¡¯s frown deepened. His gaze flicked toward the altar, then settled on the unconscious boy. There¡¯s a strange qi radiating from him... interesting. I¡¯ll need to question him later. Yun Jin bent down, picking up the goblin¡¯s discarded shortsword. He turned it in his hand, testing its balance. The blade was crude¡ªunbalanced, dull, and nicked in several places¡ªbut it would suffice. ¡°Everyone,¡± he said, his voice calm but commanding as he gripped the weapon tightly, ¡°stay behind me.¡± The goblins snarled, their guttural cries echoing in the chamber as they charged together in a disorganized swarm. Yun Jin¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. Finally, he thought, stepping forward, something I don¡¯t have to hold back against. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Third Form ¨C Dance of the Firefly! The technique came alive. Yun Jin moved like a flickering flame, his strikes leaving faint trails of light. Each motion flowed into the next, cutting through the goblins with ruthless precision. The villagers froze. To them, Yun Jin wasn¡¯t human. He was a streak of light, a phantom blade tearing through the chaos. Then, silence. The last goblin crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The villagers stared in stunned awe, some dropping their makeshift weapons. One whispered, ¡°He really is the hero...¡± A scream tore through the air, breaking the moment. Yun Jin snapped toward the church entrance. A woman stumbled inside, pale and gasping. ¡°Hero! Please, save the others! The village is overrun!¡± Yun Jin nodded. ¡°Got it. Stay here. Bar the doors.¡± He sprinted outside without hesitation. The cold night bit his skin as he stepped into the chaos. The village burned. Flames consumed homes. Goblins swarmed the streets, dragging villagers or cutting them down. On the rooftops, hunched figures loosed arrows at fleeing survivors. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed as memories stirred¡ªmemories of another village, another massacre. What is this... His chest tightened. The sharp whistle of an arrow cut through his thoughts. Without turning, Yun Jin¡¯s blade flashed upward, deflecting the projectile with a resounding clang. His gaze snapped to the rooftops. There, crouched amid the smoke and shadows, were the archers. Their glowing eyes burned with malice, and above their heads, faint text floated: [Goblin Archer LV.2]. Yun Jin¡¯s lips curled into a smirk, his grip tightening on the shortsword. ¡°There you are.¡± With a sharp inhale, he leapt onto the rooftops, his blade glowing faintly as qi surged through his body. The air around him thrummed with energy, crackling under the strain of his technique. In an instant, he vanished. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. A thunderous bang shattered the night as he reappeared behind one of the goblin archers. His blade drove through its head with devastating force, scattering fragments into the air. Without hesitation, Yun Jin turned to the others. The remaining goblins froze, then scrambled to flee. But Yun Jin¡¯s blade moved faster than their panic, cutting them down one by one. The rooftop fell silent, save for the crackle of nearby flames. ¡°Now that the annoying ones are out of the way,¡± Yun Jin muttered, flicking the blood from his blade. He stepped to the edge of the rooftop, his sharp eyes scanning the horde of goblins swarming below. ¡°Let¡¯s wrap this up.¡± He adjusted his grip on the shortsword, stepping toward the edge of the rooftop, ready to leap into the fray. Then, his senses flared. Something was coming¡ªfast. Yun Jin moved instinctively, twisting to the side as a fireball roared past him. The heat grazed his cheek, and the explosion behind him sent shards of stone scattering into the air. He turned sharply, his gaze locking onto the source. At the far end of the street, a towering goblin stood. Its hunched frame was draped in tattered robes, and it gripped a crooked staff glowing faintly. Its eyes bore into him with malice as it raised the staff once more. Above its head, glowing text hovered: [Goblin Shaman LV.5]. Chapter 4: First Encounter: Cleared [Goblin Shaman LV.5] The fireball roared toward Yun Jin. His eyes widened as he twisted to dodge it. It¡¯s real. Even the strongest sorcerers in the martial world couldn¡¯t conjure flames like this. Only those possessed of the mystical Krillin Beast¡¯s bloodline could wield fire so freely. His pulse quickened. The last known wielder of such power had fallen by Baek Tianjun¡¯s hand years ago. Finally, he thought, his lips curling into a grin. I¡¯ve always wanted to fight one. But the shaman didn¡¯t wait for Yun Jin to recover. Fire arrows burst from its crooked staff, flying toward him with blistering speed. Yun Jin¡¯s qi sense flared. He sidestepped each shot, his movements fluid and precise, but the searing heat still licked at his skin. He pushed forward, cutting through the goblins in his path with quick, lethal strikes. Their bodies crumpled before they could react. When Yun Jin was finally within range, he unleashed the First Form. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. A crackling thunderclap shook the air as he zipped through the goblin ranks, cutting them all down in one electrifying strike. In a flash, he closed the gap between himself and the shaman. He swung his blade, aiming for the shaman¡¯s neck. Clang! The strike halted mid-air, blocked by an invisible barrier. Before Yun Jin could react, a firestorm erupted before him. The blast hurled him backward, slamming him against the ground. He coughed violently, blood splattering onto the stone. His robes were scorched, half his body burned a deep, angry red. The pain tore through him, but his qi armor had saved him from being reduced to ashes. Still, it felt like taking a direct blow from a Shaolin master. Yun Jin dragged himself to his feet, flames reflected in his eyes as a grin spread across his face. ¡°You¡¯re making me too happy!¡± he snarled. Bloodlust poured from him like a storm, so intense that the shaman trembled. Yun Jin vanished, his body moving like a thunderclap. First Form: Arc Lightning. He appeared before the shaman in an instant and struck again. The invisible shield flared once more, deflecting his blade. The shaman raised its staff, readying another fireball. But Yun Jin was already gone. He attacked from all sides, each blow raining down like pack of vultures. Third Form: Dance of the Firefly.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Luminous arcs traced through the air as Yun Jin¡¯s blade danced around the shaman. Each strike lit the darkened battlefield, battering the barrier. The shaman howled, its glowing eyes flickering with fear. It thrust its staff forward, releasing a wave of fire that scorched the ground where Yun Jin had stood. He darted back, the searing heat grazing his skin. His chest rose and fell steadily as his sharp gaze focused on the shaman. Why didn¡¯t it stop me during Dance of the Firefly? The thought clicked. The barrier blocks all attacks but it can¡¯t retaliate while defending? Maybe It had to took a gamble everytime it counter? A smirk tugged at his lips. ¡°Let¡¯s test it!¡± He charged forward, his blade flashing. The barrier flared again and again, holding under the storm of attacks. Each strike came faster, the shaman¡¯s face twisting with panic. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Yun Jin taunted, his tone sharp. ¡°Getting tired?¡± He slowed his strikes deliberately, baiting the shaman into action. The shaman raised its staff and unleashed another blast of fire. Yun Jin twisted, dodging the flames with ease. His blade shot forward, cutting through the heat. This time, his sword pierced its chest. The shaman let out a guttural cry, its staff clattering to the ground as it collapsed. Yun Jin flicked the blood from his blade and smirked. ¡°You can block, or you can attack, but you can¡¯t do both.¡± The flames flared once more as the shaman made a final desperate move, swinging its staff wildly. A massive blast erupted, sending ash and smoke into the air. ¡°Too slow,¡± Yun Jin muttered, leaping into the sky. Using the explosion¡¯s force, he propelled himself upward, then descended like thunder, his blade arcing downward in one final, decisive strike. The shaman¡¯s body split cleanly in half, its barrier shattering in the process. ¡°So the barrier was already weakened after all,¡± Yun Jin murmured to himself. ¡°No matter.¡± Straightening, he brushed ash from his sleeve and glanced at the lifeless shaman. ¡°I understand it now,¡± he said calmly. -- Yun Jin flicked the ash from his blade and straightened. The shaman lay in two lifeless halves at his feet, the air still thick with the stench of smoke and burning. Then, without warning, glowing text appeared before him, floating in the air like before. [You finished your first encounter. Assessing completion.] Yun Jin¡¯s brow furrowed as he read the text, the words shifting with an unnatural grace. [Completion Level: Perfection.] A faint hum resonated in the air. [You have been awarded 100 Completion Points.] [The starter shop is now available.] [Calculating a curated shop to the user¡¯s style and traits.] Yun Jin tilted his head slightly, curiosity sparking in his sharp eyes. Points? What could they possibly be for? Before he could ponder further, the system shifted again. [Completion Points can be exchanged for skills, items, upgrades, and classes. Access the Shop to view available options.] The text faded briefly, replaced by a glowing list: [Shop] [Classes:] [Skills:] -- ¡°Wait, wait,¡± Yun Jin said, holding up a hand, halting the system before it continue. ¡°What do you mean, a shop? You¡¯re saying I can just... buy power?¡± Chapter 5: Tutorial Rewards [Yes.] ¡°Oh no, no!¡± Yun Jin replied, shaking his head firmly. ¡°I decline. Power isn¡¯t free, and I¡¯ve seen what happens when people take shortcuts. I don¡¯t trust you that much, mysterious floating text.¡± The system flickered briefly, unperturbed, before displaying a new message. [It is not power in the direct sense, but knowledge, unique traits, or tools. Skills, items, and classes purchased provide potential, but mastery and effectiveness depend entirely on the user.] Yun Jin¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. He tapped a finger against the hilt of his blade as he considered the response. The explanation didn¡¯t seem dishonest¡ªbut he¡¯d seen enough demonic martial artists fall into ruin to remain cautious. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re just... teaching me?¡± Yun Jin asked, his voice skeptical. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± The system responded promptly: [Correct. Skills and items are based on rank rarity. Knowledge is provided, but usage, discipline, and growth are the user¡¯s responsibility. The Shop offers no shortcuts¡ªonly possibilities.] Yun Jin stared at the screen for a moment longer, then let out a short, sharp laugh. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say so earlier?¡± he said, grinning. ¡°Knowledge, huh? That¡¯s a different story. Knowledge is always welcome.¡± He crossed his arms, his expression growing thoughtful. ¡°But still, you say there are no shortcuts.¡± His tone sharpened. ¡°Then what¡¯s the catch?¡± The screen flickered briefly before displaying: [The system¡¯s primary purpose is to nurture challengers for harder challenges.] Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. ¡°It does give me real battles,¡± he murmured, his lips twitching into a faint smile. ¡°I suppose it checks out.¡± The list of available options unfurled before him, glowing faintly in the dim air. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes scanned the classes, lingering briefly on Arcane Blade Master before moving on. ¡°Blade Master?¡± he said, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯m already walking that path. I don¡¯t need to buy some title I haven¡¯t earned myself. What¡¯s the point if I didn¡¯t fight for it?¡± His gaze shifted to Mage instead, curiosity sparking in his expression. ¡°But this... magic?¡± Yun Jin tilted his head slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve never dabbled in anything like that before.¡± He tapped on the Mage class. The system responded instantly, presenting a description: [Mage (Rank C): Focuses on elemental spellcraft and manipulation. Unlocks basic mana control and introduces magical principles.] Yun Jin nodded, his curiosity outweighing his caution. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what this magic business is all about.¡± The system flickered once. [Mage (Rank C) purchased.] [Initializing mana circuits. Synchronizing with user¡¯s qi reserves...] Yun Jin tensed as a strange sensation coursed through his body. It was unfamiliar yet not unpleasant¡ªlike unlocking a door he¡¯d never known existed. A faint hum resonated deep within, followed by a steady pulse. [Mana Circuit Initialized (Rank E-): The foundation of magic. Allows the user to channel mana for spells and techniques. Efficiency and reserve size depend on circuit rank.] The system expanded: [Qi and mana are two expressions of aura, the universal energy. Qi is tempered and internalized within the body, while mana flows outward, shaped and directed by the magic circuit. Strength depends on reserve size, circuit quality, and control.] [Elemental Affinity: Light (Rank E-). You are attuned to the element of light, granting potential access to its magical properties.]Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Yun Jin''s gaze flickering. What can I do with it? he wondered. Curiosity compelled him to test it. Guiding the wild flow of mana through his circuit, Yun Jin focused on his palm. At first, it resisted, erratic and unwieldy. But as he steadied his breathing and applied his precision, the energy condensed. With a sudden pulse, a bright flash of light erupted from his hand, flooding the darkened battlefield with brilliance. He shielded his eyes, blinded by it intensity. As the light faded, Yun Jin¡¯s lips twitched into a faint grin. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else you got,¡± he mused, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. -- [Skills:] [Items:] --- His gaze next landed on Weapon Mind under the skill section. ¡°Communicate with weapons? Unlock hidden capabilities?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯ve always treated my blade like a companion, an extension of myself. This¡­ could be interesting.¡± He tapped the selection without hesitation. [Weapon Mind (Rank B) purchased. 50 Points deducted.] A ripple in his consciousness settled over him. The presence of his sword at his side felt sharper, more tangible, as though it acknowledged him for the first time. Yun Jin flexed his fingers, testing the connection, and the faintest whisper of understanding seemed to echo back. ¡°A good choice,¡± he murmured, feeling a quiet satisfaction in his chest. With 25 points remaining, his sharp eyes swept over the items section. His gaze lingered on the Iron-forged Shortsword. ¡°Simple. Reliable." He didn¡¯t need an elaborate weapon¡ªat least, not yet. Power wasn¡¯t in the tool but the hand that wielded it. [Iron-forged Shortsword (Rank E) purchased. 10 Points deducted.] The weapon materialized before him in a flash of light. Yun Jin reached out, grasping the hilt. It was simple, sturdy, and perfectly balanced. This will do nicely. [15 Completion Points remaining.] Yun Jin glanced back at the shop list, noting the remaining points. He felt no urgency to spend them all¡ªbetter to hold onto what he had and save them for something that truly intrigued him later. --- "Hmm... With all these skills, I wonder if I..." Yun Jin closed his eyes. In the silence, he turned his senses inward, focusing on the two distinct flows of energy within him. Qi and mana¡ªtwo expressions of aura, the universal energy. Qi was tempered and internalized within the body, cultivated by absorbing aura from the outside and refining it into one¡¯s own. Mana, on the other hand, flowed freely, drawing energy in and releasing it outward. He furrowed his brow slightly, delving deeper into the concept. The strength of mana depended on three key factors: the reservoir available to the user, the efficiency of their magic circuit, and their control over its flow. The magic circuit itself acted as a conduit¡ªa measure of how much energy could pass through and how precisely it could be directed. "Channeling Qi into the blade to connect with it¡ªthat¡¯s the basic principle of martial arts." He began channeling Qi as he had done countless times before, allowing it to flow into the weapon¡¯s structure. The blade hummed faintly, its weight subtly shifting as the energy became one with its core. But this time, it felt different. With Weapon Mind, he could sense every inch of the sword, as if it had truly become an extension of his body. It no longer felt like a tool¡ªit was his arm itself, moving in perfect harmony with his will. "Qi flows inward," he muttered. "Then mana flows outward." Now for the unknown. Focusing on his newly-formed circuits, Yun Jin guided mana outward, layering it over the blade like a translucent film. The process was delicate. Slowly, the mana merged with the Qi inside the blade, and it began to pulse outward in steady ripples. A faint glow emanated from the weapon, white and pure, as if the light of the moon had been captured within the steel. The light pulsed gently¡ªsteady and serene. Yun Jin opened his eyes, observing the weapon with a rare flicker of satisfaction. [You have unlocked a skill: Aura Blade (Rank D-)] Chapter 6: The mages name is Merlin. The battle was over. Yun Jin observed the subdued goblins scattered across the battlefield. With their shaman defeated, the chaos began to settle, and villagers slowly emerged from their hiding places, peering cautiously from behind broken doors and crumbled walls. Seeing him, they rushed forward, their voices rising in jubilant cries. ¡°The hero has returned!¡± one shouted. ¡°Praise the gods for sending a savior!¡± another cried, dropping to their knees. Before Yun Jin could react, more villagers knelt, their hands clasped in prayer. ¡°Hero of the heavens, we are saved!¡± Yun Jin¡¯s expression darkened. He stepped forward, raising a hand. ¡°Stop,¡± he said firmly. The villagers froze, their reverent whispers silenced by the commanding tone. ¡°I am no hero,¡± Yun Jin continued, his voice calm yet unyielding. Inside, he felt a pang of bitterness. A hero? That title belongs only to my master¡ªthe one who ended the Blood Age and brought peace to the world. I¡¯ve done nothing compared to him. Still, confusion lingered in his mind. He didn¡¯t even know where he was, let alone why this village had been attacked. Yun Jin folded his arms and addressed the crowd. ¡°Explain what happened here. Why was your village attacked, and where exactly am I?¡± An older man stepped forward, his posture humble but resolute. ¡°I am Harun, the village elder,¡± he said, bowing slightly. ¡°This is a small village within the Kingdom of Velmire. Just days ago, the goblins began their raid, led by a shaman. We were hopeless... until the boy mage summoned you.¡± ¡°The boy mage?¡± Yun Jin muttered, his mind flashing back to the golden-haired child he¡¯d seen unconscious in the church when he first arrived. His gaze sharpened. ¡°Where is he now?¡± The elder gestured for Yun Jin to follow, leading him back to the church. Inside, the faint light filtering through the cracked stained-glass windows cast an ethereal glow over the sleeping boy. Yun Jin approached quietly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the boy¡¯s features. The child¡¯s golden hair framed a delicate face, his skin pale but unblemished. His breathing was shallow, his chest rising and falling unevenly. He seemed to radiate an otherworldly beauty, as if carved from light itself. Yun Jin knelt beside him, his sharp senses honing in on the strange energy he had noticed before. That¡¯s not qi, he thought. It¡¯s mana... but it¡¯s fluctuating wildly. Focusing his qi sense, Yun Jin delved deeper. Within moments, he saw the truth¡ªa phenomenon he had only read about in ancient texts. ¡°A Divine Death Star,¡± he murmured under his breath. It was an extremely rare and deadly condition, where one¡¯s dantian was small but their energy veins were unnaturally large, allowing them to draw infinite energy from nature. However, the cost was their life¡ªit would burn them out in a short time. This boy¡¯s condition appeared to be a magical equivalent, with his mana circuits vastly outpacing his reserves. The boy¡¯s mana reserves were significantly smaller than his circuits, yet his body continuously pulled far more mana than it could handle. This imbalance had left him drained and on the brink of collapse. Elder Harun spoke, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°The boy tried to cast a spell¡ªSummon Lesser Celestial. He meant to bring forth a guardian, but something went wrong. Still, it brought you here, hero from the heavens.¡± Yun Jin scratched the back of his head, frustration flickering across his face. ¡°Hero from the heavens, huh?¡± He glanced at the boy again. ¡°I don¡¯t have expertise with magic circuits, so I can¡¯t help with that. But...¡± Yun Jin trailed off, his gaze sharpening as he considered the boy¡¯s fragile state. While repairing magic circuits was beyond him, he could at least stabilize the damage. Drawing upon his mastery of qi, Yun Jin synchronized his breathing with the boy¡¯s, channeling a gentle flow of qi into his fragile body. The qi pulsed in harmony with the boy¡¯s erratic fluctuations, bolstering his vitality and easing the strain. Slowly, the boy¡¯s breathing steadied, and a faint flush returned to his pale cheeks. Moments later, the boy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, revealing irises of a vibrant, piercing blue. He gasped for air, his gaze darting around the room in a panic. Then his eyes locked onto Yun Jin¡¯s calm, serene face. The panic melted into confusion, then something else entirely. A blush crept across the boy¡¯s cheeks as he stared at Yun Jin, wide-eyed and speechless. Yun Jin raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanging but inwardly bemused. ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked, his tone steady. The boy stammered, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°Y-you... saved me...¡± ¡°There, there, kid. You¡¯re stable now, but you still need some fresh air to fully recover,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone calm but firm. He leaned forward and hoisted the boy onto his back with practiced ease. ¡°Hold on tight.¡± Without waiting for a response, Yun Jin leaped out of the church, his movement fluid and effortless, leaving the stunned villagers in awe. -- The boy screamed in alarm as they soared through the air, his voice carrying across the village. ¡°W-wait! What are you doing?! Put me down!¡± Yun Jin landed gracefully in a clearing just outside the forest, the fresh breeze sweeping past them. He crouched slightly to let the boy down before standing upright and stretching. ¡°See? That wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Yun Jin said with a small grin. He turned to the boy, whose face was pale from the sudden leap. ¡°Now, take a deep breath. Your vitality¡¯s only been jump-started. You¡¯ll need some time to refresh before you¡¯re back to normal.¡± The boy hesitated, then reluctantly inhaled the crisp air, his cheeks regaining a faint flush. ¡°Good. While you¡¯re at it, why not introduce yourself?¡± Yun Jin said, sitting cross-legged on a nearby rock. ¡°My name is Yun Jin. Thanks to you, I¡¯m here, apparently.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The boy shifted awkwardly, clutching his staff tightly. ¡°I¡¯m Merlin. Merlin Junior,¡± he said, his voice soft. ¡°I¡¯m a level 25 mage.¡± Yun Jin raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. ¡°Level 25? That¡¯s impressive. Your level¡¯s five times higher than the goblin shaman I fought.¡± He paused, his curiosity growing. ¡°Wait... how do I even see my own level?¡± As if responding to his thoughts, a glowing panel appeared before him, hovering in the air. Yun Jin¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the text, his expression shifting as he took in the details. -- Status Window Name: Yun Jin Level: 12 Title: The First Forerunner (Rank EX) The system¡¯s chosen for a new world, granting a higher chance to encounter special events Energy Systems: Qi Realm: Core Qi Mastery (Rank C+) Highly refined and condensed qi, supporting advanced martial techniques, external projection, and body reinforcement Mana Circuit: Initialized (Rank E-) A foundational mana circuit, enabling basic mana manipulation. Efficiency and reserves are limited Affinities: Light (Rank E-) Basic attunement to the light element, enabling introductory light-based magical principles Skills: Weapon Mind (Rank B) Establishes a connection with weapons, unlocking hidden potential and enhancing combat synergy Aura Blade (Rank D-) Combines qi and mana to enhance a weapon, increasing sharpness, durability, and energy output Mana Manipulation (Rank E-) Basic control of mana, supporting light-element techniques Completion Points: Remaining: 15 -- Yun Jin¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Level 12...¡± he muttered, his gaze flicking back to Merlin. ¡°Wait a minute... your level¡¯s even twice as high as mine!¡± Merlin¡¯s cheeks flushed, and he hugged his staff tightly, avoiding eye contact. ¡°It¡¯s because of my condition,¡± he said hesitantly. ¡°That¡¯s the only reason my level is so high... but in reality, I¡¯m probably no better than level 3 at most.¡± Yun Jin studied the boy for a moment, noting the way Merlin clutched his staff tightly and avoided his gaze. His lack of confidence was clear. With a quiet exhale, Yun Jin gestured for Merlin to sit down. ¡°Take a seat,¡± he said calmly, his tone gentle but firm. Merlin hesitated before sinking onto the grass beside Yun Jin, still clutching his staff as though it were a lifeline. ¡°There¡¯s too much blood in the village right now,¡± Yun Jin continued, glancing toward the distant lights of the village. ¡°The smell lingers, and it¡¯ll make it hard to breathe. Tonight, we¡¯ll stay here. It¡¯s quieter, and we¡¯ve got a lot to talk about.¡± He rose to his feet, his movements fluid and deliberate, and walked toward a nearby tree. In a swift motion, he cut a sturdy branch with a single strike of his sword. Returning to their makeshift camp, he snapped it into smaller pieces before gathering another branch. Kneeling down, Yun Jin rubbed the sticks together with practiced ease. Sparks caught, and soon a small fire flickered to life, its warm glow illuminating the clearing. Yun Jin leaned back slightly, resting his arms on his knees as he looked at Merlin. ¡°Since you¡¯re the one responsible for summoning me, I¡¯m hoping you can fill in some details. What exactly happened?¡± Merlin looked at the fire, his expression conflicted. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice soft. ¡°I was trying to summon a Lesser Celestial Guardian,¡± he admitted, his hands tightening around his staff. ¡°It was supposed to protect the village... but something went wrong.¡± He glanced at Yun Jin nervously. ¡°Instead, the spell brought you here.¡± Yun Jin leaned back slightly, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about spells,¡± he admitted with a faint shrug. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know anything about them. Hell, I don¡¯t even know what counts as a spell.¡± He raised his hand, channeling mana through his circuit. A surge of energy built in his palm, and suddenly, a burst of blinding light flared into existence, as if a miniature sun had risen in the clearing. Merlin flinched, covering his eyes with a startled yelp. ¡°Is this a spell?¡± Yun Jin asked, tilting his head, oblivious to the boy¡¯s reaction. Merlin blinked rapidly, lowering his hand cautiously as his vision returned. ¡°No, that¡¯s not a spell!¡± he said, his tone incredulous. ¡°That¡¯s just channeled magical energy. But... it¡¯s light energy.¡± His eyes widened, a spark of amazement lighting up his expression. ¡°Affinity for light magic is really rare. That¡¯s incredible.¡± Yun Jin closed his hand, extinguishing the overwhelming glow with ease. ¡°Rare, huh? I guess that¡¯s good.¡± He paused, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Then, gripping the hilt of his sword, Yun Jin channeled his energy. The blade glowed faintly before a brilliant aura engulfed it, radiating light and energy like a blazing star. ¡°Is this a spell?¡± Yun Jin asked, holding the blade out for Merlin to inspect. Merlin tilted his head, his gaze intense as he studied the weapon. ¡°Yes...? It does feel and look like a spell, but there¡¯s something more to it that I can¡¯t quite place.¡± He stepped closer, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm... the condensing aura within the blade acts like a conduit, radiating mana outward in a constant flow. It¡¯s almost like... an organ of a magical beast. Fascinating.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s brow lifted in awe at the boy¡¯s keen observation. ¡°That¡¯s correct. And more,¡± he said, impressed by Merlin¡¯s perception. ¡°You sure know a lot about spells.¡± Merlin looked up, a small blush creeping across his face. ¡°T-thank you...¡± he stammered, then hesitated. Encouraged by the boy¡¯s insight, Yun Jin sheathed his blade and folded his arms. ¡°If you¡¯re this knowledgeable, could you show me a spell? I want to see what more advanced magic looks like.¡± ¡°Actually, no,¡± Yun Jin said quickly, waving a hand. ¡°Forget I said that. Better not risk it with your condition.¡± Merlin frowned but then offered a small smile. ¡°If it¡¯s just a minor spell, I can manage.¡± Before Yun Jin could protest further, Merlin raised his staff. He murmured a few quiet words, and a tiny spark of magic flared at its tip. Moments later, a small firefly-like construct of light hovered in the air, gently illuminating the clearing with a warm glow. Yun Jin stared, captivated. His qi sense allowed him to feel the precise, intricate construct of the spell, each thread of mana woven together seamlessly. ¡°So that¡¯s a spell...¡± he muttered under his breath, awe evident in his tone. -- Without thinking, Yun Jin extended his hand and focused. He tried to replicate what he had sensed, guiding his mana as he had seen Merlin do. After several long moments of intense concentration, a glowing butterfly of light emerged, fluttering delicately in the air. [You have learned: Minor Light Conjuring (Rank E-): Control and shape luminous small constructs.] ¡°This... is E- rank?¡± Yun Jin asked, more to himself than to Merlin. ¡°The lowest level of magic?¡± He clenched his fist, dispelling the butterfly as his thoughts raced. If even a spell like this takes this much focus, I¡¯ve got a long way to go to compete with this kid. But as Yun Jin lost himself in thought, Merlin¡¯s firefly flickered and disappeared. The boy¡¯s face paled, and he began coughing violently, his small frame trembling under the strain. ¡°Hey, deep breaths!¡± Yun Jin said, immediately kneeling beside him. Placing a steady hand on Merlin¡¯s back, he infused the boy with qi, guiding the energy to stabilize his weakened body. The qi pulsed through Merlin¡¯s veins, bolstering his vitality and bringing a flush of color back to his pale cheeks. Within moments, the coughing subsided, and Merlin¡¯s breathing evened out. Merlin looked up at Yun Jin, his wide blue eyes filled with wonder. ¡°What... what did you just do?¡± he asked between breaths. ¡°It¡¯s a basic breathing technique,¡± Yun Jin replied, his tone calm but encouraging. ¡°It aligns your energy with your body¡¯s rhythm and keeps you balanced. I can teach it to you if you want.¡± Merlin¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement, the previous weariness momentarily forgotten. ¡°Really? Yes, please!¡± Yun Jin held up a hand, halting the boy¡¯s enthusiasm. He pointed a finger directly at Merlin¡¯s nose, his expression steady but mischievous. ¡°But in return, you have to teach me magic. Deal?¡± Merlin blinked, then broke into a small smile. ¡°Deal!¡± Chapter 7: Everybody Qi Refining The morning sun rose over the small village, casting warm light on the aftermath of the goblin attack. The air was alive with the sound of villagers working¡ªhauling debris, patching homes, and clearing the destruction with grim determination. Yun Jin and Merlin strolled into the village square, drawing immediate attention. Elder Harun hurried over, his face lighting up with gratitude as he bowed deeply. ¡°Hero! And young mage! Thank you for saving us.¡± Yun Jin raised a hand to stop him. ¡°I¡¯ve said this before¡ªI¡¯m no hero. Just Yun Jin.¡± His sharp gaze softened as he noticed Harun holding out a massive backpack, almost comical in size compared to Merlin¡¯s small frame. ¡°This belongs to the boy,¡± Harun said, nodding toward Merlin. Merlin fidgeted as he took the backpack with a sheepish smile. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said softly. The weight made him wobble slightly as he slung it over his shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s all this for?¡± Yun Jin asked, raising an eyebrow. Merlin adjusted the strap with a huff. ¡°I was on my way to the magic academy in the imperial city. I stopped here for refuge, but... well, bad luck happened, and the goblins attacked.¡± Yun Jin folded his arms, considering this. ¡°The imperial city, huh? Then I¡¯ll go with you. We¡¯ve got a promise to keep¡ªteaching each other, remember?¡± Merlin hesitated, glancing at the villagers still working tirelessly. ¡°But... what about the village?¡± he asked softly, looking to Harun. Harun sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. ¡°We¡¯ve already faced two dungeon breaks this month,¡± he admitted. ¡°I think it¡¯s about time we move elsewhere and start fresh.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°Dungeon breaks?¡± Merlin explained, ¡°Dungeons are anomaly rifts that open. To close them, you have to destroy the dungeon core. If you don¡¯t, the monsters inside spill out, and that¡¯s what we call a dungeon break.¡± What exactly is a dungeon? Yun Jin wondered. But he pushed the thought aside¡ªhe¡¯d recognize one if he saw it. For now, there was something more pressing. Yun Jin frowned thoughtfully. ¡°Ah, I see. But what about the levels above their heads? You don¡¯t have one. Do I have one?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t see a level above your head." Merlin shook his head. ¡°The levels are how you differentiate invaders from natives. My grandfather told me that if you see their level, they¡¯re enemies.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°If monsters are the problem... I¡¯ve got an idea.¡± He glanced at Merlin and the nearby villagers. ¡°Since I¡¯m planning to teach you breathing techniques, why not teach everyone here too?¡± The nearby villagers exchanged puzzled glances. ¡°Breathing techniques? What¡¯s that?¡± one asked hesitantly. Yun Jin¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Elder, gather everyone. I¡¯ll explain.¡± By midday, nearly thirty villagers had gathered in a cleared space. They whispered among themselves, uncertain why Yun Jin had called them together. Yun Jin stepped forward, his hands behind his back. Taking a deep breath, he infused qi into his lungs and vocal cords. When he spoke, his voice boomed across the clearing with clarity and power. ¡°You must be wondering why I¡¯ve called you here.¡± The villagers froze, awestruck. ¡°Is that magic?¡± someone whispered. ¡°No,¡± Yun Jin replied, shaking his head. ¡°What I just did wasn¡¯t magic. It was qi. By enhancing my lungs and vocal cords with qi, I amplified my voice.¡± ¡°Qi?¡± another asked hesitantly. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Yun Jin blinked, briefly taken aback. ¡°You don¡¯t know qi?¡± He scratched the back of his head. ¡°It¡¯s the energy of life. It flows through everything¡ªyour body, the air, the earth. While mana relies on circuits to channel it, qi flows naturally through your body. If you breathe, you have qi.¡± ¡°So... it¡¯s like mana?¡± someone ventured. ¡°Not quite. Mana uses circuits to shape and direct it. Qi, on the other hand, strengthens and heals naturally. It doesn¡¯t rely on circuits the same way. Let me show you.¡± Yun Jin focused briefly, generating a small gust of wind that swept past the crowd. The villagers gasped, their murmurs growing louder. ¡°We can... learn this?¡± one asked. Yun Jin nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to try. Breathing is something everyone does naturally. Qi cultivation is the art of refining it.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He scanned the hesitant faces, then approached Elder Harun. ¡°Elder, breathe in and out.¡± Harun hesitated, but he complied. His breaths were shallow and uneven. ¡°Again,¡± Yun Jin said, this time infusing a thread of qi into Harun¡¯s body. The qi synchronized with the elder¡¯s breathing, gently guiding his energy flow. Harun¡¯s eyes widened as his posture straightened, and his breathing grew strong and steady. Suddenly, he inhaled deeply and exhaled with such force that a gust of wind-swept past. He staggered, his voice trembling. ¡°The system! I¡¯ve awakened a system!¡± The crowd erupted in astonished whispers. ¡°The elder awakened a system!? At his age?¡± Villagers rushed forward, bombarding Yun Jin with requests. ¡°Please, hero, help us awaken too!¡± By evening, every villager present had awakened their system. Though most circuits were weak due to their lineage, their natural physical strength as farmers allowed them to adapt quickly to qi cultivation. Elder Harun, now brimming with energy, was performing one-handed push-ups with ease. Nearby, an elderly woman carried a massive chunk of wreckage, her strength drawing cheers from the others. The once-devastated village buzzed with renewed vigor as villagers cleared rubble at an astonishing pace. Yun Jin approached Merlin, who was scribbling furiously into his notebook, muttering about qi flow and energy synchronization. With a smirk, Yun Jin plucked the notebook from his hands. ¡°Still at it?¡± he teased. Merlin jumped up, reaching for it. ¡°Hey! Give it back!¡± Yun Jin flipped through the pages, chuckling at the diagrams and notes. ¡°You¡¯ve been trying to figure out my methods this whole time?¡± Merlin flushed red, looking away. ¡°It¡¯s fascinating... I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡± Handing back the notebook, Yun Jin grinned. ¡°It¡¯s your turn now.¡± Merlin froze, his heart pounding. ¡°M-my turn?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Yun Jin said casually. ¡°But your case is tricky. Your body¡¯s fragile from your circuit pulling in more mana than it can handle. We¡¯ll need to take it slow.¡± Merlin nodded, determination overcoming his nerves. ¡°What do we do first?¡± Yun Jin gestured for him to follow. ¡°First, we find a quiet spot.¡± -- Yun Jin gestured for Merlin to follow him out of the village. They soon found a quiet clearing, the faint rustle of leaves and distant chirping of birds providing a calm backdrop. Yun Jin sat cross-legged and motioned for Merlin to do the same. ¡°Sit here,¡± Yun Jin instructed. ¡°Close your eyes and focus on your energy. Don¡¯t try to control it¡ªjust observe it.¡± Merlin hesitated, gripping his staff tightly. ¡°Are you sure this will work?¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure with the villagers either, but everything turned out fine, didn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What?!¡± Merlin exclaimed, his eyes snapping open. Yun Jin chuckled, raising a hand to calm him. ¡°Relax. I¡¯ve refined the process now. Trust me.¡± Merlin sighed, reluctantly closing his eyes. ¡°Fine...¡± Yun Jin positioned himself behind Merlin, sitting close enough to place a steady hand on the boy¡¯s back. Merlin tensed briefly at the contact, shivering slightly, but Yun Jin¡¯s touch was gentle. Merlin¡¯s skin felt soft and smooth under Yun Jin¡¯s palm, like silk, a sign of good aura circulation. Then he extended his qi sense, carefully probing Merlin¡¯s body. His brow furrowed as he encountered something unusual. His yin and yang energies... they¡¯re in perfect balance? That¡¯s... rare. Normally, one side would naturally dominate depending on gender, but Merlin¡¯s equilibrium was unnaturally precise. Maybe this world works differently, Yun Jin mused, setting the thought aside to focus deeper. He delved deeper, and what he found shocked him further. Merlin¡¯s internal energy was pristine, clear, and aligned. It resembled the state of a high-level cultivator who had spent decades refining their qi. This kid¡¯s body is like a natural-born cultivator, Yun Jin thought, astonished. Too natural¡ªit¡¯s almost unnatural. ¡°Alright,¡± Yun Jin said aloud, breaking his focus. ¡°Brace yourself. This might feel strange.¡± Merlin nodded, his body tense. Yun Jin began channeling his qi, carefully syncing it with Merlin¡¯s fragile circuits. The process started slowly, his qi threading through the boy¡¯s body like a gentle stream. Then, suddenly, a spark ignited within Merlin¡¯s core. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes widened. One cycle... and his qi has already awakened? Yun Jin''s lips curled into a faint smile. Let¡¯s see how far we can go! He guided Merlin through more cycles. Ten became a hundred, then five hundred. Each one refined and strengthened Merlin¡¯s energy flow. As the cycles continued, the air around them began to change. Leaves rustled, and a faint wind swirled around the clearing. The ground cracked under the growing pressure, and Merlin¡¯s breathing deepened as his reserves expanded rapidly. Yun Jin didn¡¯t stop. He pushed Merlin further, guiding him through a thousand cycles. The clearing trembled under the sheer energy, as if a storm had descended. Merlin¡¯s body trembled, his face pale and glistening with sweat. Finally, he coughed violently, his breathing breaking the flow. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Yun Jin said firmly, withdrawing his qi. ¡°You¡¯ve reached your limit.¡± Merlin gasped for air, his chest heaving. He looked around, his eyes widening in disbelief. The clearing was in disarray¡ªgrass uprooted, leaves scattered, and the earth cracked and scorched from the energy storm. ¡°I... I did all this?¡± Merlin whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°You did,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone even. Merlin closed his eyes, focusing inward. A newfound sensation coursed through him¡ªhis veins and reserve felt larger, and stronger. ¡°I got a D-rank skill!¡± Merlin exclaimed, his voice breaking with excitement. ¡°The effect... is this what qi is? It¡¯s incredible!¡± He clenched his fists, his expression glowing with awe. ¡°I really wish I could tell Grandpa about this. He¡¯d be thrilled!¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have plenty of time to practice. Let¡¯s see what you can do once you¡¯re fully recovered.¡± -- Merlin nodded eagerly, but before he could respond, a murmur of voices interrupted them. Both turned to see a crowd of villagers gathering at the edge of the clearing. The elder stepped forward, his expression a mix of awe and embarrassment. ¡°We saw the whirlwind forming and rushed here,¡± he explained. ¡°When we saw your training, we... copied the technique.¡± He bowed deeply. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not angry, Mister Yun Jin." For a moment, Yun Jin stared at them, his expression unreadable. Then he threw his head back and laughed, startling everyone. ¡°Angry? Why would I be angry?¡± Yun Jin said, his voice warm. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to learn, I¡¯ll teach you properly. What you¡¯ve seen so far is just the basics.¡± The villagers exchanged surprised glances, then broke into relieved smiles. Yun Jin stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he drew his sword. ¡°Now... have any of you ever heard of the Wudang Sword Technique?¡± Chapter 8: The Wudang The villagers gathered in the clearing, their expressions filled with curiosity and eagerness as they waited for Yun Jin to explain his next lesson. ¡°Now...¡± Yun Jin began, his voice calm and steady. ¡°Have any of you ever heard of the Wudang Sword Technique?¡± The villagers exchanged puzzled glances, murmuring among themselves. Some even chuckled nervously. ¡°Sword technique?¡± one finally asked. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Yun Jin blinked, a faint smile tugging at his lips. They don¡¯t even know what a sword technique is? This will be a challenge. He stepped forward, unsheathing his blade with a smooth motion. The polished steel gleamed faintly in the sunlight as he raised it. ¡°Allow me to demonstrate.¡± Yun Jin shifted into a stance, his movements flowing seamlessly. Then, with a single, elegant motion, he executed the Flowing Wind, the first form of the Wudang Sword Technique. The blade arced gracefully, the motion so smooth it seemed effortless, as though the sword itself was guiding his hand. The villagers watched, mesmerized. ¡°This,¡± Yun Jin said, sheathing his blade, ¡°is the essence of Wudang swordsmanship. It¡¯s not about brute force but about understanding momentum and flow.¡± ¡°But we don¡¯t have swords,¡± a villager pointed out hesitantly. Yun Jin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s not an issue. Go and pick up your farming tools¡ªhoes, shovels, sticks, whatever you can find. Merlin, your staff will work fine too.¡± As the villagers scrambled to gather their makeshift weapons, Yun Jin bent down and picked up a sturdy stick. He held it aloft, examining its rough surface. One of the younger villagers frowned. ¡°A stick? How can you fight with that?¡± Yun Jin smirked, holding the stick horizontally. ¡°Come. Try to break it.¡± The challenge sparked murmurs of doubt, but one by one, villagers stepped forward to strike the stick. No matter how hard they swung, it didn¡¯t budge. ¡°How?¡± one of them asked, baffled. Yun Jin tapped the stick lightly against the ground. ¡°Infuse qi into an object, and anything can become lethal. As the Sword Saint once said: ¡®A sword is but an illusion. Even a stick can be the best weapon in the right hands.¡¯¡± His inner thoughts stirred as he twirled the stick in his hand. Weapon Mind is incredible. I can feel this stick as though it¡¯s part of me. What are the limits of this skill? Could I turn anything into a weapon? Shaking off the thought, Yun Jin turned to the group. ¡°Now, let¡¯s begin. Watch closely.¡± Yun Jin started with Merlin, who had some experience channeling mana through his staff. ¡°Your magic control gives you a head start,¡± Yun Jin said. ¡°Focus on the flow of your movements. Don¡¯t force it¡ªlet the momentum guide you.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Merlin nodded, imitating Yun Jin¡¯s movements with surprising precision. Next, Yun Jin moved to the elder, guiding him through the stance and the arcs of the Flowing Wind. The older man¡¯s years of farming had given him strength and a natural rhythm, allowing him to pick up the technique quickly. As the sun climbed higher, Yun Jin continued working his way through the group, correcting postures, demonstrating motions, and encouraging those who struggled. By noon, every villager had mastered the basics of wielding their improvised weapons. With their foundation set, Yun Jin introduced the Redirecting Water, the second form of the Wudang Sword Technique. This defensive move emphasized deflecting an opponent¡¯s attack with minimal effort, turning their force against them. On the second day, Yun Jin shifted the focus to physical conditioning. He led the villagers in running laps around the village, pushing them to their limits. His goal was simple: to teach them to maintain control of their breathing, even when their bodies were exhausted. ¡°Keep your rhythm steady!¡± Yun Jin called out, his voice clear and commanding. ¡°No matter how tired you are, focus on your breath. If you lose that, you lose your strength!¡± The villagers followed his instructions with grim determination, their feet pounding against the dirt in unison. Despite their lack of formal training, their years of physical labor had conditioned their bodies, making them surprisingly resilient. But Merlin... was a different story. Halfway through the first set of laps, Merlin staggered to a halt, his face pale and drenched with sweat. He collapsed onto the ground, gasping like a fish out of water. Yun Jin walked over, crouching beside the boy with a faint smile. ¡°Merlin, you¡¯re not a farmer. You don¡¯t have to keep up with them. Go find some shade and lay down for a while.¡± Merlin groaned in protest, but Yun Jin raised a hand to stop him. ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself past your limits. Just focus on controlling your breath. That alone will help you improve.¡± Reluctantly, Merlin dragged himself to the shade of a nearby tree, his chest heaving as he lay flat on the ground. He closed his eyes and tried to steady his breathing, following Yun Jin¡¯s earlier instructions. By the end of the second day, the villagers had not only improved their physical stamina but also developed a newfound awareness of their breathing and rhythm. Their endurance had increased, and their movements had grown smoother and more coordinated. And by the end of the third day, Yun Jin was impressed. The villagers had adapted to the techniques with remarkable speed, their familiarity with farming tools translating seamlessly into swordsmanship. ¡°They¡¯re as good as standard Wudang disciples,¡± Yun Jin murmured to himself, watching as they practiced the two forms in synchronized movements. Merlin, however, stood off to the side, his arms limp at his sides. He approached Yun Jin with a sheepish expression. ¡°I, uh... I can¡¯t feel my arms,¡± he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment. ¡°It¡¯s been like this since the first day, but I was too ashamed to say anything...¡± Yun Jin chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on the boy¡¯s head. Merlin flinched slightly but relaxed under the gesture. ¡°You did great,¡± Yun Jin said sincerely. ¡°The fact that you pushed through and kept up is admirable. If you want, we can keep working on your physical training every day.¡± Merlin¡¯s eyes lit up with determination. ¡°Really? Let¡¯s do it!¡± As Yun Jin and Merlin prepared to leave, Elder Harun approached, holding a small medal in his hands. The intricate design gleamed faintly, its surface etched with the emblem of a noble house of that of a horse. "This is the crest of a dear friend¡¯s house, the House of Altheron, located in the nearest city, Terrilstead,¡± Harun explained, bowing deeply as he offered the medal. ¡°When you arrive, present it to Lord Ardent. He will accommodate you and assist in helping you reach the imperial city more quickly. Yun Jin bowed, and Merlin followed suit, their gestures humble and respectful. ¡°Thank you,¡± Yun Jin said. Harun bowed even deeper, his voice trembling. ¡°No. What you¡¯ve given us is far more valuable than anything I could ever repay. I only wish I could do more for you.¡± Yun Jin straightened, his expression calm. ¡°Use the strength you¡¯ve gained to protect what matters. That¡¯s all I ask.¡± Harun¡¯s lips trembled into a smile as he echoed Yun Jin¡¯s words softly. ¡°That man... is truly a hero after all.¡± ¡°I heard that!¡± Yun Jin called out as he and Merlin turned to leave, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. [Encounter Complete] [Completion Level: Excellent] [You have been awarded 10 Completion Points.] Chapter 9: The Magical Diagram The setting sun cast long shadows through the forest as Yun Jin strolled ahead, the gentle rustle of leaves and distant bird calls providing a serene backdrop. Behind him, Merlin lagged, his breaths uneven and labored. Yun Jin glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the boy stumble and collapse, his staff clattering to the ground. ¡°Merlin!¡± Yun Jin rushed to his side, kneeling as the boy¡¯s flushed face and trembling form confirmed his exhaustion. The kid¡¯s been pushing himself too hard, Yun Jin thought, frowning. By the time dusk settled, Merlin awoke, blinking groggily. He realized his head was resting on Yun Jin¡¯s lap, and his face flushed even redder. ¡°I¡ªuh¡ªsorry!¡± he stammered, scrambling upright and brushing himself off as though nothing had happened. ¡°You should¡¯ve told me you were at your limit,¡± Yun Jin said, his voice a mix of frustration and concern. Merlin hesitated, his gaze dropping. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to look weak... You weren¡¯t tired at all, so I thought I could keep going.¡± Yun Jin sighed, his expression darkening. Without warning, he lightly chopped the boy¡¯s head with the side of his hand. Merlin yelped, clutching his head. ¡°Resting when you¡¯re exhausted is far better than collapsing,¡± Yun Jin scolded, though his lips quirked into a teasing grin. ¡°Next time, just say something. We¡¯ll stop, or I can even carry you.¡± Merlin rubbed his head, muttering an embarrassed, ¡°Okay¡­¡± When the boy tried to stand, his legs wobbled before giving out, sending him back to the ground with a frustrated groan. ¡°I... I don¡¯t think I can walk right now. Can we just... stay here for the night?¡± Yun Jin nodded, his calm demeanor returning. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll set up camp.¡± He stood, scanning the area for materials, but Merlin stopped him. ¡°Wait! Let me handle it.¡± The determination in Merlin¡¯s voice made Yun Jin raise an eyebrow. Curious, he stepped aside and watched as Merlin knelt on the ground, drawing an intricate diagram in the dirt with his staff. The boy¡¯s hands moved deftly, his focus unwavering as he muttered under his breath. When the drawing was complete, Merlin placed his hand on the diagram and channeled his mana. The lines glowed faintly, and a translucent barrier shimmered into existence around them. Yun Jin stepped outside and turned back, only to find that the boy had vanished from sight. He walked back in, and Merlin reappeared as though he¡¯d never moved. ¡°What is this?¡± Yun Jin asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°A barrier,¡± Merlin explained, still slightly winded. ¡°It blocks most animals¡¯ senses and is hard to break. It¡¯ll keep us safe for the night.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Yun Jin nodded, impressed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use this in the village?¡± ¡°It takes time to set up,¡± Merlin admitted. ¡°And if something attacks before it¡¯s complete, it¡¯s useless. Plus, repeated attacks can break it eventually. But out here, it¡¯s perfect. It¡¯ll stop us from being ambushed.¡± Intrigued, Yun Jin knelt by the diagram, tracing a finger over the faintly glowing lines. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, pointing to a particularly intricate section. Merlin crouched beside him, eager to explain. ¡°Diagrams are like external magic circuits. They¡¯re tied to specific spells. You have to know the spell you want to cast and use the right medium to draw it.¡± As Merlin spoke, Yun Jin watched the faint flow of mana circulating through the diagram. When Merlin infused more mana, the glow intensified, and a floating, glowing eye formed at the center. It rose into the air and floated out of the barrier. Moments later, Merlin sagged to the ground, pale and trembling. ¡°That¡­ takes a lot out of me,¡± he admitted with a weak smile. ¡°It¡¯s the only way I can cast spells that need a constant mana supply. If I use my magic circuit, I¡¯d be drained in seconds.¡± ¡°Did the eye find anything?¡± Yun Jin asked. Merlin¡¯s face brightened. ¡°I saw a town on the horizon! If we keep moving tomorrow, we¡¯ll reach it by evening.¡± Yun Jin nodded. ¡°Great!¡± He knelt by the remnants of the diagram Merlin had drawn. His fingers traced over the glowing lines, his brow furrowing in thought. ¡°So this is like an external circuit, right?¡± Merlin nodded, though he seemed a little cautious. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s stable and specific. You could try using it, but it depends on how much mana you can control.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot.¡± Without much hesitation, he redrew a pattern in the dirt, though the lines were a little uneven. Infusing the lines with mana, he channeled energy into the diagram. Merlin tilted his head, watching Yun Jin¡¯s work. ¡°What are you trying to¡ª¡± Boom! A brilliant flash erupted from the diagram, flooding the barrier with an intense burst of light. Merlin yelped, stumbling back and shielding his eyes. ¡°Seriously?!¡± he shouted, blinking rapidly to clear the afterimages. When the glow subsided, Yun Jin sat cross-legged with a satisfied grin. ¡°Not bad for a first try,¡± he said smugly. Merlin groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°You just... ran a spell through a diagram? Do you even know how diagrams work?¡± He sighed, his voice taking on an exasperated tone. ¡°Diagrams are one of the hardest arts of magic! You need to understand leylines, materials, mana flow, and the specific magic you want to cast. Just ¡®running a spell through it¡¯ isn¡¯t how it works.¡± Yun Jin scratched the back of his head, his grin fading slightly. ¡°I just wanted to see if it would work.¡± Merlin facepalmed, muttering to himself, He¡¯s more narrow-minded than I thought. He sighed, looking back at Yun Jin. ¡°For now, stick to the basics. Use what the system gave you. If you really want to learn diagrams, I can teach you the necessary knowledge later. But it¡¯s not something you can just wing like that.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll keep tinkering with the basics for now. But I still think I¡¯m getting the hang of this magic thing.¡± Merlin sighed again, shaking his head. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you don¡¯t blind me a third time.¡± Yun Jin chuckled, standing and patting Merlin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Come on, get in position. I¡¯ll help you recover with breathing practice before we sleep.¡± Merlin obeyed, sitting cross-legged as Yun Jin placed a hand on his back. The boy tensed briefly at the contact but quickly relaxed under Yun Jin¡¯s steady guidance. Slowly, Merlin¡¯s color returned, and his breathing steadied. As the night deepened, both settled into the barrier¡¯s protective embrace. The quiet of the forest enveloped them, and for a while, there was peace. Chapter 10: Welcome to Terrilstead Under the cover of night, an ethereal figure cloaked in shadows emerged silently from the forest. Its form was fluid, blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness as it moved with an eerie, soundless grace. Reaching the edge of the shimmering barrier Merlin had erected, the figure paused. A shadowy hand, faintly translucent, stretched forward and brushed lightly against the barrier''s surface. The faint glow rippled under the touch, a subtle pulse radiating outward, but the barrier held firm, undisturbed by the delicate contact. The figure lingered, its presence still and intent, as though studying the intricate weave of mana keeping the barrier intact. After a moment, it withdrew its hand, the shadows enveloping it completely once more. Without disturbing the peaceful scene within, the figure melted back into the night, vanishing without a trace. In a grand library illuminated by the flicker of oil lamps, an old nobleman sat at his desk, reviewing a stack of meticulously arranged reports. The papers detailed everything from the town¡¯s income to local disputes and other mundane administrative matters. The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, and from their depths, a figure emerged, bowing low in silent deference. The nobleman¡¯s hand, poised over his work, stilled. Without a word, he turned his head slightly, acknowledging the presence. ¡°My lord,¡± the shadow began, its voice low and measured. ¡°I bring news.¡± The nobleman¡¯s gaze sharpened, his fingers lightly brushing against the edge of the desk. ¡°Speak,¡± he said, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°I have located a pair of individuals of interest. A powerful mage and a warrior of considerable skill. They were observed teaching the villagers an unusual method¡ªone that awakened their systems in mere days.¡± The noble¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, though his tone remained even. ¡°Unusual, you say? What manner of method?¡± The shadow hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing. ¡°It was not magic, my lord. The warrior referred to it as... ¡®qi.¡¯ Something I have never seen nor heard of before. Yet, the villagers adapted to it quickly. Within days, they displayed strength and coordination far beyond their prior abilities.¡± The nobleman leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°A foreign art, then,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. ¡°And the mage?¡± ¡°He appears young, my lord, and his strength lies not in physicality but in his magic. However, his control over mana and use of diagrams suggest a sophisticated education¡ªpossibly from an academy.¡± The noble tapped a finger lightly on the desk. ¡°Keep watching them,¡± he ordered firmly. ¡°I want every detail reported to me. And when they enter Terrilstead, ensure they are... welcomed appropriately.¡± The shadow bowed low again. ¡°As you wish, my lord.¡± With that, the figure dissolved back into the darkness, leaving the nobleman alone with his thoughts. ¡°Two more anomalies¡­¡± he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°That makes ten now.¡± He stood from his chair, crossing the room to a large wooden board mounted on the wall. The board was adorned with numerous pins and strings, each connecting a series of portraits and documents. Names and brief descriptions were scrawled beneath each picture, detailing alliances, roles, and known activities of individuals scattered across the town and beyond. His gaze scanned the intricate web of connections, pausing at a few faces with longer descriptions. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll need someone on my side as well,¡± he muttered, a hint of resolve in his tone. ¡°Just in case.¡± The next morning, the sun climbed over the horizon, bathing the road in golden light. Yun Jin and Merlin trudged along the dirt path leading to Terrilstead, the town¡¯s walls now visible in the distance. Merlin¡¯s steps faltered occasionally, his small frame still recovering from the relentless physical training. ¡°Keep moving,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone firm but not unkind. ¡°The sooner we get there, the sooner you can rest.¡± Merlin huffed, gripping his staff like a walking stick. ¡°Easy for you to say. You¡¯re not dragging a pack that feels like it¡¯s stuffed with bricks.¡± Yun Jin chuckled, glancing at the oversized bag on Merlin¡¯s back. ¡°If you had told me, I would¡¯ve carried it for you.¡± ¡°No way,¡± Merlin shot back, his cheeks flushing. ¡°I can handle it!¡± Yun Jin¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Suit yourself.¡± As they approached the gates of Terrilstead, they were greeted by the sight of guards standing watch. The town bustled with activity beyond the walls, the sounds of merchants hawking wares and townsfolk chattering blending into a lively cacophony.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! The guards eyed the pair as they drew closer. ¡°State your business,¡± one of them demanded. Before Yun Jin could respond, Merlin stepped forward, holding out the medal given to them by the village elder. ¡°We¡¯re travelers, heading to the imperial city. This was given to us by Elder Harun.¡± The guards didn¡¯t utter a word, their expressions impassive as they stepped aside to let Yun Jin and Merlin pass. No directions were given, leaving the pair standing at the gate, unsure of where to head next. Yun Jin opened his mouth to ask where they should go, but the guards quickly called for the next in line, their attention already shifting to the people behind him. Realizing he wouldn¡¯t get an answer, Yun Jin sighed and moved forward, Merlin trailing close behind. The streets of Terrilstead were alive with color and movement. Merchants called out from stalls laden with vibrant fabrics, exotic spices, and gleaming trinkets. Children darted through the crowd, laughing as they played. Merlin¡¯s eyes widened as he took it all in, his earlier exhaustion momentarily forgotten. ¡°This place is amazing!¡± ¡°Yeah, totally!¡± Yun Jin mumbled, his words muffled by the mouthful of food he was chewing. He gave a quick thumbs-up for emphasis, looking utterly unbothered as he reached for another skewer. Merlin blinked in confusion. ¡°When did you get that? I didn¡¯t even see you¡ª¡± Yun Jin grinned, gesturing casually toward a stall nearby where a young woman balanced a tray of freshly grilled skewers, her mother working the smoking grill beside her. ¡°I bought it from that lady over there.¡± Merlin frowned. ¡°Wait, with what money?¡± ¡°Oh, the money the villagers gave us,¡± Yun Jin said nonchalantly, then added with a playful smirk, ¡°I saw you already carrying a lot of stuff, so I figured I¡¯d help hold onto some of it for you. Pretty thoughtful of me, huh? Haha!¡± Merlin groaned, rubbing his temple. ¡°Unbelievable. You call this ¡®helping¡¯?¡± Yun Jin laughed, tossing a coin toward Merlin, who barely managed to catch it. ¡°Relax, here¡¯s your cut. Don¡¯t say I never share.¡± Merlin stared at the coin in his hand, a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, you know that?¡± ¡°Impossible?¡± Yun Jin replied, a playful glint in his eyes. ¡°Some may even call me Limitless, hehehe. Come on, don¡¯t be so picky. Are you a woman or something?¡± He reached out and ruffled Merlin¡¯s hair, the teasing gesture catching the younger mage off guard. Merlin froze for a moment, staring at Yun Jin. He wasn¡¯t sure how to feel. Until now, Yun Jin had seemed like a figure carved from legend¡ªa wise, almost larger-than-life presence, like his own grandfather. But now? He¡¯s a lot more human than I thought, Merlin realized. A troublesome one at that. Merlin huffed, blushing, batting Yun Jin¡¯s hand away. He protested, his cheeks tinged red as he avoided Yun Jin¡¯s amused gaze. -- Amid the lively scene, a sharp cry rang out. ¡°Thief! Someone stop him!¡± A figure darted through the throng, clutching a small purse. The commotion barely registered with most, but Yun Jin¡¯s sharp eyes flicked toward the movement. Without a word, he broke into a sprint, leaving Merlin behind as he navigated the crowd with practiced ease. Merlin called after him, ¡°Wait¡ªwhat¡¯s happening?¡± but Yun Jin was already gone, a blur weaving through the streets. The thief ducked into a narrow alley, his steps frantic as he glanced over his shoulder. He smirked, certain he¡¯d lost his pursuer. But just as he turned back, he froze. Yun Jin stood at the alley¡¯s far end, his stance relaxed but his gaze sharp. ¡°You¡¯ve got quick feet,¡± Yun Jin remarked, his voice calm. ¡°But not quick enough.¡± The thief snarled, drawing a small dagger. ¡°Stay back!¡± Yun Jin didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he stepped forward, his movements fluid, his presence commanding. The thief lunged, aiming to scare Yun Jin off, but before he could react, Yun Jin sidestepped effortlessly, his Qi-enhanced reflexes making the motion almost imperceptible. With a single, deliberate motion, Yun Jin twisted his body and struck upward with a sharp, controlled kick. His foot connected with the thief¡¯s arm, disarming him, before continuing in a graceful arc to land a second blow to the man¡¯s chest. The impact sent the thief sprawling onto the ground, gasping for air. The dagger clattered away, forgotten. As the thief struggled to rise, Yun Jin lowered himself slightly, his Qi gathering as he delivered a palm strike to the ground. The resulting shockwave sent dust and debris scattering, disorienting the man and leaving him completely stunned. Yun Jin reached down, retrieving the fallen purse with a stern expression. Moments later, a young woman rushed toward Yun Jin, her expression a mix of relief and gratitude. Merlin trailed behind, looking winded and confused. The woman stopped a few feet from Yun Jin, clasping her hands together. Her delicate features were framed by a cascade of silky, dark hair that shimmered in the sunlight, flowing past her shoulders like a waterfall. Her skin was smooth and luminous, with a natural glow that seemed untouched by hardship. Wide, doe-like eyes sparkled with innocence and gratitude, their depth captivating. Her lips, full and naturally rosy, curved into a timid smile, their softness adding to her alluring charm. She wore a simple dress that clung delicately to her figure, hinting at firm, graceful curves. Her hips were wide yet proportionate, exuding a quiet femininity, while her posture remained elegant, giving her an air of modest allure. ¡°Thank you so much! That¡¯s mine,¡± she said, her voice trembling slightly, carrying a sweetness that complemented her innocent demeanor. Yun Jin extended the purse to her without a word, his stern face unreadable. She accepted it with a warm smile, clutching it to her chest. ¡°You¡¯re my savior! Please, let me repay you. How about dinner at my home? I insist!¡± Her soft, tender hand reached out, gently clasping his. Merlin¡¯s eyes widened as he saw Yun Jin brushing her hand away. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone cold and steady. Yun Jin¡¯s gaze darkened, his face growing unreadable. Without a word, his sharp eyes flicked past the woman, scanning their surroundings. His movements became deliberate as he stepped around her, taking Merlin with him, his grip firm but steady. He stopped just short of the alley¡¯s exit, his presence threatening as he rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. ¡°I¡¯ll give you one chance,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Explain yourself.¡± Chapter 11: The Warm Welcome What is the life of Yun Jin, the Limitless Blade? Born a prodigy, Yun Jin carried the weight of expectations from the moment he drew his first breath. As the son of one of Wudang¡¯s great pillars and a mother from the illustrious Moon Orchid Clan, his destiny had seemed inescapably grand. Many sought to tether themselves to his rising star, with clans vying to offer their daughters, each promising alliances of wealth and power. But Yun Jin had been taught early how to navigate this world of smiles hiding daggers. His mother had ensured that. "If you want to marry someone," she had once said, her tone deceptively light as she combed his hair. "Pick someone who can beat you. At least you¡¯ll know they aren¡¯t just after what you have." That simple advice had shaped him. It wasn¡¯t just a way to fend off suitors; it became a lens through which he viewed the world. Yun Jin had spent his life perfecting his craft, knowing that his talents, looks, and status made him a target. The more he excelled, the more he attracted attention¡ªnot all of it welcome. Even now, he could see through people¡¯s veils. It wasn¡¯t paranoia; it was survival. And while he didn¡¯t act hostile without reason, there were moments when his instincts flared, warning him of hidden dangers. Moments like this one. After shaking the woman¡¯s hand, he knew something was amiss. She was strong. Stronger than the petty thief she claimed as her accomplice. Her grip, though delicate, carried an underlying force that only someone trained would recognize. It was all a performance, and he had no intention of playing along. -- The woman¡¯s demeanor shifted like the flip of a coin. Gone was the sweet, innocent charm, replaced by a cold, detached expression. Her eyes sharpened, and her voice lost its warmth as she turned to the unconscious thief. ¡°Get up,¡± she barked, her tone curt. But the thief didn¡¯t stir. Her jaw tightened, and a flicker of panic crossed her face before she quickly masked it. She turned back to Yun Jin, her composure seemingly restored. ¡°You¡¯re perceptive,¡± she said flatly. ¡°I¡¯ll admit it¡ªI was sent here with orders to befriend you and gather information about your intentions.¡± Yun Jin remained silent, his expression unreadable, his hand still resting casually on the hilt of his sword. Her voice grew firmer, as though trying to wrest control of the situation. ¡°Who are you, and why are you visiting this town? Who sent you?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s gaze bore into hers, calm yet unyielding. ¡°I¡¯m here to visit the House of Altheron,¡± he said evenly. ¡°Anything beyond that is none of your business.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The woman frowned, clearly dissatisfied. ¡°You expect me to just accept that answer? If you¡¯re here for¡ª¡± ¡°Enough,¡± Yun Jin cut her off, his voice dropping a note colder. ¡°Next time, don¡¯t bother scheming. But be warned¡ªnext time, I attack first.¡± She froze, startled by the steel in his tone. Before she could muster a response, Yun Jin turned and walked away, motioning for Merlin to follow. As they disappeared into the bustling streets, the woman stood rooted in place, her fists clenched at her sides. -- The canal reflected the pale moonlight, its tranquil surface a stark contrast to the lavish mansion that stood beside it. Inside, a stunning woman reclined on a velvet chaise lounge, a glass of crimson wine held delicately in her manicured fingers. Her red dress clung to her figure, accentuating her elegance and power. A handsome servant stood behind her, his strong hands kneading her shoulders with practiced ease. She exhaled contentedly, swirling the wine in her glass. ¡°Perfect,¡± she murmured. ¡°A woman should always be at peace.¡± The door to the room burst open, shattering the tranquil atmosphere. A man and a woman rushed in, bowing low, their expressions tense. They dragged an unconscious thief between them, his body limp as they dropped him unceremoniously to the floor. The sound of his body hitting the polished tiles made the woman¡¯s perfectly arched brow twitch in annoyance. Her piercing gaze turned to the intruders. ¡°You dare disturb my peace?¡± Her voice was soft, yet it carried an edge sharp enough to cut glass. ¡°Speak. Quickly.¡± The spy straightened, her face pale under the scrutiny of the woman¡¯s golden eyes. ¡°Madam, I bring urgent news,¡± she said, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°I encountered someone... someone strong. He¡¯s headed to the House of Altheron.¡± The woman waved a dismissive hand, her interest clearly lacking. ¡°The House of Altheron entertains many guests. Why should I care about one more?¡± ¡°Because,¡± the spy insisted, ¡°he knocked my brother out with just two punches.¡± The thief, now stirring on the floor, groaned weakly. ¡°Two punches,¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse. ¡°The second one hurt like hell. I thought I was done for.¡± The woman¡¯s wine glass paused mid-air as her eyes narrowed. ¡°Two punches?¡± Her lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Interesting. What else?¡± The spy hesitated, her hands clenching at her sides. ¡°He saw through my act immediately. No hesitation. It was as if he could see straight into my intentions. I couldn¡¯t even buy a moment to deceive him.¡± The woman tilted her head, studying the spy with a mixture of amusement and contempt. ¡°You, the pupil of the Thousand Masks Thief, bested by a single man?¡± She laughed lightly, a sound that sent a shiver down the spy¡¯s spine. ¡°How utterly disappointing.¡± The spy¡¯s brother rubbed his neck, his bruised pride evident. ¡°He¡¯s no ordinary man, Madam. His strength... it¡¯s unnatural.¡± The woman¡¯s smile faded as her eyes turned cold and calculating. She swirled her wine absentmindedly. ¡°A man who can see through deception and possesses such power. Interesting indeed.¡± She placed the glass down on the table beside her, standing gracefully. ¡°If he¡¯s heading to the House of Altheron, I need to know why. If his presence disrupts my plans... well, I¡¯ll deal with him myself.¡± The spy and her brother exchanged uneasy glances. ¡°What are your orders, Madam?¡± ¡°For now, we observe. I¡¯ll dispatch someone more... capable to keep tabs on him,¡± she said with a smirk. ¡°If he proves too dangerous, we¡¯ll take action. And if he¡¯s merely passing through, we¡¯ll let him be.¡± She turned her sharp gaze to them. ¡°You both should hope it¡¯s the latter. I¡¯d hate to clean up another mess.¡± The spy and her brother bowed deeply, murmuring their thanks before retreating from the room. Left alone, the woman waved her servant away, her demeanor shifting as she walked to a window overlooking the canal. The cool night air brushed against her face, but her mind was far from tranquil. ¡°That old man...¡± she whispered, her voice carrying an undertone of suspicion. ¡°Has he started moving against me already?¡± Chapter 12: Adventurer鈥檚 Guild The bustling streets of Terrilstead sprawled before Yun Jin and Merlin, an intricate web of shops, stalls, and lively chatter. For a while, they wandered aimlessly, the vibrant chaos pulling their attention in every direction. Finally, Yun Jin stopped in the middle of the street, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. ¡°Welp, looks like I¡¯m completely lost.¡± Merlin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Maybe we should ask someone for directions before we wander into more dead ends.¡± Yun Jin chuckled. ¡°Nah, that¡¯s not the way. My father always said, ¡®When you¡¯re lost, follow the crowd.¡¯¡± He pointed ahead where groups of armed individuals entered and exited a large, imposing building with a distinct symbol above its entrance. ¡°And it looks like the crowd is heading there.¡± The building radiated a familiar energy to Yun Jin¡ªone of purpose and strength. Warriors clad in polished armor, mages wielding ornate staves, and even beast-like humanoids passed through its doors. Many carried high-quality weapons and a quiet air of confidence. Merlin squinted at the large sign hanging above the entrance. ¡°That¡¯s the Adventurer¡¯s Guild! We should¡ª¡± But before Merlin could finish, Yun Jin grabbed his arm and dragged him through the doors. -- The interior of the guild hall was lively and chaotic. Long wooden tables lined the space, occupied by boisterous adventurers sharing food, drink, and laughter. A hum of activity filled the air as groups huddled around a massive quest board pinned with parchment notices. Yun Jin¡¯s gaze swept the room, intrigued by the diverse gathering. His eyes lingered on a humanoid lizard, a man with fox-like ears, and a mage with glowing tattoos. ¡°This place is incredible,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone light but curious. A nearby group caught his attention as they discussed forming a party: ¡°We¡¯ll need at least one healer for this dungeon run.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget a tank¡ªour last one nearly got shredded!¡± ¡°Bah, we¡¯ll manage! I can double as DPS and crowd control.¡± Merlin followed Yun Jin¡¯s gaze to the quest board, where his companion was now fixated. Yun Jin stepped closer, scanning the notices. ¡°Merlin,¡± Yun Jin asked, pointing to a particular notice, ¡°are these dungeon rifts where those green little creatures came from?¡± Merlin peered at the notice and nodded. ¡°Yes, goblins usually appear in D-rank gates. But the one we encountered had a shaman, so it was probably closer to a D+.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°D-rank? Is that strong? I could handle two or three hordes of those things at once.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Merlin smiled faintly, though a hint of unease lingered. ¡°Not really. There are higher ranks like D+, C, B, A, and S. And then there are special types like red gates, black gates, and boss raids. I¡¯ve only heard about them from my grandfather, though¡ªI¡¯ve never seen one myself.¡± Yun Jin rubbed his chin, intrigued. ¡°Then why don¡¯t we try one? We¡¯ve got time.¡± Merlin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s... actually not a bad idea.¡± -- At the end of the hall, a striking blonde receptionist stood behind a polished counter, attending to adventurers with a practiced smile. As Yun Jin and Merlin approached, her gaze landed on them, and her smile brightened. ¡°Welcome to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild! How can I help you today?¡± she asked warmly. Yun Jin placed a quest notice on the counter. ¡°We¡¯d like to take this one.¡± The receptionist glanced at the notice before looking back at him. ¡°May I see your adventurer cards for registration?¡± Yun Jin blinked. ¡°Adventurer cards?¡± Merlin scratched his cheek, sheepish. ¡°We don¡¯t have those.¡± The receptionist raised an eyebrow, her eyes quickly assessing them. Yun Jin¡¯s muscular frame and fine sword spoke of combat experience, while the dense energy radiating from Merlin hinted at latent magical potential. ¡°In that case,¡± she said, ¡°would you like to take the registration test? We offer a full test, which takes about 5¨C6 hours, or a quick test to determine your energy rank.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°What¡¯s the quick test?¡± The receptionist smiled, though there was a hint of pity in her tone. ¡°It only measures your energy level¡ªno combat or skill evaluation. Are you sure? It won¡¯t showcase your swordsmanship.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Yun Jin said. ¡°Let¡¯s do the quick test.¡± The receptionist retrieved a smooth, glowing orb and placed it on the counter. ¡°Simply place your hand on the orb and pour your mana into it. It will display your rank.¡± Yun Jin stepped forward, placing his hand on the orb. As soon as he made contact, he felt an instant connection. Is this thing a weapon? he wondered. A smirk crept onto his face as a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He focused, channeling his energy into the orb. The light within it began to grow brighter and brighter, until it glowed like a miniature sun. Gasps echoed through the hall as the letter S appeared on its surface. The receptionist¡¯s face went pale, and adventurers around the room turned their heads, murmuring in shock. ¡°S... S-rank?¡± she stammered. Yun Jin, satisfied with the chaos, relaxed his energy. The orb dimmed, and the light stabilized to reveal C instead. The receptionist exhaled, still shaken. ¡°C-rank...¡± Merlin stared at Yun Jin, his mouth agape. Yun Jin flicked his forehead playfully. ¡°Your turn.¡± Snapping out of his stupor, Merlin stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb. The light pulsed, growing steadily until it displayed B. ¡°B-rank?¡± Merlin whispered, his voice trembling with excitement. The receptionist handed them forms to fill out, requiring their names and a drop of blood. Once completed, the papers glowed and transformed into cards. Yun Jin¡¯s bronze-colored card bore a bold C, while Merlin¡¯s iron card displayed a proud B. The receptionist registered their quest and handed them the details. ¡°Good luck on your first mission!¡± Here¡¯s the expanded version of the swarm dialogue scene: As Yun Jin and Merlin walked out of the guild hall, the air still buzzed with murmurs from adventurers. The moment the door swung shut behind them, the receptionists wasted no time swarming their colleague. ¡°Who are they?¡± one of them demanded, leaning over the counter. ¡°Did you see that? The orb glowed like the sun! That has to be a mistake, right?¡± another chimed in, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. The blonde receptionist, still recovering, shook her head, her hands clutching the counter. ¡°I... I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Wait, wait,¡± another receptionist interjected, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°Are they a couple? They looked awfully close.¡± The blonde receptionist blinked. ¡°A couple? I didn¡¯t ask, but... I don¡¯t think so?¡± Does it matter?¡± another said, her tone teasing. ¡°The swordsman, though¡ªwow. Tall, muscular, and that smirk? Who cares if he isn¡¯t single?" Chapter 13: Against the Void Yun Jin and Merlin made their way through the northern part of Terrilstead, following the signs that pointed toward their destination. As they walked, the bustling sounds of the town faded behind them, replaced by the rustling leaves and distant calls of birds from the nearby forest. After a short while, they reached the edge of town, where the dense jungle loomed ahead. Just beyond the treeline, Yun Jin¡¯s sharp eyes caught sight of a strange sight¡ªa swirling blue vortex hovering in the air, shimmering like liquid light. The energy emanating from the vortex sent a tingle through Yun Jin¡¯s senses, a strange mix of familiarity and unease. It¡¯s just like that time I was pulled into this world, he thought, his grip tightening slightly on his sword. ¡°It¡¯s awfully close to the town, isn¡¯t it?¡± Yun Jin said aloud, glancing back at Merlin. Merlin nodded, adjusting the strap of his staff. ¡°It can happen sometimes. Dungeon rifts don¡¯t have set spawn points¡ªthey can appear almost anywhere. That¡¯s why towns like this install protective magic diagrams to prevent them from spawning inside the walls.¡± ¡°Diagrams? I didn''t see anything.¡± Yun Jin asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Like the ones I use,¡± Merlin explained. ¡°But much bigger. They¡¯re might be powered by mana channels running under the town.¡± He paused, his voice lowering slightly. ¡°Still, the diagrams aren¡¯t perfect. Some towns have been overrun because the defenses failed.¡± Yun Jin hummed thoughtfully, his gaze returning to the vortex. ¡°Well, let¡¯s not give it a chance to cause trouble.¡± He glanced at Merlin. ¡°You ready?¡± Merlin nodded and began chanting softly, his staff glowing faintly with emerald light. With a sweep of his hand, he cast a shimmering barrier over himself and Yun Jin. ¡°Magic Armor,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯ll absorb some damage before breaking.¡± He continued, drawing intricate diagrams in the air with his staff. The glowing lines of mana hovered for a moment before converging on Yun Jin, wrapping around him in a soft light. Yun Jin felt an immediate difference¡ªhis body felt lighter, as if a heavy weight had been lifted. Merlin smiled, though his forehead glistened with sweat. ¡°That one increases agility. Casting normal spells takes too much mana, so I like to prepare diagrams ahead of time. Mostly buffs and summons.¡± As he spoke, he waved his staff again, conjuring a small emerald bird made entirely of wind energy. The bird fluttered around them, its translucent wings glimmering in the sunlight. ¡°This one¡¯s a scout. It can warn us if anything¡¯s waiting inside.¡± Yun Jin nodded approvingly. ¡°Not bad. You¡¯ve got a lot of tricks up your sleeve.¡± Merlin flushed slightly at the compliment, adjusting his grip on his staff. ¡°Thanks. But we should stay focused.¡± Yun Jin drew his sword, the blade catching the light as it left its sheath. He stepped toward the vortex, the swirling energy casting faint blue shadows across his face. He glanced back at Merlin one last time. ¡°Stay close,¡± he said. Then, without hesitation, he stepped into the gate. -- The moment Yun Jin and Merlin stepped through the rift, the world around them shifted. The bright sky and the sounds of Terrilstead faded into an eerie, unnatural stillness. A vast magical forest stretched before them, bathed in a gloomy, green-tinted light. The air felt damp, and the scent of moss, soil, and something faintly floral lingered. The trees here were ancient, their gnarled roots twisting unnaturally, some even hovering slightly above the ground as if resisting gravity. Glowing mushrooms pulsed faintly along the trunks, casting a dim bioluminescent glow. Merlin, stepping forward, took a deep breath and raised his staff. He closed his eyes, channeling mana through his fingertips. A thin wisp of emerald energy flickered before him before forming into a small wind bird, a spectral emerald falcon with faintly glowing eyes. With a soft trill, it took off into the air, flitting between the trees like a whispering breeze. ¡°I¡¯m sending it to scout ahead,¡± Merlin explained, his voice focused. Yun Jin nodded, watching as the wind construct zipped through the misty forest. -- Merlin¡¯s brows furrowed as he processed the information his wind bird had relayed. His grip on his staff tightened slightly. ¡°We¡¯ve got seven enemies,¡± he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of unease. ¡°Two Brambleguards¡ªliving walls of thorned vines, level five. Three Pixie Tricksters, level seven¡ªthey like to mess with your head. One Treant, level ten¡ªa walking tree, tough as stone. And¡­¡± His voice hesitated ever so slightly, ¡°¡­one Dryad. Level fifteen.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like a big jump from goblins.¡± Merlin nodded, licking his lips. ¡°D-rank dungeons can vary a lot depending on the creatures inside. Goblins? Dangerous in numbers, but predictable. But fae?¡± He exhaled sharply. ¡°They don¡¯t play fair. And the Dryad¡ªshe¡¯s the worst one here.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°You sure know a lot.¡± Merlin blinked, then gave a nervous chuckle. He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I just know about fae. Their body parts and materials are excellent ingredients for magic.¡± He fidgeted slightly. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t actually know much about monsters.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°So, which are they? Monsters or not?¡± Merlin pursed his lips. His hands clenched around his staff before he finally spoke. ¡°Fae aren¡¯t like monsters. They¡¯re creatures of nature and magic. They don¡¯t live in dungeons naturally¡ªthey¡¯re born from nature¡¯s mana. Some are playful. Some are cruel. Some just don¡¯t care about humans at all. But the important thing?¡± He hesitated before meeting Yun Jin¡¯s gaze. ¡°They follow their own rules. And that makes them unpredictable.¡± Yun Jin watched him carefully, noticing how Merlin''s fingers twitched slightly, betraying his nerves. The boy was usually confident when talking about magic, but here? There was uncertainty in his voice. ¡°So, you¡¯re worried?¡± Yun Jin asked, his tone lighter than before. Merlin huffed and crossed his arms, looking away. ¡°Of course not!¡± His voice cracked slightly. ¡°I mean, okay, maybe a little! It¡¯s just¡ªDryads are no joke! Even experienced mages have trouble with them, and we only have me.¡± He glanced at Yun Jin¡¯s sword. ¡°And your sword, I guess.¡± Yun Jin chuckled, rolling his shoulders. ¡°Hah. That makes this interesting, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Merlin sighed, adjusting his grip on his staff. ¡°I swear, you¡¯re the only person who gets excited about fighting something this dangerous¡­¡± Yun Jin only smirked in response. -- But as he observed their surroundings, he noted something peculiar¡ª The path ahead was unnaturally narrow. A perfectly winding, thin trail cut through the magical forest, with thick trees looming on both sides, forming a natural corridor. It was too clean. Too convenient. Yun Jin frowned slightly, clicking his tongue. ¡°This setup¡­ feels like a trap.¡± Merlin blinked in confusion. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Look at it,¡± Yun Jin gestured toward the suspiciously clear-cut path ahead. ¡°It¡¯s guiding us. There¡¯s only one way forward. But in a place like this, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s¡­ too obvious?¡± Merlin hesitated, glancing around. ¡°I mean¡­ I heard most dungeons have paths like these, don¡¯t they?¡± Yun Jin shook his head. ¡°In the real world, forests aren¡¯t this neatly arranged." Before Merlin could protest further, Yun Jin ignored the path entirely. Instead, he veered off-course, stepping directly into the dense, mystical forest, where the air felt heavier with magic. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat are you doing?!¡± Merlin hissed, scrambling to follow him. Yun Jin drew his sword, effortlessly slicing through the thick foliage, creating his own path. The blade¡¯s edge glowed faintly with a trace of qi, allowing it to pass through the tough, magical vines as though they were paper. Merlin grumbled, stumbling after him. ¡°You¡¯re seriously going to just¡­ cut your way through?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Yun Jin said simply, stepping over a tangle of roots. ¡°If I¡¯m going to fight, I want to know where this place ends.¡± Merlin looked skeptical but didn¡¯t dare separate from Yun Jin¡ªif he got attacked alone, he¡¯d be an easy target. He hurried to keep up, keeping his staff at the ready. The deeper they walked, the more unnatural the air became. There were no monsters in this area, only absolute silence. Then¡ª Yun Jin stopped. They had reached the very edge of the dungeon. Before them lay the void. A vast, infinite darkness stretched beyond the boundary of the dungeon¡ªa sheer, impossible emptiness that swallowed all light. Yun Jin felt a strange, hollow sensation in his chest. His breathing hitched for a moment, his body instinctively rejecting the sight before him. Just staring at it made his stomach churn, like he was peering into something beyond reality itself. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Yun Jin exhaled sharply, steadying himself. Merlin, who had caught up, gasped. ¡°W-what is this place¡­?¡± They could see the dungeon¡¯s end¡ªan invisible, translucent barrier that separated the world of the dungeon from the absolute nothingness beyond. Yun Jin reached out a hand, pressing against the barrier. It was solid, yet completely smooth. A faint shimmer rippled where his fingers touched it, but it did not give way. Merlin gulped. ¡°Is¡­ is this what happens when dungeons form? Do they just¡­ carve out space like this?¡± Yun Jin didn¡¯t answer. He simply stared at the void, his mind struggling to comprehend what lay beyond it. He had never seen anything like this before. There was no sky. No ground. No depth. No color. Just an abyss of nothingness. The sensation of looking at something that shouldn¡¯t exist made his head feel light, almost nauseating. And then¡ªinstinctively¡ªhe took a step back. Merlin noticed. ¡°You okay?¡± Yun Jin shook his head, his usual smirk replaced by unease. ¡°Let¡¯s not stay here too long.¡± But before leaving, he glanced at the translucent barrier one more time. A thought crossed his mind. ¡°¡­I wonder.¡± He stepped forward again, this time drawing his sword. Merlin paled. ¡°H-Hey, Yun Jin, what are you¡ª¡± Yun Jin ignored him. [Aura Blade] Instead, he exhaled slowly, focusing his absolute intent. His sword pulsed with light, and in that instant¡ª Light Blade Sovereign Style: Thirteenth Form ¨C Vector to Heaven. A single, motionless slash. A cut that required neither movement nor wasted energy. The embodiment of pure mastery. The sword flashed¡ªan imperceptible strike that no eyes could follow. And yet¡ª Nothing happened. The barrier remained. Untouched. Yun Jin narrowed his eyes. ¡°Not even a scratch¡­¡± Even his strongest technique had done nothing to it. A trace of frustration flickered across his face, but he sighed and sheathed his blade. Then, without another word, he marked the spot in his mind before turning back to Merlin. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Merlin, still standing stiffly, exhaled a breath he didn¡¯t realize he was holding. ¡°¡­Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡± As they walked away, Yun Jin¡¯s thoughts lingered on the barrier and the abyss beyond. Just what the hell is this place¡­? Chapter 14: When Fae Go Wild Yun Jin and Merlin retraced their steps back to the main path, leaving behind the unsettling void at the dungeon¡¯s edge. The eerie silence of that infinite darkness still lingered in Yun Jin¡¯s mind, but he shook off the feeling. There were more immediate concerns¡ªlike clearing this dungeon and seeing how he and Merlin measured up against these so-called fae. As they walked, the magical forest seemed almost alive, whispering around them. The bioluminescent fungi pulsed faintly, casting shifting shadows across the twisted roots and gnarled branches. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes flicked between the trees, tracking movement beyond the path. ¡°They know we¡¯re here,¡± he muttered. Merlin tensed, adjusting his grip on his staff. ¡°Of course they do. Fae aren¡¯t mindless like goblins¡ªthey¡¯re watching, waiting.¡± His voice lowered. ¡°They¡¯re playful. They won¡¯t just attack outright. They like to mess with their prey first.¡± Yun Jin grinned, excitement sparking in his eyes. ¡°Sounds like fun.¡± Merlin shot him a look. ¡°For them, maybe.¡± Just as he finished speaking, a soft giggle echoed from the trees, unnervingly close. Then, a gust of wind swept past, carrying whispers in a language neither of them understood. Yun Jin''s grip tightened on his sword, his stance shifting. A flicker of movement. Then another. Merlin¡¯s wind bird flitted about anxiously, its spectral feathers ruffling as it circled overhead. ¡°They¡¯re coming,¡± Merlin warned. Yun Jin exhaled, his heartbeat steady, his instincts sharpening. Then¡ª A sharp rustling from above. ¡°Move!¡± Merlin barely had time to react before Yun Jin grabbed his collar and yanked him backward. A massive tangle of thorned vines crashed down where they had been standing, writhing like a living creature. The vines twisted and coiled, rising into the form of two humanoid figures¡ªBrambleguards. Yun Jin clicked his tongue. ¡°Annoying.¡± The Brambleguards creaked and groaned as they moved, their thorny limbs snapping into place as they raised their vine-covered arms. Then, like a signal, high-pitched laughter erupted from the treetops. Three figures darted into view¡ªPixie Tricksters. Their translucent wings shimmered with iridescent light, their small, mischievous faces twisted with glee. They chattered in a language that sounded both melodic and mocking, their tiny hands weaving faint trails of magic into the air. Merlin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°They¡¯re already casting illusions!¡± Yun Jin didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Then we take them out first.¡± He surged forward, his sword flashing as he closed the distance between himself and the nearest Pixie Trickster. The pixie smirked, raising a hand¡ª And then vanished. Yun Jin¡¯s sword sliced through empty air. Before he could react, a second pixie appeared at his side, giggling as it tapped his shoulder. Yun Jin spun, but once again, there was nothing there. Merlin gritted his teeth. ¡°They¡¯re phasing between locations! They can warp short distances, but it¡¯s not unlimited¡ªjust keep moving, don¡¯t give them time to focus!¡± Yun Jin¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Got it.¡± He shifted his stance. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Third Form ¨C Dance of the Firefly.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. A blur of movement¡ªYun Jin struck again, but this time, he didn''t stop after the first swing. His blade weaved through the air in rapid succession, slashing through the empty space where the pixies flickered in and out of view. They reappeared just long enough for him to adjust his strikes mid-motion. A startled shriek¡ªone of the Pixie Tricksters failed to phase in time. Yun Jin¡¯s blade connected, cleaving straight through its small frame. The creature let out a final, distorted giggle before its body shimmered, breaking apart into tiny motes of fading light. The remaining two pixies screeched in alarm, retreating higher into the treetops. Meanwhile, the Brambleguards surged forward, their thorned limbs lashing out toward Yun Jin and Merlin. Merlin took a sharp breath, his staff pulsing with green light. He slammed the butt of it into the ground, tracing a quick diagram in the air. ¡°Wind Snare!¡± A burst of emerald energy shot forward, wrapping around the limbs of one of the Brambleguards. The vines recoiled, twisting against themselves, temporarily halting its movement. Yun Jin capitalized immediately. He stepped in, twisting his body¡ª [Aura Blade] His sword flared with a sharp, radiant glow as qi surged along its edge, extending its reach with lethal precision. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. A burst of speed propelled him forward, his blade carving through the Brambleguard¡¯s thick mass of tangled vines. The enhanced edge bit deep¡ªdeeper than a normal strike could¡ªbut failed to cleave all the way through its hardened core. Yun Jin''s eyes widened slightly. Tch, tough bastard¡ª! Before he could react, the Brambleguard¡¯s massive thorned fist lashed out, catching him clean in the chest. BOOM! The force sent him flying backward, the impact rippling through his body¡ªuntil the shimmering glow of Magic Armor absorbed most of the blow. He skidded back, boots digging into the dirt, breath slightly shaken but unharmed. Had it not been for Merlin¡¯s spell, that punch would¡¯ve shattered his ribs. The Brambleguard reared back, vines shifting as it prepared another strike. But Yun Jin, undeterred, tightened his grip. ¡°Hah¡­ that actually hurt.¡± He exhaled, adjusting his stance. This time, he aimed precisely¡ªnot for a full cleave, but for a decisive kill. A single step forward. His blade traced a calculated arc. The Brambleguard jerked violently as his sword pierced straight through its core, twisting the embedded steel with a brutal efficiency. The vines spasmed, then fell limp, its form unraveling into lifeless plant matter. Yun Jin exhaled, watching as the remnants of the creature crumbled before him. ¡°That¡¯s one down,¡± he muttered, rolling his shoulders. Yun Jin turned, eyes darting to Merlin¡ª The mage was struggling, barely holding his defensive barrier as thorned vines lashed at him. The Treant and remaining Brambleguard pressed in, their sheer force causing cracks to shimmer across the protective spell. Yun Jin moved¡ªinstinct and muscle memory taking over. But just as he stepped forward¡ª Everything went dark. A sharp, unnatural silence followed. His vision vanished. His ears deafened. Pixie magic. Yun Jin clenched his jaw, immediately purging his Qi outward, pushing against the foreign magic disrupting his senses. Through the pulsing energy in the air, he felt them¡ªthree distinct flickers of movement, hovering erratically around him. But Yun Jin didn¡¯t panic. His Qi pulsed outward, rippling through the air. Three distortions. Two flickering fast. One stationary. ¡°Merlin¡ªclose your eyes!¡± he commanded, trusting the mage to react immediately. Merlin obeyed without hesitation. Then¡ª Light erupted. A radiant pulse of magic burst from Yun Jin, illuminating the air like a sudden sunrise. The Pixie Tricksters screamed. The spell dispelled their invisibility, exposing their tiny, fluttering forms midair, now frantically trying to retreat. Merlin¡¯s emerald falcons screeched. With a single motion, he sent both wind-forged birds diving. Slash. Slash. The Pixies fell, their tiny bodies dissolving into shimmering pixie dust before they could even react. And Yun Jin¡¯s vision snapped back. And he saw Merlin¡¯s barrier flickering¡ªseconds from shattering. He didn¡¯t think. He lunged. [Aura Blade.] His sword blazed with Qi as he exploded forward¡ª Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. A thunderous burst. A straight-line blitz. The Brambleguard¡¯s thorned strike came down¡ª But Yun Jin was faster. Instead of slashing, he drove his sword forward¡ªpiercing straight through its core. A deep, jagged crack tore through the Brambleguard¡¯s wooden core, its magic unraveling as the vines convulsed in a final, desperate attempt to hold itself together The monster twitched violently, its vines spasming, as the blade¡¯s Qi surged inside, unraveling its magic. Then¡ª Boom. The Brambleguard collapsed, its body crumbling into lifeless wood and vines. Yun Jin exhaled, flicking his sword clean. Behind him, Merlin stumbled forward, his legs shaky as he caught his breath. ¡°Hah¡­ Hah¡­ That was¡ªtoo close.¡± Then¡ª THUMP. A deep, resonant vibration rolled through the air. Yun Jin¡¯s grip tightened on his sword. Merlin stiffened, his breath hitching. Another step. THUMP. The ground trembled beneath them. Leaves shuddered. The air felt heavier. Then it emerged. Towering over the trees, a ten-meter-tall wooden giant loomed into view. Its bark-covered body creaked with every movement, its hollowed eyes glowing faintly with an eerie green light. Vines slithered along its limbs, tightening like cords of muscle as it took another slow, earth-shaking step forward. [Treant LV.10] Chapter 15: Treant Protector A resounding tremor rippled through the dense forest, accompanied by another in rapid succession. Each impact sent violent shudders through the earth, rattling the canopy above and dislodging loose leaves that fluttered like dying embers. The very air thrummed, charged with the weight of each colossal step, the reverberations akin to the rhythmic tolling of a war drum. Then, from beyond the receding mist, it emerged. A gargantuan, arboreal colossus, its towering frame stretching over ten meters into the sky. Its bark-covered body coiled and twisted in unnatural motions, each shift of its massive limbs producing deep, groaning creaks. Gnarled appendages protruded like jagged armor, their forms latticed with luminescent green veins pulsing with a rhythmic cadence¡ªan eerie facsimile of a heartbeat. Hollow sockets, void of flesh yet brimming with an insidious will, locked onto them. Beneath its hulking form, the splintered remains of Brambleguards lay strewn like discarded remnants of a battle already lost. The sight of its fallen kin sent the Treant into an uncontrollable convulsion, its massive body quivering as if the very fabric of the forest lamented their demise. Then, it roared. A guttural, resonant bellow, ancient and wrathful, reverberated through the trees, carrying with it the grief of centuries past. The surrounding foliage recoiled in response, their branches shuddering in eerie synchrony. The primal wail rippled outward, displacing birds from their perches as they scattered in frenzied flight. The earth trembled beneath the weight of its sorrow and rage. And then, it struck. A limb, thick as a centuries-old oak, descended with the weight of an avalanche. ¡°Move!¡± Yun Jin¡¯s command cut through the air, his body already in motion before conscious thought had even fully formed. The Treant¡¯s limb met the earth with a cataclysmic force. BOOM. The impact obliterated the ground, sending a violent shockwave outward. Jagged fractures spiderwebbed through the soil as the very terrain was reshaped by the force of its wrath. From the ruptured ground, an explosion of serpentine vines erupted¡ªwhipping, coiling, and writhing like predatory creatures given life. Yun Jin acted on instinct. With a sharp motion, he seized Merlin by the collar and launched backward, the mage weightless in his grasp. Mid-air, he twisted, narrowly avoiding the surge of spined tendrils lashing hungrily toward them. The wind howled around him, the sharp scent of freshly upturned earth filling his lungs. Pain lanced through his side. A vine, preternaturally fast, had slipped past his defenses, piercing through his Magic Armor and slashing across his arm before recoiling. A warm trickle of blood stained his sleeve. Damn it. His boots found solid ground, and he released Merlin near the dungeon¡¯s entrance. With a controlled exhale, Yun Jin steadied himself. ¡°Regain your strength,¡± he ordered, voice steady despite the persistent throb in his arm. ¡°Breathe. Focus. Just like I taught you.¡± Merlin, still gasping, clutched his staff. ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe we should just leave. If we hurry, we can¡ª¡± ¡°No.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s response was immediate, calm yet immovable. Merlin hesitated, his expression flickering between desperation and uncertainty. ¡°This,¡± Yun Jin exhaled, rolling his shoulders as the familiar thrill surged through him, ¡°this is exactly what I¡¯ve been waiting for.¡± The Treant let out another rumbling groan, its vines constricting like sinew over muscle, coiling for another devastating strike. ¡°This is a real fight,¡± Yun Jin continued, his pulse steadying. ¡°I refuse to walk away.¡± Merlin clenched his fists. ¡°But you¡¯re injured¡ª¡± ¡°I understand now,¡± Yun Jin interjected, his smirk laced with unwavering confidence. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Merlin exhaled sharply. He had traveled long enough with Yun Jin to know arguing would be pointless. ¡°¡­Fine,¡± he muttered, settling back to regulate his breath. He had no choice but to trust him. Yun Jin twisted just as the Treant¡¯s limb came crashing down. BOOM. The battlefield erupted. Earth split beneath the sheer magnitude of the blow, sending trees snapping and debris rocketing into the air. Serrated roots surged forth like skeletal appendages, grasping hungrily. The concussive force alone sent shockwaves through Yun Jin¡¯s frame, but his balance remained unshaken as he skidded to a stop. His gaze locked onto his target, sharp and unrelenting. Where¡¯s the core? Every plant-based construct had one. The Brambleguards had theirs buried deep in their chests. If the Treant was similarly designed, Yun Jin needed to locate it¡ªand destroy it. Gathering Qi, he expelled it outward in a controlled pulse.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. There. A faint glimmer of concentrated mana pulsed from within the Treant¡¯s chest, obscured beneath thick layers of bark. Reaching it will be the real challenge. Yun Jin propelled himself forward. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. A streak of blinding motion. He surged toward the Treant¡¯s core, sword radiating Qi in crackling arcs of light. The moment his blade met bark¡ª CLANG. Barely a mark. ¡°Tch¡ª¡± Yun Jin clicked his tongue, flipping backward an instant before the Treant¡¯s retaliatory strike obliterated the spot where he had been. This one¡¯s different. The Brambleguards had been durable, but this? This was an entirely different entity. Even with Aura Blade and Arc Lightning, its defenses remained unyielding. A shadow loomed above. A fist, wreathed in twisting vines, plummeted toward him. Yun Jin pivoted midair, evading by a hair¡¯s breadth. He landed against a tree trunk¡ªbut rather than halt, he sprang off immediately, weaving through the chaos like a specter of light. He wasn¡¯t retreating. He was studying. The Treant lashed out once more, its massive limb sweeping across the battlefield like an executioner¡¯s blade. Yun Jin didn¡¯t waver¡ªhe pressed forward. A calculated step¡ªthen a leap. His boots found purchase on the Treant¡¯s arm. His feet barely met bark before he propelled himself upward, dashing along the creature¡¯s limb with relentless precision. Each movement was deliberate, defying gravity as he scaled the monstrous form. The core was too deeply embedded. If he wanted to end this fight, he needed to disable it first. He reached the elbow joint. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Second Form ¨C Thunder Break. Unlike Arc Lightning, which thrived on speed, Thunder Break was sheer destructive force. Qi pulsed through his blade¡ª One clean, decisive stroke. CRACK. The Treant lurched, a deep fissure rupturing through its massive limb. For the first time, its immense form shuddered under the force of Yun Jin¡¯s strike. Wood splintered, a violent ripple coursing through its body. Yun Jin twisted in midair, descending with flawless control, landing gracefully below. His grip on his blade tightened, his grin widening in exhilaration. Now we¡¯re making progress. The Treant staggered, thick sap-like ichor seeping from the splintered wound. But its glow intensified. The shattered wood began to reknit itself. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed. Regeneration? -- With one arm severed, the Treant staggered, its reverberating bellow echoing through the dungeon chamber. Its movements became sluggish, its vast frame struggling to recalibrate balance in the wake of sudden dismemberment. Yet Yun Jin pressed forward, his momentum relentless. The right leg. Weaving through the writhing chaos of flailing vines, he maneuvered with effortless precision. The Treant, despite its diminished state, attempted to counter, its roots curling upward in a desperate attempt to ensnare him. But Yun Jin had already calculated the timing. At the precise moment the creature shifted its weight for a defensive stomp, he struck. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Second Form ¨C Thunder Break. The concentrated burst of Qi coalesced into a single, devastating slash¡ª CRACK. The leg fissured instantly, deep fractures spiderwebbing through its bark-like skin. A tortured groan resonated through the battlefield as the Treant¡¯s balance shattered, its colossal form collapsing to its knees with an earth-shaking impact. Yet Yun Jin was already in motion. His instincts propelled him forward, scaling the deteriorating frame with the grace of a seasoned predator. The last remaining arm swung wildly in a futile attempt to swat him from its torso¡ªbut he was beyond reach. Too slow. BOOM. The Treant¡¯s final limb crumbled beneath its own weight, rendered utterly useless. Now entirely incapacitated, the ancient entity lay beneath him, its broken form writhing with residual tremors. Yun Jin stood atop its broad chest, his blade pulsing with luminous intensity as [Aura Blade] coursed through its edge, condensing Qi into a single point of focused lethality. The Treant quivered. Its severed limbs exuded thick, sap-like ichor, the once-imposing titan reduced to a fractured husk of splintered bark and dissipating magical essence. Yun Jin exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword. The weapon hummed in response, resonating with the sheer energy pouring through its form. He could sense it now¡ªthe faint, flickering pulse of the Treant¡¯s core, still clinging to existence deep within its ruined chest. [You have unlocked a skill: Mana Eyes (Rank D)] The system notification barely registered. His vision sharpened instantly, revealing an intricate lattice of pulsating mana filaments threading through the Treant¡¯s broken frame. Every network of arcane energy, every hidden conduit fueling the dying entity, was laid bare before him. It¡¯s still trying to regenerate. A single tendril¡ªthin, almost imperceptible¡ªextended from the creature¡¯s severed joints. It wasn¡¯t retreating. It was reaching, groping blindly toward its lost limbs, tendrils of residual mana weaving together in an attempt to restore its body. Yun Jin narrowed his eyes. So that¡¯s how it is. The ambient mana thickened. A subtle tremor pulsed through the air, an unmistakable ripple of foreign energy brushing against his senses. Faint¡ªdistant¡ªwatchful. He didn¡¯t need to turn to know. The Dryad was observing. Through the heightened clarity of [Mana Eyes], Yun Jin traced the ethereal thread of mana extending beyond the battlefield, vanishing into the depths of the dungeon¡¯s unseen expanse. But it¡¯s too far to intervene. A smirk ghosted across his lips. "You can watch all you want," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "But this one¡¯s done for." His blade lifted, the glow of [Aura Blade] intensifying, radiating with condensed lethal intent. The world contracted to a singular focus¡ªhis sword, his will, and the fading heartbeat of the Treant¡¯s core beneath him. No wasted movement. Just one perfect strike. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Thirteenth Form ¨C Vector to Heaven. A single cut. For a moment, the world itself seemed to hold its breath. The only sound was the whisper of air slipping through the trees, a faint hush in the aftermath of motion. A thin, precise line of radiant Qi traced its way down the Treant¡¯s chest. CRACK. The entity convulsed, its entire structure trembling as a deep, resonating groan emanated from within. Veins of luminescent Qi spread outward, fracturing its bark-like flesh from the inside. The vines that had been desperately stretching to restore its limbs seized mid-motion, their regenerative connection severed in an instant. Then¡ª BOOM. The Treant collapsed inward upon itself, its core annihilated at the source. The immense structure imploded, the sheer force of its disintegration sending shimmering motes of dissipating mana into the air like scattered embers. Silence. Yun Jin exhaled, lowering his sword. The battlefield stood eerily still, the oppressive presence of the Treant vanishing as its lifeblood was finally extinguished. Then¡ªthe earth trembled anew. The severed vines quivered, their dying embers twitching in defiance. From the forest floor, thick roots convulsed, bursting outward in one final, desperate grasp, seeking to reclaim the fallen remnants of their master. "Oh no, you don¡¯t." Yun Jin moved. A single, sweeping arc of Qi lacerated the intruding roots, severing their last vestige of defiance. The dungeon groaned in response, an eerie, spectral wail resonating through its hollow expanse. The surviving vines recoiled, writhing as though in pain, before retreating into the unseen depths of the dungeon. Yun Jin¡¯s smirk returned. So that¡¯s where you are. Chapter 16: The Forests Grasp The forest seemed to breathe. The trees whispered with unseen voices, their leaves shifting without wind. The very air felt thick, charged with unseen energy¡ªwaiting, watching. Yun Jin followed the retreating vines deeper into the dungeon, his boots sinking slightly into the soft, moss-covered ground. The eerie glow of bioluminescent fungi flickered along the bark of twisted trees, casting distorted shadows. The remains of the Treant lay behind him, its massive form now nothing but lifeless wood. Then¡ªa presence emerged. She did not step into view. She simply¡ªbecame. Her body rose from the gnarled bark of a massive tree as if she had always been a part of it, flowing like liquid wood. Her frame was lithe and elegant, her skin a smooth blend of bark and verdant green, shifting with an unnatural grace. Golden, luminous eyes blinked open, unblinking, unhurried. Vines curled and slithered around her form like living garments, ever-moving, ever-shifting. A Dryad. [Dryad LV.15] Yun Jin¡¯s grip on his sword tightened, his stance firm as his gaze locked onto the figure emerging from the ancient bark. His fingers curled around the hilt, steady but tense, prepared for whatever was to come. "So you¡¯re the one pulling the strings," he said, voice calm but edged with focus. The Dryad did not answer. She tilted her head slightly, those golden, luminescent eyes reflecting the dungeon¡¯s dim glow. There was no rage, no fear¡ªjust a quiet amusement, the kind that sent a subtle chill down the spine. Not a beast, not a warrior¡ªshe was something else. She watched him the way a cat watched a struggling insect, intrigued but indifferent. There was no urgency in her stance, no sign of distress. As if she already knew how this would end. Then, she hummed. Not a sound¡ªsomething deeper. A pulse in the air, a shift in the very space around them. A vibration that settled into Yun Jin¡¯s chest, not a direct attack, but a suggestion. A whisper of something he couldn¡¯t quite place. Then, beneath his feet¡ªmovement. His gaze flicked downward. The ground itself was changing. Thin, near-invisible tendrils slithered outward, threading through the earth like veins beneath the skin. They were faint¡ªso faint they could be mistaken for nothing more than the slow growth of plants. But Yun Jin wasn¡¯t blind to danger. His instincts flared. It wasn¡¯t just the Dryad. It was everything. Not just the trees. Not just the vines. The entire forest was an extension of her will. Every root, every blade of grass, every twisting branch. She wasn¡¯t bound to a single form. She was the battlefield. This isn¡¯t just a fight. It¡¯s a hunt. And yet, Yun Jin did not back down. His grip tightened, his breath steady. The thrill of battle coiled in his chest, bright and sharp. His mind, once calculating, sharpened into something simpler. A single thought. Cut her down. [Activated Mana Eyes.] The world shifted. The dense foliage, the towering trees¡ªhe no longer saw them as obstacles. His vision cut deeper, peeling back layers of the Dryad¡¯s magic, revealing the intricate web of mana that pulsed beneath. A network of raw energy flowed through the forest, but at its center¡ªthere. A flicker of golden light. A core. A single point where her power condensed, pulsing like a heartbeat. Found you. Yun Jin moved. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. His body blurred, the world breaking into streaks of motion. Qi surged through his blade, condensing into a single, piercing thrust¡ª Straight for the core. But¡ª Nothing. His blade struck air. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes sharpened. She hadn¡¯t dodged. She hadn¡¯t even moved.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. But the core¡ª It was gone. A flicker of golden light pulsed inside another tree, farther away. Realization clicked into place. She can move it? Not just a shifting body. A shifting heart. The Dryad¡¯s true form wasn¡¯t bound to a single place. She wasn¡¯t a target. She was a presence, a spirit woven into the very fabric of the forest. And Yun Jin had just wasted an attack on a decoy. A laugh echoed through the trees. Light. Amused. Then¡ªthe forest moved. Vines lashed from every direction, weaving a cage around him. Yun Jin¡¯s body reacted before thought could form. His stance shifted. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Fourth Form ¨C Gale Rend. He twisted, pivoting mid-step, his sword carving through the air in a seamless arc. A storm of cutting wind erupted from his blade, Qi flaring outward in a burst of raw force. The vines split apart, shredded mid-motion, their severed remains spiraling into the mist. For a moment¡ªjust a breath¡ªhe had space. But it came at a cost. Yun Jin exhaled sharply, his muscles straining, his breath coming shorter than before. He could feel it now¡ªthe weight in his limbs, the slow drain of energy. Not exhaustion. Not yet. But it was close. And the Dryad had already begun her next move. -- The golden spores spread like a blooming flower, unfurling in mesmerizing spirals. They danced unnaturally, curling toward him with deliberate purpose, as if drawn by something deeper than mere movement. Yun Jin¡¯s instincts screamed. His body responded before his mind had fully processed the danger. He kicked off the nearest tree, twisting mid-air as the mist reached out. His momentum carried him backward, avoiding the densest part of the cloud¡ª But it wasn¡¯t enough. The first tendrils of golden mist curled around him, barely brushing against his exposed skin. It clung to him. Seeped in. And then, the sensation hit. It wasn¡¯t the sharp, burning agony of venom eating through flesh. It was something worse. A slow, creeping heaviness spread through his limbs, dull and relentless. The tension in his muscles began to unwind against his will, as if his own body no longer belonged to him. His vision blurred. The edges of the world flickered like heat distortion. His movements, once fluid and precise, felt sluggish. It¡¯s not just poison. It was sleep. A sedative, pulling at his awareness, numbing his reflexes, slowing him with each passing second. Yun Jin exhaled sharply. No. Focus. Control. Forcing his Qi into motion, he activated Qi Breathing, pushing the foreign toxin out like squeezing water from drenched cloth. The fog in his mind lifted slightly. The creeping drowsiness receded, but not completely. His limbs still felt slow, like wading through knee-deep water. Not enough. The vines struck. They came from every angle, weaving through the forest like hunting serpents. The attack wasn¡¯t reckless¡ªit was precise. Calculated. Each strike aimed not just at him, but at where he would move next. He twisted mid-air, blade flashing¡ª[Aura Blade]. A clean, precise slash severed the first vine before it could wrap around his leg. But for every tendril he cut, two more took its place. She wasn¡¯t giving him room to breathe. Yun Jin''s boots hit the ground, but the moment he landed¡ªhe knew something was wrong. The earth was soft. Too soft. The damp soil gripped at his boots, shifting unnaturally beneath him like a living thing. Damn it. She had changed the terrain. A single misstep could cost him everything. And she was already moving to take advantage of it. From behind, a vine lashed toward his back¡ªa precise strike aimed to coil around his torso. Yun Jin barely managed to pivot, his sword intercepting at the last second. He deflected the blow, but the force sent a vibrating sting up his arm. Then, another. And another. He was dodging, cutting, evading¡ªbut the weight in his limbs made it harder with every passing moment. The Dryad¡¯s vines weren¡¯t just weapons; they were a web tightening around him. A whispering laugh rippled through the trees¡ªsoft, mocking, threaded with amusement. The forest itself seemed to shudder in response, vines slithering like living serpents, creeping from the canopy, unfurling from the ground, tightening from behind. Light Blade Sovereign Style: Fourth Form ¨C Gale Rend. Yun Jin twisted mid-motion, his body pivoting with the precision of a storm breaking upon the earth. His blade arced around him in a perfect, sweeping slash¡ªQi flaring outward like a cascading whirlwind. The force of the strike severed everything in its path. Branches snapped, torn apart by the raw pressure that followed in the wake of his blade. Even the air itself trembled, the sheer force of his movement distorting the space around him.Qi burned in his veins, his strikes moving faster, faster¡ªuntil the vines stopped coming. The air stilled. The clearing around him was littered with severed tendrils, their lifeless remains curling inward, twitching as they withered. Yun Jin stumbled. His breath hitched. A sharp burn ran through his muscles, exhaustion clawing at his limbs. His chest rose and fell rapidly, the adrenaline barely holding his body together. But his smile¡ª His smile was wide¡ªbright, unshaken. Even at his weakest, he grinned like a man stepping into his wedding night, heart pounding with exhilaration, eyes alight with reckless joy. His fingers tightened around his sword. [Aura Blade.] The weapon thrummed in response, the edge alight with razor-thin Qi. The Dryad¡¯s vines shivered, twisting as if sensing his intent. She knew. She wouldn¡¯t let him reach it. Lightning surged beneath Yun Jin¡¯s skin. His stance shifted. The world narrowed to a single path¡ªhis blade, the core, the strike that would end this. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning! The air cracked as he shot forward, faster than before, faster than his exhausted body should have allowed. Roots and vines lashed at his path, but he wove between them, twisting, slipping through the smallest of gaps. A vine snapped toward his leg¡ªhe cut through it mid-step, never slowing. Another curled toward his chest¡ªhe dodged, just a breath away from being caught. Then¡ªhe leapt. The Dryad¡¯s core glowed before him. The sword gleamed, a flash of silver lined with pure, cutting Qi¡ª SNAP. Something wrenched his wrist backward. A vine. No¡ªdozens. They constricted around his arms, his waist, his legs, like snakes coiling around their prey. His momentum shattered. The ground rushed up to meet him as the vines yanked him down. His blade¡ªmere inches from the core. The vines snapped tight. A shudder ran through his body as the first tendrils wrapped around his skin, leeching something from him. It was slow, insidious, like water slipping through his fingers. His Qi. She was taking it from him. His sword trembled in his grasp, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him like an iron shackle. Every second, his strength bled away, siphoned into the hungry vines that coiled tighter with each passing breath. So this is my limit against you, huh? A quiet chuckle rasped from his lips, barely more than a whisper. His fingers twitched on the hilt of his sword, weak yet unwilling to let go. Good to know. Through the blur of fatigue, something flickered at the edge of his fading vision. Not from the Dryad. Behind her. The creature loomed over him, golden eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. She reveled in his struggle, watching as his body withered, feeding off his stolen energy to summon more writhing minions into the forest¡¯s embrace. But something made her pause. His lips moved. No voice escaped them. No sound carried through the still air. Yet, the words weren¡¯t meant for her. They had already reached their destination. The faintest shimmer of light. A reflection against her bark. Then¡ªheat. The air itself seemed to shift, growing thick, dry, burning against his skin. A sound rumbled in the distance. Not a war cry. Not an attack. Something deeper, more primal. A spell. Merlin¡¯s voice rang through the clearing. "FIREBALL!!" Chapter 17: First Dungeon Reward The Dryad¡¯s final scream faded as Merlin¡¯s fireball engulfed her tree-bound core. The flames surged, turning the ancient bark to embers, and the eerie green glow that had filled the forest vanished. Silence followed¡ªdeep and absolute, as if the entire dungeon had stopped breathing. Then, the ground trembled. The roots that had spread across the battlefield cracked and crumbled, their energy drained. Thorned vines that had once been alive shriveled away, releasing their hold. The scent of burned wood and damp earth filled the air as all traces of the Dryad¡¯s power faded. A sharp chime echoed in Yun Jin¡¯s mind. [System Alert: All dungeon creatures have been defeated.] [Dungeon Cleared.] Yun Jin exhaled, lowering his blade. The tension in his body eased, though exhaustion still gnawed at the edges of his awareness. A glowing panel appeared in front of him, listing contribution points from the battle. Yun Jin¡¯s brows furrowed. Other people? His gaze swept across the battlefield. Beneath the withered vines, three lifeless bodies lay exposed. Their skin was pale, their weapons discarded beside them. They had been caught long before the fight had ended. The forest had been feeding on them. A faint, shaky breath broke the silence. Seraphine Lysval. Unlike the others, she was still alive. Her fingers twitched weakly, pressing against the ground, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. The dim flicker of barrier magic still clung to her form¡ªcracked and unstable, but holding. She had fought to survive. And she had barely made it. A new system prompt appeared before him. [A large amount of residual energy remains in the dungeon.] [As the highest contributor, you have the right to decide its fate.] The ground beneath Yun Jin hummed, as if waiting for his command. Strands of raw, untethered energy swirled through the air¡ªthe last remnants of the dungeon¡¯s existence, waiting to be claimed. [Option 1: Convert the remaining energy into material rewards.] [Option 2: Absorb the energy to strengthen you only] [Option 3: Distribute the energy among surviving contributors.] The energy pulsed around him, waiting for his choice. Yun Jin exhaled and selected Option 3. The energy shifted, splitting into portions based on the recorded contribution. The moment the energy touched his body, he felt it surge through his meridians, spreading like liquid fire in his veins. It was pure¡ªpurer than anything he had ever experienced. Even his master''s energy did not feel this refined, this potent. His very core trembled under the infusion, and in an instant, his strength grew exponentially. [Level Up: Level 12 ¡ú Level 14] [Aura Blade: rank up! D- ¡ú D] [Mana Manipulation: rank up! E- ¡ú E] His body pulsed with newfound power. His Qi felt denser, sharper, and his muscles felt lighter, as though the weight of past exhaustion had been lifted. His reflexes sharpened, his perception heightened. He clenched his fists, sensing the difference in his very being¡ªas though he had shattered an invisible limit. [Reward Distribution Completed] [Obtained: Dryad Heart (Age: 235 years) (Rank B+)] Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. A potent material for both magical and physical enhancements, provided it is properly refined. Merlin gasped in excitement. "A Dryad Heart of this age?! This is a treasure beyond belief!" His eyes shimmered with admiration as he secured the massive Treant Heart he had received. Though larger in size, the mana within it lacked the sheer quality of Yun Jin''s reward. Yun Jin turned toward Seraphine, only to see blood swelling from her mouth. Her body trembled violently, her breath growing ragged. The damage she had sustained from prolonging her magic had reached a critical point¡ªher magic circuits were completely burned out. If left untreated, she would die. Without hesitation, Yun Jin knelt beside her, pressing his palm against her core, channeling his Qi into her failing body. The warmth of his energy surged through her veins, stitching together the broken pathways. Color returned to her face, her breathing steadied¡ªbut her magic circuits remained beyond repair. Even though he had saved her life, she would never wield magic again. Even living a normal life would be an immense challenge. The realization made Yun Jin shudder. This could have been me... But he quickly shook off the fear. To grow stronger, he had to take risks. That was the only way. He moved to examine the bodies¡ªnot to loot, but to identify them. He retrieved their Adventurer Cards, all marked with Rank D. With a heavy heart, he closed their unseeing eyes before sitting down to recover his energy. Meanwhile, Merlin gleefully summoned an earth golem to gather the battlefield¡¯s spoils¡ªPixie Dust, Sap, and remnants of the Treant. After a while, Yun Jin turned to Merlin. "Alright, time to move. The golem will carry this girl." Merlin finished putting everything in his backpack, nodded, and ordered the golem to gently carry Seraphine. And as for Yun Jin, without a hint of hesitation or disgust, he lifted all three bodies into his arms. "Let¡¯s go back to town." Merlin saw it then¡ªgrief etched into Yun Jin¡¯s face. Death had once been a rare sight in Yun Jin¡¯s peaceful world. But here, three people had died fighting to stop a dungeon¡¯s expansion. It made Yun Jin sad. -- The town stared in shock at the sight¡ªa boy carrying three lifeless bodies, a golem bearing a wounded woman, and a man in bloodstained, tattered clothes. The sorrow on Yun Jin¡¯s face weighed heavier than the bodies in his arms, and the townsfolk instinctively stepped aside, their voices hushed in the presence of such raw grief. At the church, a fiery-haired sister greeted them¡ªbut without hesitation, she rattled off a price list in a practiced, impassive tone. "Corpse disposal: 50 gold each. Ceremony: 200 each. Cremation: 500. Burial: 1,500." The words rang cold and mechanical, as if she were discussing goods rather than lives lost. A sudden sharp pain struck her neck. She instinctively reached up, her fingers trembling, as she met Yun Jin¡¯s cold, unyielding stare. His gaze was like a sharpened blade pressed against her throat, his expression unreadable yet heavy with restrained fury. Her face turned as pale as the corpses he carried. Before the tension could escalate, a calm yet commanding voice broke through the silence. Mother Venara stepped forward, her presence serene yet firm, and bowed slightly in apology. "Forgive her bluntness," Venara said, her voice warm but laced with exhaustion. "Times are difficult, and kindness has become a luxury some of us can no longer afford. Merlin, take the girl inside for treatment." Yun Jin exhaled slowly, his emotions stirred by the quiet understanding that lingered behind Venara¡¯s blindfolded gaze. There was no false sympathy in her words¡ªonly the weight of someone who had seen too much suffering. "What is it that you truly wish for them?" she asked softly. Yun Jin bowed his head. "I want their families to mourn their deaths." The words felt heavier than he expected. He had said them instinctively, but as they left his lips, a quiet ache spread in his chest. If he had to sell the Dryad''s heart, the Treant¡¯s remnants, or anything else to ensure these fallen warriors returned home, he would do so without hesitation. Still, the thought unsettled him. Would he truly be able to afford it? If not, was he willing to carry the body himself across miles of road? The thought lingered¡ªhe had never been able to mourn his own family. After the massacre, he had never seen them again, never had the chance to grieve, never had the closure of a proper farewell. He refused to let that happen to others. He had never been able to mourn his own family. After the massacre, he had no graves to visit, no remains to honor. Just an empty void where his past once stood. Would these people¡ªstrangers to him¡ªat least have that closure? Mother Venara regarded him with quiet understanding, but her expression turned solemn. "We will notify their families where we can, but for those from outside this town, the responsibility falls to you." Yun Jin hesitated before handing over the adventurer cards. She retrieved an orb from her robes¡ªsimilar to the ones used by the Adventurer Guild¡ªscanning each card with practiced ease. "Two of them are from this town. We will inform their families free of charge. The last one... you''ll have to decide whether to send a letter or bring him home." Yun Jin¡¯s grip tightened. A letter might never reach its destination, and even if it did, how many would come to claim the fallen? He knew the answer. He had no intention of leaving it to fate. Venara sighed, knowing the burden he had just placed upon himself. "Transporting a body is costly. No merchant will want to carry the dead, and hiring a private escort will be no less than 2,000 gold." "I''ll take him home myself." Yun Jin exhaled. His mind raced. He thought about selling the Dryad¡¯s heart and whatever spoils they had recovered. If it wasn''t enough, then he would carry the body himself, step by step, if that was what it took. Yun Jin exhaled, pushing the weight of his thoughts aside. He would figure it out. He always did. Then, a deep, refined voice cut through the somber air. "Consider it paid, Mother Venara. The fastest you can arrange." An elegant silver-haired man in a formal suit strode forward, his presence effortlessly commanding. The chest of his coat bore a familiar emblem¡ªthe same one Harun had given Yun Jin. A small smile tugged at his lips as he observed the young warrior. "Nice to meet you, warrior. Or should I say... Yun Jin?" Chapter 18: Ardent Altheron Lady Venara gave a quiet command to the other sisters, who immediately moved to carry the corpses away for preservation. They would be prepared for ritual, and their families would be contacted as soon as possible. She then turned to Yun Jin. "You should rest. Let us treat your wounds." But Yun Jin shook his head. "I just need a moment to sit." He made his way into the quiet hall of the church, finding an empty pew and lowering himself into it. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows against the stone walls, and the faint scent of incense lingered in the air. He exhaled slowly, allowing himself a brief respite from the burden of the dead. A soft shuffle of footsteps announced another presence. An older man settled into the seat across from him, his silver hair catching the dim light. His presence was calm, unassuming, yet undeniably powerful. Ardent Altheron. "I suppose I am someone you were looking for," he said, his voice smooth, laced with quiet amusement. "My apologies for the late introduction. It seems you encountered the wrong people before mine could find you." Yun Jin remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Is this place meant to worship a god?" Ardent tilted his head slightly, curiosity sparking in his sharp gaze. "It¡¯s rare to hear that question. You speak our language eloquently, yet you don¡¯t seem to know of our world¡¯s faith." "And your answer?" "Yes, we believe in a god. Or rather, we must. Without a higher power watching and punishing, men turn to savagery." He smiled faintly. "People are foolish. Citizens fear the government, governments fear the royal family, the royal family fears the church, and the church fears God. Without a force above, greed would consume all." Yun Jin nodded slowly. "It was like that before my master came along." Ardent¡¯s eyes gleamed with intrigue. "A self-principled righteousness? Then your master must be a great person. Not only did you clear a dungeon gate alone, but you carry the fallen without hesitation and uphold honor above all else. For such a warrior to seek me out¡ªI should apologize for my lateness." Yun Jin chuckled, shaking his head. "You must be one of those people, aren¡¯t you?" Ardent smirked. "What kind? I¡¯m curious." "The kind that weaves words carefully¡ªyet laces them with poison underneath." Their gazes met, sharp and unreadable, the weight of unspoken words passing between them. Then, Yun Jin sighed. "But I¡¯m not interested in politics. It fills my head with pointless matters. My goal in finding you is simple¡ªI need a way to reach the Imperial Academy. Do you have one?" Ardent leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "That could be arranged. A normal merchant caravan would take a year to reach it from here. However¡­" "What?" "I am an old student of the Academy myself, which grants me access to teleportation coordinates." He tapped a finger against the wooden pew. "Unfortunately, due to the current situation, it would require a significant amount of resources to activate." Then, he extended a finger, pointing directly at Yun Jin. His lips curled slightly. "Even if you did save my friend¡¯s life." A sudden whispered voice echoed in Yun Jin¡¯s ears. He stiffened, momentarily caught off guard. A technique similar to Murim¡¯s voice transmission? Before he could react, Ardent raised a hand slightly, silencing him before he spoke. "It¡¯s just communication magic. The only way others can¡¯t overhear. The current situation in town isn¡¯t ideal." Yun Jin¡¯s gaze flickered around, catching glimpses of peering eyes and cautious whispers. He inhaled slowly before responding, yet made no movement¡ªhis voice instead reaching only Ardent¡¯s ears. "I see," Yun Jin murmured, using the voice transmission technique to ensure only Ardent could hear. Ardent¡¯s brows lifted slightly at the seamless transmission of words. Surprise flickered across his face, but he knew better than to pry. Some secrets were not meant to be asked about. After a moment, Ardent¡¯s tone shifted, measured and deliberate. "What if I asked you to kill someone?" Yun Jin¡¯s gaze sharpened. "I am no assassin for hire," he said flatly. "I¡¯d rather walk." His voice carried a tinge of disappointment. "To think that Harun¡¯s friend would ask this of me." Ardent remained unruffled. "And what if that someone is the reason for all the suffering in this town? What would you consider then?" Yun Jin narrowed his eyes, skeptical. "Go on."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Ardent leaned back against the pew, his fingers tapping idly. "This town harbors two major threats¡ªa criminal syndicate and a dangerous cult. They fester beneath the surface, unchecked. If either leader falls, I can eliminate the remnants myself. One death, and the city breathes freely again." Yun Jin sighed and leaned back. "Didn¡¯t you see how damaged I am? If the town¡¯s forces can¡¯t handle them, what makes you think I can? I enjoy a challenge, but this sounds like suicide." Ardent¡¯s smirk returned, calculated. "Perhaps. But I can assist. And before you dismiss my offer outright, let me remind you¡ªpower is not simply about how strong you are in the moment. It is about what resources you have access to." His voice lowered. "I¡¯ve sensed the artifacts you carry, and your companion seems quite capable. If nothing else, perhaps a visit to my grand library might be of interest to you?" The word library made Yun Jin¡¯s ears twitch in excitement. He covered his reaction with a small, amused smile. "Well," Yun Jin mused, "if you can prove to me that they are the ones truly causing trouble and grant me access to this library of yours, then I might consider it." Ardent exhaled a quiet chuckle. "A fair bargain. I respect a man who weighs his choices. I¡¯ll have the proof for you soon enough." After a short pause, the heavy doors of the church creaked open. Merlin strode in, his minor wounds now treated. Yun Jin looked up and gestured towards Ardent. "We found him." Merlin quickly bowed in greeting, but as he straightened, a shiver ran through him. The moment he stepped closer, he felt it¡ªa dense, overwhelming presence of mana radiating from Ardent. It was subtle, yet vast, disguised beneath a composed smile. Ardent waved a dismissive hand, but his gaze sharpened slightly as if noticing Merlin''s reaction. His expression shifted¡ªbriefly intrigued, as if assessing something unseen. "No need for such formalities. I am just an old man asking for help. My name is Ardent Altheron." Merlin hesitated for a moment before replying, "My name is Merlin. Nice to meet you, sir." Ardent¡¯s silver eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Ah, Merlin¡ªa name with weight. Named after the ancestral Grand Mage himself, are you? Your parents must be from a lineage of mages with deep history. Few would dare name their child after such a figure unless they carried great expectations." Merlin swallowed. "Something like that." He forced himself to maintain composure, but the way Ardent was studying him made him uneasy. There was no hostility in the noble¡¯s eyes¡ªonly interest, curiosity layered with a subtle weight that made it clear he was already trying to figure Merlin out. Ardent then gestured toward the doors. "Come, both of you. My carriage awaits." As they stepped outside, Ardent handed a heavy pouch of gold to one of the priests, a sum large enough to cover the corpses¡¯ preservation, their burial rites, and Seraphine¡¯s full recovery. Yun Jin watched the exchange with quiet interest before commenting, "A generous act." Ardent merely smiled. "It is the least I can do for those who put their lives on the line to protect this town." They climbed into the luxurious black carriage, its interior lined with velvet cushions. As the horses began to move, Ardent gazed out the window, his expression darkening. "Years ago, before corruption took root, this town supported its adventurers with everything they needed¡ªsubsidies, training, even prepaid burial rites for the departed. Back then, no one had to wonder if their sacrifice would be remembered." Yun Jin listened carefully, noticing the subtle shift in Ardent¡¯s tone. Beneath the measured words, there was anger¡ªtoo much anger. A stark contrast from the man¡¯s composed demeanor just moments before. Was he telling the truth, or was he weaving the story to his benefit? "But then," Ardent continued, his fingers tapping against the carriage¡¯s wooden frame, "the wretched got their claws into our town. A syndicate draining our wealth, a cult siphoning away both coin and manpower for their greed. Our resources dwindled, our stability rotted from within." Yun Jin noted the tension in his words, the bitterness bleeding through. For a man of such control, this topic unsettles him. After some time, the carriage rolled to a stop before a colossal manor nestled within the heart of the town. Grand iron gates adorned with intricate sigils parted as they approached, and waiting for them at the entrance was a pair of dignified figures¡ªa maid in an immaculate uniform and a butler standing with military posture. Ardent stepped out first, nodding at them. "These two are esteemed guests. Treat them as you would treat me." The maid and butler bowed in perfect synchronization. "Understood, my lord." Merlin barely suppressed a gasp as he took in the estate. The towering marble columns, the glowing chandeliers that floated without support, and the intricate crimson carpets embroidered with arcane sigils were unlike anything he had ever seen. Even Yun Jin had to admit¡ªit was an architectural marvel. A blend of classic grandeur and magical artistry that exuded both history and refinement. "This place is incredible¡­" Merlin murmured in awe, his eyes darting across the enormous hall lined with paintings, floating orbs of light, and bookshelves that stretched to the second floor balcony. "Not bad, is it?" Ardent smirked, leading them deeper inside. "Though a house is just a house¡ªwhat truly matters is what lies beneath it." They arrived at a seemingly plain stone wall. Ardent pressed his palm against it, and a faint pulse of mana spread across the surface. Before Yun Jin could ask, Merlin narrowed his eyes. "That¡¯s not just a simple unlocking spell¡­ that¡¯s a layered security enchantment, bound to your blood and mana signature. A delicate system." Ardent raised a brow, impressed. "Not many can discern that at a glance." With a low rumble, the wall parted, revealing a spiraling staircase leading deep underground. They descended into a vast, dimly lit chamber¡ªone that sprawled out like a subterranean fortress. Yun Jin took in the sight. It was something straight out of a warlord¡¯s fantasy¡ª tomes lined endless bookshelves, alchemical vials bubbled in corner workstations, and large surveillance crystals floated, projecting images from across the town. But despite the mystical grandeur, the cavern held a sense of practicality. This was no mere library or laboratory¡ª This was a control center. Yun Jin crossed his arms. "If you have all this, why do you need us?" Ardent let out a weary sigh and extended a hand, summoning a glowing board into existence. A series of moving portraits appeared, flickering with different faces. "Because what I lack¡­ is firepower." The images solidified, revealing ten individuals¡ªtheir descriptions listed below in runic text. Ardent gestured toward them. "Meet the Anomalies¡ªthe ones who hold this town hostage. Eight individuals, each an obstacle to peace." Then, Yun Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed. Two of the portraits¡­ belonged to him and Merlin. Chapter 19: The Phantom鈥檚 Veil Ardent took a step forward, waving a hand as the floating board adjusted. The flickering images of ten individuals expanded. Their portraits hovered in mid-air, each one accompanied by detailed notes and records. "These are the Ten Anomalies of this town," Ardent declared, his tone even but firm. "Each one holds influence¡ªsome lead factions and some are their dangerous followers, others are rogue powerhouses. And then... some are merely visitors, hopefully." Yun Jin''s gaze swept across the faces, absorbing the names and affiliations. Crime lords, cultists, independent warriors, and even scholars¡ªall standing at the crossroads of power in this fragile city. But what caught his attention most was his own face, along with Merlin¡¯s, among them. Merlin blinked, startled. "Wait¡ªus?!" Ardent nodded. "Of course. You two are outliers. A powerful swordsman and a prodigious mage, appearing in town just as chaos brews? Naturally, you''re being watched. Some might already see you as threats." Yun Jin smirked at the explanation, crossing his arms. "Fair enough. I wouldn¡¯t expect anything less." A quiet sense of pride stirred within him¡ªif he had already earned a spot among the city''s most dangerous individuals, then he was making an impact. Still, he narrowed his gaze. "But if you want me to act against them, I need proof that some of these people are truly responsible for the town¡¯s suffering." Ardent inclined his head slightly. "A reasonable request. And one I can fulfill." He tapped the board, and the images vanished. "Tomorrow, you¡¯ll see it for yourself. I will arrange an invitation¡ªa firsthand look at their operations." He glanced at Yun Jin¡¯s battered form, the evidence of his battle still visible. "But for now, you¡¯re in no condition to investigate anything." Ardent gestured to one of his attendants. "You will both have rooms prepared, along with fresh clothing. We begin tomorrow." Merlin immediately accepted the offer, fatigue pressing heavily upon him after exhausting his mana reserves. But Yun Jin, though weary, wasn¡¯t quite ready for sleep. "I¡¯d rather explore your library," Yun Jin said. "If you can spare a few books." Ardent raised a brow. "Looking for anything in particular?" "Information on monsters, especially Fae-types." Yun Jin¡¯s thoughts lingered on the Dryad¡ªthe way it fought, its unnatural presence, and how it seemed to exist beyond the normal rules of combat. All his life, he had trained to fight humans¡ªwarriors, assassins, and the occasional sorcerer and their minions. But these creatures? They were even more deadly and insidious. Ardent, however, shook his head. "Unfortunately, I still have work to tend to tonight. I can¡¯t personally assist you." Instead, he turned slightly and spoke in a low, commanding tone. "Selene." From the dim edges of the chamber, a tall, lithe figure in black robes materialized from the shadows. Even Yun Jin, with all his sharp senses, had not noticed her presence before. Her movements were fluid, like water, as if she had been a part of the darkness itself. The figure neither spoke nor made any unnecessary movement. Ardent gestured toward her. "This is my secretary and most trusted guard. If you need anything, you may ask her." Yun Jin studied the woman with interest. She neither flinched nor reacted, her posture flawless, her presence restrained to the point of vanishing if one did not focus on her. A shadow given form. He could sense the faintest whisper of mana around her, controlled so precisely it barely existed. She met his gaze briefly¡ªsharp, intelligent, unwavering¡ªbefore lowering her head slightly, acknowledging his scrutiny but offering no invitation for further conversation. Selene turned and gestured for Yun Jin to follow. Yun Jin scanned the shelves before selecting several books on monsters, particularly Fae-type creatures. He took a seat at a nearby desk, flipping through the pages while Selene remained standing, her presence watchful yet unobtrusive. As he read, Yun Jin¡¯s expression darkened. These creatures were far trickier than he had imagined. Many possessed abilities that could kill him outright if he had faced them unprepared. Some could invade the mind, twisting perception and reality itself. Others were immune to conventional attacks, requiring obscure weaknesses to be exploited. If I had fought certain ones without knowing this¡­ I¡¯d be dead already. He shut the book and exhaled slowly. Preparation truly was everything. After a pause, he glanced at Selene. "Do you have anything on Light Magic?" Selene extended her shadow outward, a dark tendril slipping through the shelves. Without hesitation, it plucked a single book and placed it neatly in front of him. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Basic Light Element. Yun Jin flipped it open, skimming through the sections. It described the four fundamental spells of the Light element:
  1. Manipulation ¨C The ability to bend and shape light, allowing minor illusions, refractions, or dimming and brightening surroundings
  1. Flashbang ¨C A concentrated burst of light to blind enemies and disrupt other light-based magic or illusions.
  1. Light Ray ¨C A focused beam of radiant energy that burns through shadows and weakens dark-aligned entities.
  1. Radiant Ward ¨C A defensive spell that creates a barrier of light, nullifying weaker spells and repelling creatures sensitive to illumination.
Yun Jin leaned back, tapping his fingers against the table. A small smile crept onto his face, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. But as he continued reading, his expression shifted¡ªhis brows furrowed. He understood the words, but not the methods. The descriptions were clear, yet they lacked the practical explanations he needed to apply them. His gaze flicked to Selene. "Can you teach me about Light Magic?" She shook her head without hesitation. Maybe it¡¯s time for Merlin to teach me. Yun Jin exhaled, giving up on the idea for now. Instead, he placed the book aside and called for more materials¡ªhistory, monsters, dungeons, and anything related to the system itself. As he read, he learned something unexpected¡ªthe country he now stood in, Velmoria, had once been a major battleground in World War II, seventy-four years ago. The war left deep scars, and in the aftermath, power vacuums formed, allowing various factions to rise and shape the modern world. Political instability, new magic discoveries, and shifting alliances¡ªeverything traced back to those events. Yun Jin exhaled, his gaze lingering on the aged pages. So war, huh? Even this world has them too. He had imagined this land as something beyond his own world''s conflicts, but in the end, life repeated itself. He turned the page, shifting his focus to the system information. The various books explained that the system would appear as proof of one touching mana¡ªa manifestation of an individual¡¯s connection to the world''s magical fabric. However, not all records aligned. Some described the system as a natural phenomenon, an inevitable evolution of magic itself, while others hinted that it was an external force, something introduced rather than discovered. One particular text, far older than the others, suggested that the system had not always existed. Yun Jin found conflicting theories¡ªsome claimed it was granted by divine beings, others said it was an artifact embedded into the world long ago, and a few even questioned whether it was a curse disguised as guidance. Yun Jin narrowed his eyes. Then how did the system first appear? He closed the book, his curiosity still unsatisfied. Pushing himself up from his seat, he took a slow walk around the study, his eyes scanning for anything hidden¡ªsomething that might reveal Ardent¡¯s true intentions. He traced his fingers along the bookshelves, checked the placement of certain tomes, and even examined the desk for false compartments or arcane seals. But to no avail. This man hides things very well. Eventually, his wandering led him into a sprawling underground training hall. Wide, open spaces, reinforced stone flooring, and enchanted barriers lined the perimeter. Yun Jin turned to Selene, smirking. "Feel like sparring?" She gave a small shake of her head in decline. Yun Jin chuckled, stepping forward. "Your loss." He hopped into the training ring, rolling his shoulders before gripping his sword. He exhaled slowly, then¡ª [Activate: Aura Blade] A faint hum filled the air as his sword pulsed with energy, the blade glowing with a refined, sharper intensity. Ever since he left the dungeon, the skill had ranked up¡ªand now he wanted to test the difference. Immediately, he noticed the change. The energy circulation into his weapon was smoother, more precise, enhancing his control. His passive ability, [Weapon Mind], helped him understand the subtle improvements¡ªhow the mana reinforced his strikes, how the sword now felt almost weightless in his grasp. He swung his blade, moving through the Light Blade Sovereign Style, testing the ease of control. Each cut felt sharper, cleaner¡ªlike the mana itself was guiding his movements. Then he paused. Something from the Light Ray spell description resurfaced in his mind. The text had described condensing magic into a singular point before releasing it in a burst. He glanced at his sword. Well, you never know until you try. Yun Jin concentrated, channeling his Aura Blade further. He condensed more energy into the blade, his control tightening. A faint ripple appeared along the sword¡¯s edge. Then he slashed. [You have unlocked a skill: Sword Wave (Rank D-)] A crescent-shaped arc of light energy blasted outward. The air trembled as the wave shot forward, its edge refined so sharply that it barely made a sound¡ªcutting through the air like a whisper of death. It struck the arena¡¯s protective barrier, and for a brief moment, Yun Jin saw it: a sliver-thin gap carved into the magic itself. Selene reacted instantly. Her shadow surged forward, forming a dark barrier to intercept the attack. The moment the energy collided, her shadow shuddered and frayed, struggling to hold before it finally dissipated under the force. Behind it¡ªthe thin portion of the arena¡¯s defense had been cut. Her reaction hadn¡¯t been mere instinct. She had blocked it because she had to. And for the first time¡ª Yun Jin saw her clearly. A woman with long, flowing black hair that shimmered faintly under the light, cascading like liquid shadow over her shoulders. Her eyes glowed with an ethereal luminance, catching Yun Jin in their piercing depths¡ªan unsettling mix of cold allure and mystery. The dim lighting highlighted the delicate yet impossibly sharp features of her face, giving her an almost surreal beauty. Her robe, form-fitting beneath the flowing dark fabric, hinted at a lithe yet curvaceous figure. But more than that, something flickered above her head. [Phantom LV. 27] Chapter 20: The Phantoms Trial The torches flickered violently, shadows stretching unnaturally. From within Selene¡¯s darkness, something monstrous stirred. A great form began to rise, its limbs twisting and stretching as if pulling itself free from the abyss. The light dimmed further, feeding the thing¡¯s growth, its mass expanding toward the ceiling like a nightmarish specter. Selene said nothing. Yun Jin¡¯s patience snapped. He surged forward, executing Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning, his sword crackling with energy as he struck¡ª But in that instant, she vanished. And the world collapsed into darkness. A silence more oppressive than any battlefield swallowed him whole. No light. No sound. No ground beneath his feet. Only an endless void. Yun Jin gritted his teeth and activated [Mana Eyes]. Nothing. Unlike the Dryad, unlike any enemy he had fought before, there was no core, no vital presence to strike. The only thing visible in the abyss was his sword, faintly gleaming like the last star in a dying sky. Then, a disturbance. Mana condensed, rushing toward him in an unseen wave. He twisted aside, slicing through the mass¡ªonly for another to surge from behind. Then another. And another. He was being hunted. Forced into constant movement, he dodged, deflected, struck at shadows that never truly took form. He needed to find the source¡ªbut there was none. Then, a voice. Clear, smooth, and undeniably feminine. ¡°If you can land a single hit, I¡¯ll answer one question.¡± Yun Jin smirked, breath steady. "Finally open to talking, huh? Fine. I accept your bet." The attacks intensified. He tried [Mana Eyes] again¡ªstill useless. He closed his eyes, relying instead on the flow of energy itself¡ª A sensation clicked into place. [You have unlocked a skill: Mana Sense (Rank C-)] Now, he could feel the shifting currents, the difference in density. Each movement of mana left a trail, a signature he could track. His blade moved¡ª A powerful [Sword Wave] slashed outward, cutting through the darkness. For a split second, the void parted¡ªbut just as quickly, it surged back, swallowing everything once more. But he had seen it. A faint inconsistency. A ripple in the fabric of shadow. A moment of imperfection. Yun Jin lunged at that point, his sword descending¡ªIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. A wall of darkness formed in response, Selene¡¯s first true defense. It was hastily constructed¡ªan instinctive reaction rather than an anticipated block. He grinned. "Got you." A split second later, she formed a spear of pure darkness, aiming straight for his heart. But Yun Jin was faster. Lightning crackled along the edge of his blade, illuminating the dark space with brief, flickering arcs of energy as he executed Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning, slamming the energy into the shadows as his sword met the unseen barrier¡ª And then, his blade was at her throat. Selene chuckled softly, unfazed. With a single gesture, she motioned for him to look around. Yun Jin turned¡ªand his smirk faded slightly. Hundreds of dark spears surrounded him, each aimed at his vital points. A silent checkmate. Selene raised a finger to her lips. ¡°Shh.¡± Then she stepped back into the darkness, dissolving into shadow. ¡°You can try again next time.¡± But before he could move, she reappeared behind him, her presence silent as the void itself. A chill brushed against his skin as her arms wrapped around him in an eerie embrace, her voice a whisper against his ear. ¡°Sleep.¡± A sudden wave of numbness spread through his body, his limbs growing sluggish, his vision blurring at the edges. His mind screamed at him to resist, to shake off whatever spell she had woven, but his body refused to obey. A growl of frustration rumbled in his chest. Damn it! This wasn¡¯t just an illusion¡ªthis was something deeper. A mental attack. And he had no proper defense against it. His frustration burned as realization set in: he couldn¡¯t counteract this effectively. Not yet. I¡¯ll need Merlin¡¯s help with this. Yun Jin forced his mind to carve the lesson into his memory. If he didn¡¯t find a way to resist this kind of attack, it would be his undoing one day. He was sure of it. Later that night, as he soaked in a warm bath, he traced his fingers over a faint scar on his arm¡ªa reminder of the battle. His grip tightened into a fist, but his lips curled into a grin. This world¡­ I¡¯ll use every danger within it to sharpen my blade. One day, he would surpass even his master. A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He wrapped a cloth around himself and opened it to find a messenger, bowing as he handed Yun Jin a sealed letter. Ardent had sent for him. ¡°Your invitation has been accepted. Tomorrow night, you enter the undercity.¡± Yun Jin unfolded the letter, scanning its contents. "A tournament? Hahaha!" Yun Jin laughed, the excitement bubbling within him. As a martial artist, there was no place more familiar, no battlefield more natural than a fighting arena. The rush of combat, the thrill of facing new opponents¡ªthis was what he lived for. But this was no ordinary tournament. The stakes were higher, the dangers greater. If he misstepped, it wouldn¡¯t just be a loss¡ªit could be his death. And yet, that only made the prospect more exhilarating. The Syndicate¡¯s underground arena was hosting a bloodsport tournament, a place where mercenaries, criminals, and desperate warriors fought for gold and power. His target¡ªone of the Ten Anomalies¡ªwas overseeing the fights. To get close, Yun Jin would have to enter as a fighter. But there was a catch¡ªit was a barehanded tournament. No weapons allowed. Yun Jin let the thought settle before smirking. "Now this... is getting interesting." Chapter 21: Starving Reality The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of House Altheron, casting a golden hue across the polished floors. Yun Jin stretched as he stepped out of his room, feeling refreshed after a night of rest. Laid out for him was a new shirt¡ªsimple in design, yet the fabric was soft, refined, and tailored for ease of movement. He pulled it on, adjusting the fit. As he walked, he noticed a subtle breeze against his skin, cooling him lightly. "This... feels different," he murmured, running his hand over the cloth. Elara, who had been waiting outside, stepped forward with a small nod. "It is a magic garment, Master Yun Jin. It has an inscribed diagram that improves airflow, keeping the wearer cool while also subtly enhancing energy recovery over time. A gift from Lord Altheron." Yun Jin frowned slightly, inspecting the fabric more closely. His fingers traced the fine seams, feeling the almost unnatural lightness of the material. "Magic, huh?" He glanced at her, his expression questioning. Seeing his curiosity, Elara gave a small smile and bowed slightly. "Ah, I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Elara, a personal attendant under Lord Altheron¡¯s house. If you have any questions during your stay, you may ask me." Yun Jin nodded, rolling his shoulders and testing the comfort again. "Not bad." Next, he made his way to Merlin¡¯s room. Knocking on the door, he called out, "Merlin, it¡¯s time to go." A pause. Then a flustered voice from inside. "J-Just go ahead! I-I¡¯ll catch up!" Yun Jin frowned. He needed Merlin¡¯s help today. "I¡¯ll wait." Moments later, the door creaked open just a fraction, revealing a reluctant Merlin. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes widened slightly. The robe Merlin wore was more elaborate than usual, the fine silk flowing gently with his movement, its form-fitted design accentuating his delicate features. For a fleeting moment, Yun Jin could only think¡ª He looks... beautiful. Some angles made Merlin appear almost like a young noble girl, the feminine cut of the garment highlighting his youthful elegance. Merlin immediately noticed the look in Yun Jin¡¯s eyes and scowled, his face turning bright red. "S-Stop staring! It was the only thing they had with my size!" Yun Jin grinned, clearly enjoying Merlin¡¯s discomfort. "Oh? It suits you surprisingly well. Maybe we should get you a matching hairpin? I hear noble daughters accessorize well." Merlin¡¯s blush deepened as he shoved Yun Jin back, flustered. "Shut up! Just¡ªwhere are we going?!" Still smirking, Yun Jin let him change the subject, his amusement lingering as they climbed into the carriage prepared for them. The carriage rocked gently as they traveled through the bustling streets, Yun Jin¡¯s stomach growled audibly. He realized he hadn¡¯t eaten properly in days¡ªhis last full meal had been with Baek Tianjun before his arrival, and aside from a few skewers upon entering Terrilstead, he had gone without food.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Though cultivators required far less sustenance than normal people, they still needed to eat, especially after extended battles. Even someone at Baek Tianjun¡¯s level still ate at least once a year. For Yun Jin, who had fought continuously in the past few days, the hunger was beginning to gnaw at him. "Find me something to eat," he ordered. Elara simply smiled¡ªa subtle shift in her expression, but Yun Jin caught it, his brow raising slightly. "You seem amused by something," he remarked, his tone edged with curiosity. Elara met his gaze with practiced composure. "Nothing, let me show you somewhere. It¡¯s a local secret." Yun Jin clicked his tongue, not entirely convinced, but let the comment pass. She led them away from the central streets toward a quieter part of town. As they traveled, Yun Jin became keenly aware of the atmosphere changing. The lively market noise faded, replaced by muffled conversations, distant scuffles, and whispered dealings. The people here walked with their heads low, their eyes sharp, and the air carried a weight of unease. Shady transactions happened in the alleys, and some men openly beat another against a crumbling wall. Yun Jin stepped forward, but Elara held up a hand. "I suggest you do not interfere." Yun Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed. "And why is that?" "Because they may not be innocent either," Elara answered coolly. "This district is... survival-based. If you act, the true big fish might slip away." Yun Jin clicked his tongue in irritation but understood the reasoning. Still, he couldn¡¯t stand idle. His foot nudged against a small pebble on the ground. Channeling a precise amount of Qi, he flicked it forward¡ª Two of the three aggressors collapsed instantly, unconscious before they even knew what hit them. The remaining man froze, now faced with a one-on-one fight. "That¡¯s the least I can do," Yun Jin muttered. Elara said nothing but gave Yun Jin a knowing glance. They soon arrived at a small, family-owned restaurant tucked away in the district, noticeably quieter than the surrounding chaos. The moment Yun Jin and Merlin stepped down, a young girl in tattered brown clothing rushed out to greet them, her face bright despite her worn attire. "Welcome! Please, come in!" Elara stopped at the entrance. "I will remain outside. The carriage cannot be left unattended, or it may... disappear." Yun Jin and Merlin entered the establishment, where an old man with a scarred, weathered face studied them from behind the counter. His gaze was sharp, his body marked by years of hardship. "Fancy folk like you don¡¯t belong in this part of town," the old man muttered. "What¡¯s your business here?" Yun Jin met his gaze evenly. "I just want to eat. And now I¡¯m here." The old man narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?" Yun Jin shrugged. "What do you have?" The old man¡¯s scowl deepened. His grip on the counter tightened slightly. Before tension could rise further, Merlin stepped forward, hands raised in a placating manner. "Anything is fine. We¡¯re just travelers passing by¡ªwe only wish to try some local cuisine." The old man studied them both for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. Take a seat." As they sat, Yun Jin leaned back, absorbing his surroundings. The restaurant was old, its furniture worn but well-kept. The air smelled of simmering broth, a stark contrast to the tension outside. Still, Yun Jin couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. A moment later, the sound of wheels rolling across the wooden floor filled the quiet space. From the back of the restaurant, a woman in a well-worn but neatly kept dress maneuvered herself forward in a wheelchair, her sharp eyes landing immediately on the old man. Her tone was firm yet affectionate as she scolded him. "You¡¯re scaring the customers again, dear! Is that any way to treat paying guests?" The old man grumbled under his breath but turned away, stomping toward the kitchen. "Fine, fine. I¡¯ll cook." The woman sighed before shifting her attention back to Yun Jin and Merlin, her expression softening. "I do apologize for my husband¡¯s attitude. He means well, but he¡¯s a stubborn one." She gave them a warm, practiced smile. "Welcome to our humble establishment. I¡¯m Mara, and that grumpy man is my husband, Hagan. And this¡ª" she gestured toward the young girl who had greeted them earlier "¡ªis our daughter, Lina. She helps out when she can." Lina beamed. "Nice to meet you!" Mara clasped her hands together. "Now then, what would you like to eat? I promise, despite his temper, my husband¡¯s cooking is some of the best you¡¯ll find in these parts." Chapter 22: Changing Roles Yun Jin and Merlin sat at a wooden table in the dimly lit restaurant, their meals set before them. The warm aroma of broth and roasted meat filled the air, yet a lingering tension pressed against the walls like an unseen force. Mara, the restaurant¡¯s owner, sat nearby, her fingers anxiously tracing the worn edge of her wheelchair¡¯s armrest. She sighed heavily. "This city wasn¡¯t always like this, you know. There was a time when adventurers came here to find work, trade flourished, and people lived without fear. But now..." Her voice trailed off, eyes dark with old wounds. "Now, people like us are nothing more than prey." Elara stood silently near the entrance, hands folded, watching Yun Jin¡¯s reaction carefully. Hagan, Mara¡¯s husband, grumbled under his breath, shaking his head. "This place was once for warriors and explorers. Now it¡¯s just another den for parasites." Merlin, between bites, raised an eyebrow. "Why hasn¡¯t anyone stopped them?" Mara¡¯s lips tightened. "Who¡¯s left to fight them? The ones with the power either work for them or have already been buried. And the ones that do fight them... they have to maintain a delicate balance. If they take too many risks, everything collapses." She sighed, her gaze drifting toward Elara, who stood silently outside, her posture still and composed. The unspoken weight behind Mara¡¯s words hung in the air. then suddenly The restaurant¡¯s door slammed open, sending a sharp gust of air rippling through the small space. Three men strode in with the swagger of those who believed they owned everything in sight, their rough features marked by tattoos and battle-worn armor. The leader, a stocky brute with a jagged scar carved across his cheek, sneered at Hagan. "Time¡¯s up, old man. Payment¡¯s due. And you know damn well we¡¯re not here for coin." Mara paled, gripping her chair tightly. "Hagan still isn¡¯t fully recovered! You can¡¯t make him fight!" Yun Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed. Fight? Hagan exhaled heavily, pushing his plate aside. "I don¡¯t have a choice." The gang leader smirked, slamming a heavy hand against the counter. "Oh, you do. Either you step into the ring tonight, or we take your wife and daughter instead." Mara stiffened, her hands trembling. "You wouldn¡¯t dare." The gang leader chuckled darkly. "Wouldn¡¯t we?" At that moment. Before anyone could react, Yun Jin moved. A single open-handed strike landed squarely on the thug¡¯s throat. A sickening crack filled the restaurant. The leader collapsed instantly¡ªdead before he hit the floor. The remaining two thugs stumbled back, their faces pale with shock. Yun Jin dusted his sleeve. "I offered to take his place in the ring. That should be acceptable, shouldn¡¯t it? Or... would you rather refuse?" They gulped, scrambling to hand him the fighter¡¯s invitation card¡ªthe one meant for Hagan. They muttered hurried excuses before dragging their dead comrade out the door, vanishing into the street. The tension in the room didn¡¯t ease. Mara covered her mouth, shaking. Hagan clenched his fists, staring at the invitation in Yun Jin¡¯s hands. "You don¡¯t know what you just signed up for," Hagan muttered. "This isn¡¯t just a fight¡ªit¡¯s a death sentence." Yun Jin raised an eyebrow and pulled out his own invitation card, comparing it to the fighter¡¯s card in his other hand. The details were exactly the same, except for one difference¡ªhis role. His fingers tightened around the parchment, realization settling in.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. "Twelve rounds, right? And then the champion? Sounds interesting." Hagan let out a bitter laugh. "You think this is a game? That last match¡ªit¡¯s a bloodbath. They call it the Death¡¯s Throne event. No one walks away from it. No one except the champ..." He turned away, jaw clenched. "I was a fighter once, just trying to save some coin for my family. At first, it was just another gig... but then they came. They scared customers away, forced me to rely on them. Tied my hands. And when I tried to leave¡ª" His gaze flickered to his wife''s crippled leg. "They made sure I couldn''t." Yun Jin reached out, placing a hand on Hagan¡¯s shoulder. The moment their Qi connected, Hagan¡¯s body trembled¡ªa deep warmth flooding through him, his old wounds tingling as something long dormant stirred inside him. Hagan¡¯s eyes widened as a system notification flickered before him, something he had never seen before. His bruised skin rapidly healed, the pain in his joints fading like morning mist. Mara gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, and their daughter stepped closer, eyes round with shock. Hagan flexed his hands, his fingers no longer stiff and swollen. The sensation was unreal, like stepping into a younger version of himself. He turned his arms over, running his fingertips along skin that had been bruised moments before. A slow smirk curled at Yun Jin¡¯s lips. "Would you look at that?" Hagan, however, was still staring at his hands, disbelief settling in as he flexed his fingers again. His bruises had disappeared entirely, his body no longer aching from old wounds. But despite the miraculous recovery, Yun Jin¡¯s expression grew serious. "Don¡¯t get any ideas," Yun Jin said, pressing a hand against Hagan¡¯s shoulder again, grounding him. "You might feel like a new man, but your internal body is a mess. You only lived this long because you already had a strong foundation, but your meridians are still adjusting. Let the power settle before you even think about fighting." Hagan gritted his teeth. He wanted to argue, to say he could still stand, still fight¡ªbut deep down, he knew Yun Jin was right. He exhaled sharply. "Damn kid, talking like you¡¯ve known me for years." Yun Jin chuckled. "I just know warriors. And you? You were a real one." He folded his arms. "Once you fully recover, I believe you¡¯ll be a formidable fighter again¡ªone that no one will dare to confront. But until then, you rest." Hagan was quiet for a moment, then let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. Yun Jin then glanced across the room, spotting Merlin playing with Lina, conjuring little dancing rock golems that twirled around the girl, making her giggle. A small smile tugged at Yun Jin¡¯s lips as he approached them, reaching out to ruffle Merlin¡¯s hair. "Good boy." Merlin immediately pouted, swatting Yun Jin¡¯s hand away. "I¡¯m not a dog!" Yun Jin laughed. "Then stop acting like a puppy who gets distracted so easily." She waved back, grinning. "Bye, big sister!" Merlin huffed but reluctantly dismissed the golems, giving Lina a quick wave. "Bye, Lina! Wait..." Yun Jin turned back to Hagan, his expression steady. "You don¡¯t have to worry now. I will take care of everything. Expect good news." Without another word, he stepped outside, where Elara stood waiting by the carriage. He turned to her and said, "Pay the bill." Elara bowed slightly before stepping into the restaurant, handing a gold bar to Mara. The woman¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as if to protest, but Elara simply nodded before returning to Yun Jin¡¯s side. As she climbed into the carriage, she looked back at Yun Jin. "Where would you like to go next?" Yun Jin exhaled, stepping inside. "Take me wherever Ardent told you to." Elara¡¯s lips curled into a small smile. "Very well, sir." -- Laughter echoed through the grand halls of a lavish estate, where noblemen and criminals alike sipped their expensive wines and exchanged whispers about the upcoming Death¡¯s Throne event. At the center of it all sat a woman draped in silk, her raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders. She leaned back on a luxurious couch, laughing as she swirled her wine. "I despise that filthy pit of a ring," she mused, her voice sultry yet edged with venom. "The stench, the noise¡ªnone of it suits my taste. But the money... well, that¡¯s another story." Beside her, a towering man covered in scars leaned back, a massive keg of ale in his grasp. The reigning champion of Death¡¯s Throne. Women surrounded him, their hands tracing over his bulging muscles as he chugged the alcohol in deep gulps. One of the nobles scoffed. "If you let that brute get drunk before the tournament, we¡¯ll all lose money. The entire operation depends on him winning." The champion, overhearing the remark, slammed the keg down, his scarred face twisting into a smirk. He stood, towering over the nobles, casting a long, menacing shadow over them. The noblemen tensed, some shrinking back. The woman in silk, however, merely chuckled. "Careful, dear," she cooed. One of the knights, mistaking her amusement for an opening, stepped forward to mediate. "Let¡¯s not cause trouble¡ª" The champion¡¯s fist struck like a thunderclap, and in an instant, the knight collapsed into a pile of crushed flesh and bone¡ªhis body mangled beyond recognition. The room fell into dead silence. The champion rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles. "You still want to doubt, mister?" The noblemen exchanged terrified glances. The silk-draped woman merely smirked, raising her glass as if to toast the moment. "Enjoy the show, gentlemen." Chapter 23 Rule No. 1 of Fight Club If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Chapter 24: Ill give you one strike! Yun Jin sat in the fighters¡¯ waiting room, surrounded by nearly a hundred warriors, each radiating an intense presence. The sheer concentration of power in the air felt suffocating. More than half of those present exuded a distinct aura¡ªclear evidence of warriors who had pushed their strength beyond the ordinary. A select few even matched Yun Jin in raw power, and some, he suspected, surpassed him. A voice called out, directing the combatants. ¡°Arena 7.¡± Yun Jin surveyed the scene. The fighters had been split into ten groups, each labeled from 1 to 8. Every group contained at least ten members, their expressions ranging from stoic calm to barely contained bloodlust. Despite the waiting room¡¯s spaciousness and the lavish platters of untouched food, the tension remained thick. Only a handful bothered with refreshments; most stood tall, eyes locked on the coming battles. Yun Jin moved toward Group 7, his assigned arena. The moment he arrived, a series of hostile stares met him, tinged with unspoken resentment. ¡°So you¡¯re the one replacing Hagan?¡± someone sneered, voice dripping with disdain. Hagan was well-known among them: an outsider who ridiculed the fighters¡¯ circuit as ¡°uncivilized.¡± Yet he had earned a high rank, which many here resented. Some loathed his arrogance, others still harbored personal grudges they¡¯d never settled. For them, Hagan¡¯s attitude was an unforgivable insult. Yet these same fighters were here for myriad reasons¡ªsome coerced, some desperate for money, others chasing a dream they simply couldn¡¯t afford to lose. A broad-shouldered brute stepped forward, his voice dripping with warning. ¡°You have no idea what you¡¯ve walked into, kid.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°Calling fighting ¡®uncivilized¡¯ may have been over the top, but wanting to kill a man just because of his words¡­ Well, it makes me rethink showing you any mercy.¡± The atmosphere grew heavier. They could sense the condescension behind his gaze. Whispers of anger flared, accompanied by clenched fists. ¡°There¡¯s a strict no-fighting rule in the lobby,¡± one growled, though his killing intent was obvious. ¡°But once we¡¯re in the ring, I¡¯ll make you beg for your life.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head, his smirk deepening. ¡°Try me.¡± Another fighter, built like a living wall and radiating nearly as much mana as Yun Jin, laughed darkly. ¡°Smart. If I fight you now, we¡¯d both be disqualified. We¡¯d get kicked out instead of dying in the arena. Not a bad deal, right?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s eyes gleamed with certainty. ¡°You¡¯re half right. Only one of us would be forced to leave. And trust me, it¡¯s not going to be me.¡± A towering brute with arms like tree trunks grabbed Yun Jin by the collar and yanked him forward, frustration burning in his breath. ¡°You wanna go? Right here, right now!?¡± Yun Jin exhaled softly, the corners of his mouth curling upward in amusement. ¡°It¡¯s only considered a fight if I strike back. So go ahead¡ª¡± he said, raising his arms in invitation. ¡°I¡¯ll give you one free shot.¡± Veins popped in the brute¡¯s forehead. ¡°Fine!¡± He threw a full-force punch, his knuckles whistling through the air with bone-shattering power. BANG! The impact shook the room. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. All eyes turned to witness the result of the devastating blow¡ªonly to witness the impossible. The brute¡¯s arm was twisted backward at a grotesque angle. With a strangled cry of agony, he dropped to his knees, his body trembling in shock. As for Yun Jin? He stood unharmed. A stunned silence enveloped the group. Shaolin Technique: Invincible Virtue. By tensing his muscles and channeling Qi at the precise moment of impact, Yun Jin had hardened his body to the density of steel. He hadn¡¯t mastered the technique completely¡ªit demanded absolute stillness and exact timing¡ªbut its effectiveness was indisputable. In a real battle, it would be impractical, clashing with his fluid, adaptable fighting style. But for moments like this? It was perfect. Yun Jin lowered his arms, casting a bored glance at the defeated fighter. ¡°That was your one shot.¡± The rest of Group 7 froze, their bravado tainted by a flicker of fear. Yun Jin crossed his arms, scanning the remaining fighters. ¡°If any of you want out, now¡¯s the time. The tournament¡¯s rules won¡¯t bend for me, so if you value your life more than whatever brought you here, walk away.¡± A tense silence followed. Some fighters exchanged uneasy looks. After a moment, several stepped back, signalling their surrender. An official promptly took note. ¡°Anyone who surrenders now is free to leave¡ªbut you will be banned from ever entering another tournament hosted by the House.¡± A few hesitated but ultimately turned to go. In the end, three fighters remained, resolute despite the fear and despair in their eyes. Yun Jin sensed their turmoil¡ªfear, hesitation, and even contempt, as though they were already resigned to their fate. Leaning forward, his expression unreadable, he spoke to them via Qi Transmission, ensuring only they heard: ¡°Leaving is fine. Whatever¡¯s forcing you to stay, I¡¯ll handle it. Go to the alley out back. Find a shadowed corner and call for a woman named Elara. Tell her¡­¡± -- ¡°LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO DEATH THRONE!¡± The announcer¡¯s voice reverberated through the enormous arena, igniting the crowd into a collective roar. In both the open stands and the exclusive VIP lounges, cheers erupted in a thunderous wave. ¡°Tonight, warriors from across the land step into the ring to fight for honor, glory, and fortune! Only one shall rise¡ªand the rest will DIE¡ªuntil a single champion claims the Throne!¡± As the stadium¡¯s uproar gradually subsided, magical projections flickered overhead, displaying live footage from each of the arenas. Arena 2: A lanky, wiry man moved like a ghost, each attack slipping past him as though his body contained no bones at all. Whenever his opponent missed, he contorted impossibly, evading effortlessly. Then, with viper-like speed, he latched onto the man¡¯s shoulder. A heartbeat later¡ªCRACK¡ªthe shoulder dislocated with a sickening pop, drawing gasps from the audience. Grinning, he shoved his crippled foe away, prompting the referee to halt the match. Arena 4: A tall, lean woman with sculpted limbs fought like a wild predator, a blur of terrifying speed and power. She darted around her opponent, seeming to appear in multiple places at once. In a flash, she materialized behind him, landing a devastating axe kick that knocked him unconscious before he even hit the ground. Arena 5: A behemoth of a man stood unmoving, his colossal muscles resembling an unyielding statue. The arena trembled beneath his weight. His opponent froze for just an instant¡ªand that was enough. With a single casual backhand, the giant sent him flying across the ring. BOOM! The hapless fighter slammed into the arena wall, leaving a spiderweb of cracks behind him. The crowd roared in a mixture of horror and amazement as the fighter lay motionless. In Death Throne, however, being merely unconscious wasn¡¯t a reprieve; only the referee¡¯s confirmation of death allowed a competitor to exit the arena. If an opponent still breathed, they were thrown back into the fight. Soon, the projection shifted again, this time focusing on Arena 7, which stood silent¡ªno battling fighters, no struggling combatants. A ripple of confusion spread through the spectators. The announcer strode into the ring and confronted Yun Jin directly. ¡°What happened to your opponents?¡± Yun Jin took the microphone, his calm voice resonating throughout the stadium. ¡°I scared them off.¡± Disbelieving laughter rippled through the onlookers. Some jeered at his presumed arrogance, while others quietly speculated about who he might be. Even the nobles in the VIP seats leaned forward with sudden interest. Then Yun Jin¡¯s expression hardened. He lifted the microphone again, his voice echoing powerfully: ¡°This is my final warning. If you still value your life, leave now.¡± Fighters in the neighboring arenas scoffed at what seemed like a blatant challenge. Spectators shook their heads in amusement, entertained by his boldness. When the other matches concluded, Yun Jin returned to the waiting area. Only seven fighters remained. He arched an eyebrow at the assembled warriors. ¡°One of them left?¡± A formidable-looking female fighter with a confident smirk replied, ¡°Arena 1 had the reigning champion. He¡¯s gone to his room.¡± She folded her arms and stepped closer, eyeing Yun Jin with an almost playful glint. ¡°You must be that loudmouth who told everyone to run. I hope you have the fangs to back up your roar.¡± She leaned in, her tone bordering on flirtation. Yun Jin flashed a grin, returning her challenging stare with a lazy smile. ¡°And I hope you live long enough to find out.¡± Chapter 25: First Tournament! The waiting area had grown eerily quiet, the number of contenders dwindling to only seven. Each of them was a step away from the final round, their eyes sharp, bodies tense. Even the air itself seemed heavier, charged with the presence of warriors who knew this was no longer just a competition¡ªit was survival. Yun Jin and the girl kept locked eyes, the intensity between them undeniable. Neither spoke, yet the tension hung thick in the air, both silently measuring the other. Before the moment could escalate further, a crude voice interrupted them. "Tch. Young ones these days¡ªso full of fire, always eager to clash. Makes me sick." A lanky, flexible man strolled toward them, his voice oozing with mockery. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were calculating, filled with an unsettling hunger. Reva sighed and took a step back. "Well, I guess it¡¯s only fair to introduce myself. The name¡¯s Reva, I¡¯m here representing Lord Berenholt." She tilted her head. "And you?" Yun Jin met her gaze. "House Altheron." The moment the name left his lips, the room went deathly silent. Every fighter stiffened. Even those who weren¡¯t paying attention now turned their heads, their expressions unreadable. Fighters or not, they weren¡¯t fools. They knew that House Altheron was one of the strongest opposing forces against the Death Throne¡¯s hosts. To declare himself as part of their side, in the middle of enemy territory, was either an incredible flex¡ªor pure stupidity. The tournament announcement boomed through the waiting hall, calling the matches. Fighters exchanged glances, some adjusting their stances in quiet anticipation. "Who is Kieran?" Yun Jin questioned, glancing between the others after seeing his opponent¡¯s name. A sickening chuckle escaped from the lanky man¡¯s lips, his grin widening into something almost diabolical. "Oh?" His eyes locked onto Yun Jin¡¯s with an eerie glow. He slowly tilted his head, taking a casual step forward. "That would be me." Then, he extended his hand for a handshake, his fingers long and unsettlingly steady. Yun Jin clasped it, and the moment their palms met, he felt the pressure. Kieran was testing him, his grip gradually tightening, a silent challenge. Yun Jin smirked and returned the favor, increasing his own strength to match. Their muscles tensed, fingers digging in, neither willing to give an inch. The tension crackled between them like an unspoken promise of battle. For a few moments, they were deadlocked, both gauging the other''s raw strength. Then Kieran¡¯s grin widened. "Good. I anticipated this fight." A deep rumbling voice cut through the moment. "Be careful around that one." Yun Jin turned, facing the giant warrior, who now watched them with a calm yet knowing gaze. "That man is no ordinary fighter," Olag continued. "He¡¯s a serial killer from the East Coast. Got caught, sold, and now fights for the amusement of merchants. A real monster, that one." Yun Jin studied the lanky man once more. There was no denial, no shame¡ªjust a sharp grin. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. "What can I say?" Kieran shrugged. "The thrill of the hunt never dies." Yun Jin turned his attention back to Olag, noticing something different about him now. Despite his towering size and hardened features, his eyes held serenity, and wisdom. "And you?" Yun Jin asked, intrigued. Olag exhaled, his voice steady. "Olag." Before he could say more, Reva¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "Wait¡­ Olag? The Olag? The glacier holder?" Olag gave a slow nod, his gaze steady. "And you¡­ you''re from one of the fighter clans of Drakmire Valley, aren¡¯t you?" His voice carried a knowing weight as his eyes flicked toward the small tattoo on Reva¡¯s neck. Reva tensed slightly, instinctively brushing her fingers over the marking. "Tch. So you know your history." "I know more than history," Olag replied. "I know the kind of warriors your clan produces. That¡¯s why I¡¯m surprised to see you here." Reva hesitated for a moment before folding her arms. "That makes two of us. What¡¯s a fallen king of the north doing in a place like this?" Olag exhaled, his broad shoulders rising and falling. "Same as that guy. I am no longer a king. I am just another fighter¡­ or rather, a slave now." Before anyone could respond, a sharp voice rang through the waiting hall. "First match, Yun Jin versus Kieran! Fighters, prepare yourselves. You have five minutes." The tension shifted immediately. Conversations halted, and all eyes turned toward Yun Jin and Kieran. The lanky man¡¯s grin widened, an eerie light flickering in his eyes as he took a step back. He cracked his knuckles, each pop echoing through the now-silent chamber. A thunderous roar erupted through the grand arena as the announcer¡¯s voice boomed across the stadium. The arena was massive, a colosseum carved into the earth, its fighting pit stretching wide enough to host battles of grand scale. The stands above were packed with spectators, their eager chatter filling the air. Rows upon rows of figures leaned forward in anticipation, their faces shadowed beneath the torchlight that flickered along the arena¡¯s stone walls. Above them, in the VIP section, masked elites sat in their private booths, watching the event with quiet amusement. Their faces were obscured, but their presence alone was enough to send a chill through any fighter who knew the true weight of their influence. These were the real power players, the ones who dictated the fates of warriors and wagers alike. "AND NOW¡ªTHE FIRST MATCH OF THE ELIMINATION ROUNDS!" The crowd¡¯s anticipation crackled through the air. "Confirmed kills: 124. Death sentences evaded: 56. Former head assassin of the Jade Fang Syndicate. Sold into the underground after got caught trying to slaughter an entire noble estate overnight. A man who has never been struck in a tournament match! Can his opponent break the streak, or will he, too, fall to the shadows? THE PHANTOM SERPENT! KIERAN!!!" The audience roared as Kieran glided into the ring, his movements eerily fluid, his body stretching in unnatural ways. He moved like water, a living shadow slipping through cracks in reality. "And his opponent! A warrior from beyond these walls, a name whispered in defiance of those who run this tournament! The man who stands in open opposition to the hosts of the Death Throne, hailing from House Altheron! The challenger who either holds boundless confidence or suicidal audacity¡ªYUN JIN! The crowd¡¯s response was immediate¡ª A wave of deafening boos erupted from all sides, hostility radiating from the spectators. Yun Jin smirked at their reaction, unfazed. He had expected no cheers in a den of his enemies. The announcer, though slightly smug at the reaction, quickly reassured the spectators. "Now, now! Regardless of politics, we promise a fair fight for the sake of our honored guests! So, will this so-called warrior prove himself in the ring, or will he be torn apart before he ever reaches the next round?!"" As Yun Jin stepped forward, the cheers mixed with murmurs. His earlier bravado had painted him as either a legend in the making or a fool doomed to die. Yun Jin rolled his shoulders and took a step forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kieran¡¯s unnatural stance. "That movement of yours... what kind of technique is it? Might be worth noting." Kieran chuckled, stretching his arms in an almost inhuman way. "Even if you knew, you couldn''t train it. It takes years of vigorous conditioning¡ªbreaking and reforming muscle over and over until the body bends beyond normal limits." Yun Jin let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Don¡¯t talk to me about vigorous training. What I¡¯ve been through is far beyond that." Kieran¡¯s smirk twitched as he observed Yun Jin¡¯s stance¡ªone he had never seen before. A style unfamiliar even to an assassin like him. Likewise, Yun Jin narrowed his eyes as he noticed Kieran¡¯s body shift, his limbs stretching unnaturally, curling like a serpent poised to strike. "I¡¯ll give you a promise," Kieran said, his voice smooth yet menacing. "I won¡¯t make it quick." Yun Jin¡¯s grin widened. "I sure hope not. Don''t die before I crack that technique of yours." The announcer raised his hand high. "Fighters ready!" Both nodded. Then¡ª "Match¡ªBEGIN!" Chapter 26: To Kill An Assassin A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Chapter 27: Aura Surge! ¡°Nervous, little warrior?¡± Kieran hissed, his lips curving into a bloodthirsty grin. ¡°I can smell your fear. Let me taste it¡­¡± Yun Jin merely exhaled through his nose and settled into his stance. His muscles coiled beneath his skin, ready to spring into action at any moment. The heat rose sharply as Kieran¡¯s mana flared anew. The arena floor cracked beneath his feet, glowing a molten red. This level of heat¡­ Yun Jin¡¯s flesh burned, and his veins hummed with pain. But the exhilaration of combat overshadowed it all. He¡¯s pushing his body past its limit, Yun Jin noted, eyes glowing faintly as he observed the currents of mana roiling through Kieran. Kieran let out a harsh, mirthless laugh. ¡°Come on, fight me properly! If you can¡¯t handle the heat, I¡¯ll just incinerate you!¡± His voice rose in an unhinged cackle that echoed around the arena. Then, before Yun Jin could fully decipher the chaotic mana pattern, Kieran vanished. BANG! Kieran rocketed forward with terrifying speed, propelled by heat-based magic that amped his blood flow, unnaturally stretched his muscles, and magnified his strength and speed to insane levels. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes widened as Kieran¡¯s figure blurred. Reacting on instinct, Yun Jin realized there was no way to completely evade the blow. He activated Shaolin Technique: Invincible Virtue, though some of Kieran¡¯s raw power tore through his defenses, sending a punishing shockwave through Yun Jin¡¯s torso. BOOM! The impact blasted Yun Jin off his feet. He crashed into the stone wall, pulverizing a section of it with an explosive crack. Pain throbbed along his ribs, and his lungs seized in a ragged gasp, forcing a sputtering cough. If not for Invincible Virtue, his organs would¡¯ve ruptured on the spot. Kieran¡¯s laughter rang out once more, echoing around the arena. ¡°How¡¯s that, worm?¡± he taunted. ¡°I¡¯ll smash you again and again until you¡¯re nothing but a bloody smear!¡± That speed¡­ even the assassins in the imperial palace weren¡¯t this fast, yet he¡¯s just a slave here? Yun Jin felt the corners of his mouth twitch with excitement, igniting his fighting spirit. He shoved away the rubble, chest heaving, and locked eyes with Kieran. Kieran was already a blur at close range, his arm elongating unnaturally. He thrust it at Yun Jin¡¯s throat with blistering speed. Yun Jin dove aside, narrowly avoiding the strike. The second blow crashed into the ground, shattering the stone where he¡¯d been standing moments before. He¡¯s even faster than before! Yun Jin marveled, but also realized something crucial: the faster Kieran moved, the more telegraphed his path of attack became.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Kieran let out a feral growl, shaking the rubble off his molten arm. ¡°Stop squirming! I want to watch your eyes go cold!¡± He swept his leg at Yun Jin with a scorching trail of mana. Yun Jin deflected the blow with a circular motion, redirecting it away from his body. The heat seared the skin on his forearm, and smoke rose from the contact. He¡¯s fast, flexible, and tough as steel. Yun Jin¡¯s gaze flicked to Kieran¡¯s shoulders, noticing how the surging mana was wild and inefficient. Every magic needs some sort of system, he remembered Merlin saying. That¡¯s his weakness. His magic relies on heat to loosen muscle fibers and boost blood flow, which increases his strength and speed. But he¡¯s burning his mana reserves at an alarming rate. If I stall him, he¡¯ll tire. But that¡¯s how losers think. Refusing to cower or prolong the fight, Yun Jin dashed forward, hoping to seize the initiative. He purposely dropped his guard to lure Kieran into a reckless counter. Kieran roared with glee. ¡°Yes! Show me that neck¡ªI¡¯ll tear it open!¡± He whipped his elongated arm toward Yun Jin¡¯s exposed throat instead of dodging. The molten arm lashed out like a burning whip¡ªdeadly and precise. But Yun Jin had planned this. Shaolin Technique: Throwing Willow. He caught Kieran¡¯s extended arm mid-swing, pivoting smoothly and using the assassin¡¯s own momentum. Kieran slammed face-first into the stone floor with a jarring impact. Bits of shattered tile flew in all directions, and a grunt of pain tore from Kieran¡¯s lips. A malevolent hiss escaped him as he struggled to rise. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± He tried to yank his arm free, but Yun Jin instantly seized another opening. A swift, gentle strike to Kieran¡¯s shoulder caused his entire left arm to go limp. Kieran howled in fury. ¡°What¡­ what did you do to me?¡± His eyes glowed with murderous intent, but now also held a trace of panic. Yun Jin flexed his fingers. ¡°Qi blocking. It¡¯s a medical technique, not combat. I severed the mana flow to your limb.¡± His gaze sharpened. ¡°I learned it from a doctor who could cure anything.¡± Kieran¡¯s eyes flashed with horror. ¡°You¡­ you attacked my mana veins directly?¡± ¡°Exactly. It doesn¡¯t matter how tough your joints are if the energy flow is cut off at the source.¡± ¡°You¡­ you just revealed your secret?¡± Yun Jin chuckled. ¡°Yes. Consider it payment.¡± ¡°Payment for what?¡± Kieran growled, eyes still wild with bloodlust. Yun Jin¡¯s voice dropped to a near whisper. ¡°For this.¡± Mana flared around Yun Jin¡¯s body. The air shimmered with heat as he adapted Kieran¡¯s principle of heat circulation to his own qi pathways. Kieran¡¯s face twisted. ¡°You¡¯re copying my technique?¡± he spat, disbelief and rage battling in his expression. ¡°Impossible!¡± BOOM. Yun Jin¡¯s feet sank into the ground as raw power surged through him. A faint glow licked across his skin, resembling Kieran¡¯s flames¡ªexcept Yun Jin¡¯s aura burned with calm, refined precision rather than chaotic fury. [You have unlocked a skill: Aura Surge (Rank D+)] Kieran let out a ragged roar. ¡°You¡ª!¡± But his shout broke off as Yun Jin vanished from sight. Light Blade Sovereign Style: First Form ¨C Arc Lightning. Yun Jin reappeared mid-strike, his fist hammering into Kieran¡¯s chest with surgical accuracy. CRACK. Bone fractured under the blow, and the assassin¡¯s magic circuit broke. Kieran gasped, blood misting the air as he collapsed. His breath caught in his throat with a horrible rattle. A hush descended over the crowd. Moments later, the announcer¡¯s voice cut through the silence: ¡°Winner: Yun Jin of House Altheron!¡± The stands erupted into a cascade of boos and jeers. Far above, noblemen watched with curious disdain; commoners gawked in shock. Yun Jin straightened, chest heaving, a savage grin etched into his features. He stared down at Kieran¡¯s broken form. This world really is full of fun!! Chapter 28: A gift from the Fallen King The air in the fighters¡¯ resting area was heavy with tension and the lingering heat from Yun Jin¡¯s last match. He eased himself down on a rough wooden bench, muscles sore and qi pathways still humming with the residual warmth of his newly learned technique. It had tripled his strength in a flash, but that sudden surge of power was a struggle to control. Even so, the corners of his lips curved into a weary grin¡ªhe¡¯d accomplished one of his key goals. The first: to eliminate those who preyed on the innocent. The second: to face skilled warriors of this world, learning how they merged magic and martial arts. A stiff silence gripped the lounge, broken only by the occasional scrape of weapons being cleaned and the ragged breathing of exhausted fighters. Yun Jin sensed the weight of dozens of eyes upon him¡ªsome fearful, some uneasy, others coldly calculating. They¡¯d witnessed his astounding strength and were now reevaluating their odds against him. Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the hush: ¡°I¡¯m coming for your throat next.¡± Yun Jin turned his gaze to see Reva, standing firm beside another fighter. Her fierce eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat, then she pivoted and walked off without waiting for a reply. Yun Jin let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± he murmured as she disappeared into the corridor. ¡°You really shook them,¡± came a deep rumble from behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to see Olag, the towering northern warrior. A half-empty flask dangled from his massive hand, a grin twisting his scarred features. ¡°Mind if we share a drink? Talk a bit?¡± Yun Jin arched a brow. ¡°We might have to kill each other soon. Doesn¡¯t that make things¡­ complicated?¡± Olag shrugged, tapping the side of his flask. ¡°True. But this might be the last chance we get to know each other.¡± ¡°Fair enough.¡± They moved to a quieter corner. Olag unhooked a second flask from his belt and poured its contents into two battered metal cups. He downed his in one gulp, while Yun Jin took a more cautious sip. The liquor burned sweetly, leaving a pleasant smoky aftertaste. ¡°Sweeter than anything I¡¯ve had before,¡± Yun Jin noted, rolling the taste on his tongue. ¡°And smoother.¡± ¡°I had better,¡± Olag replied, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°Not half bad for a king last drink.¡± Yun Jin studied Olag¡¯s somber expression. ¡°Why so sure it¡¯s your last? From what I¡¯ve seen, you¡¯re the strongest fighter here.¡± Olag let out a low chuckle. ¡°Not counting you, I assume.¡± ¡°Obviously,¡± Yun Jin said, only half-joking. Olag¡¯s sharp glance flicked to Yun Jin¡¯s hands, lingering on the subtle calluses and positioning of his fingers. In an instant, he seemed to read Yun Jin¡¯s specialty¡ªswordsmanship. His eyes gleamed with the kind of wisdom and experience that only came from countless battles. ¡°Haha, who knows?¡± Olag teased. ¡°Maybe if you had your blade with you, the odds would even out.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s face twitched in surprise at how quickly Olag read him. Then he regained his composure with a tight smile. ¡°But that¡¯s only because you¡¯re crippled,¡± Yun Jin said, though his tone was somber, not mocking. ¡°If you were at full strength, I¡¯d probably be the one losing.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The grin disappeared from Olag¡¯s face, replaced by a flicker of pain. ¡°You noticed.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s gaze drifted to the jagged scars crossing Olag¡¯s torso. ¡°Someone I knew¡ªMerlin¡ªhad a fractured mana signature, too, but his was more like a small dam with a large valve; as long as he channeled carefully, he could keep it from overflowing.¡± He paused, voice dropping. ¡°Yours is different. You¡¯re like a huge dam that¡¯s fractured in a dozen places, holding back a tidal wave that crashes every second. You have no choice but to endure or burst.¡± Olag gave a resigned sigh and lifted the hem of his shirt, revealing a long, uneven scar. The skin around it was pale, with dark veins snaking beneath the surface¡ªvisible proof of the poison that coursed through him. Further along his sides, more black veins traced a web of old wounds. ¡°After the Unification War, they captured me,¡± Olag said quietly. ¡°Didn¡¯t kill me¡ªtoo merciful, I suppose. Instead, they poisoned my organs and mana circuits, then paraded me around the north like a trophy before finally selling me as a slave.¡± Yun Jin felt his jaw clench. He¡¯d heard rumors of brutal conquests, but never something so sadistic. ¡°You survived all these years¡­ for revenge?¡± Olag let out a bitter chuckle. ¡°No. I¡¯m not as strong as you think. I wanted to die every day after losing everything. But a slave curse forces me to keep living, no matter how broken I become. Whenever a master tries to kill me, the curse turns on them instead.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re here¡­?¡± Olag nodded. ¡°I begged my current master to send me to the Death Throne. It¡¯s a sanctioned bloodsport¡ªif I die here, maybe the curse will finally let go. That¡¯s all I want now.¡± A weighted silence settled over them, each man absorbing the other¡¯s story. To Yun Jin, Olag looked like a dead man walking, a warrior whose soul had given up long before his body would let him go. ¡°Is there anything I can do for you?¡± Yun Jin asked quietly. ¡°I have a friend who¡¯s a mage¡ªmaybe he could lift that curse.¡± For a moment, Olag¡¯s eyes shone with hope. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it, truly. But don¡¯t risk your own life for me. I made my choice long ago.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Yun Jin said, already trying to think of a way around such dark magic. Olag forced a grin, hoisting his flask. ¡°Enough grim talk. I have something for you.¡± Without warning, he opened his mouth and, with a nauseating crunch, pulled out what appeared to be one of his own teeth. Yun Jin¡¯s stomach turned, but he kept his face neutral. The object wasn¡¯t a tooth at all¡ªit was a small, roughly cut stone etched with strange carvings. ¡°What is that?¡± Yun Jin asked, eyes narrowed. Olag dropped the stone into his half-empty cup. The liquor hissed and turned an inky black. After a few moments, he fished out the stone, wiped it clean with a rag, and handed it to Yun Jin. ¡°A shard of my homeland,¡± he said, voice quiet. ¡°Nothing I need anymore, but you might.¡± The instant Yun Jin¡¯s fingers closed around the stone, a faint blue interface shimmered before his eyes: [Rune of the Glacier Lord (Rank A): A shard imbued with ancient northern frost magic. When integrated into a weapon or body, it grants enhanced resistance to heat-based attacks and boosts cold-based abilities. Can be consumed to receive Ice Affinity but will also link you to the tribe¡¯s spirit realm.] Yun Jin¡¯s heart thumped once. ¡°Olag¡­ this is priceless.¡± The warrior shrugged. ¡°Not to me. I¡¯m a failed king, worth less than nothing. But you¡ªI suspect you have a real purpose here.¡± He gestured around at the room to all other wary fighters. ¡°My life is destined to end among slaves, scum, and killers. That¡¯s my fate.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s eyes flickered with determination. ¡°I promise to use it well.¡± Without hesitation, he brought the shard to his lips and swallowed. Immediately, a surge of icy energy raced through his veins, and a frost-laced aura coiled around his body. [Ice Affinity (Rank C) Acquired] He winced at the shock of cold, but in that moment, the burning soreness in his muscles receded. A soothing chill took its place, offering momentary relief from his battered state. Before Yun Jin could say more, Reva reentered the room. Her hair was matted with sweat, her arms streaked with bruises and cuts. She slumped into a nearby chair, breathing in sharp, ragged bursts. ¡°You look like hell,¡± Yun Jin remarked, though the concern in his voice was genuine. Reva shot him a glare that clearly said, Not now. Olag rose to his full height, rolling his shoulders until a series of pops echoed through the quiet space. ¡°My turn,¡± he said simply, striding toward the arena gates. Just then, a voice crackled over the arena¡¯s announcement system: ¡°Presenting Olag, the fallen king of the barbarian north! Once a warlord who led armies, now stepping into the Death Throne! And his opponent¡­ our reigning champion!¡± Yun Jin watched Olag¡¯s massive form recede into the corridor, a knot of respect and sadness tightening in his chest. In that stillness, a memory of his master¡¯s words rang clear in his mind: Life as a warrior is brief and sorrowful. Remember that the person you cut down may carry an entire library of untold stories. Choose carefully, for once you take their life, the world will never hear their tale again.