---
It had been one year since the fall of Von Advocate al Mi.
The world still remembered.
That incident—once considered a contained tragedy—had spread across the continents as a global headline:
> "World-Class Monster Invades Fleedorb: 80% Death Toll at Elite Academy."
It was discussed in newsrooms. Dissected in political councils. And feared in mob academies everywhere.
Ryu's name was mentioned occasionally, alongside Reina Avaleon and the other survivors.
But while others sank into obscurity or went into seclusion, Ryu kept climbing.
---
Now 19 years old, Ryu had matured both in presence and power.
Those who saw him today barely recognized the silent boy who once came from the Southern Continent's poorest village. His eyes were sharper. His stance more refined. Every step carried confidence earned through blood, sweat, and raw survival.
He was currently Stage 5 Mob.
And not just at the starting point of it.
> "He's on the verge of breaking into Stage 6. Another year at most," said one of Fleedorb's military examiners.
Though the academy was gone, the survivors were absorbed into Fleedorb's national training division—a government-organized program designed to help future elite mobs grow under supervision.
It wasn't school anymore.
It was war preparation.
---
Ryu's personal record stood out even among prodigies:
Strength: A+
Agility: A+
Endurance: A
Energy Control: A
Combat Instinct: A
Intellect: B+
Mob Potential: A+
His overall combat profile was listed under the "National Asset" category, given only to individuals expected to play a significant role in continental defense.
He had no flashy titles.
No noble background.
No large following.
Just results.
And results spoke louder than bloodlines.
---
His Known Techniques:
High Body Strengthening Art – Perfected under brutal weight and resistance training, Ryu's physical resilience was comparable to low-tier armored mobs.
Expert Flash Step – Enhanced speed technique that blurred short-range perception.
High Sword Technique – A flowing, adaptive style that combined brute strength with precision.
Internal Control: Level 3 – He could guide raw internal energy with subtle precision, enough to affect minor organs or specific muscle groups.
Energy Circular: Expert Tier – His internal circulation was so efficient that recovery during combat had increased by 38% on average.
---
Despite all this, Ryu remained… quiet.
No ambition. No delusion of grandeur.
He trained. He helped his sister Mina adapt to her own modest Mob progression.
He accepted occasional quests. Assisted with national border inspections.
And he avoided politics.
Though nobles tried to approach him, he politely declined their offers. Even Reina joked about how he turned down a princess once.
> "I don't need a castle," he replied. "I already have a house."
---
But there were whispers behind closed doors.
Some believed the monster attack last year was only the beginning.
Some claimed it wasn't just summoned—it was guided.
The way it moved… how it avoided the main defensive formations…
It was intelligent.
Even the King hadn't made public statements since the first investigation.
And now… new rumors began to emerge.
Across the Western Border, strange energy storms were being detected.
In the far North, multiple regional Mobs had gone missing.
The East—once considered the safest continent—was no longer resting easy.
> "We need more 6th Stages," said one report.
"We need more Ryu-levels," said another.
---
In the silence of early morning, Ryu practiced in the open courtyard behind his house.
Every swing of his sword split wind.
Every step left a faint shimmer on the ground.
His breathing was steady. His movements refined.
Mina watched from the window, holding a cup of tea.
She smiled softly.
> "You're almost there, Ryu…"
He stopped after one final strike, sheathed his sword, and looked up at the sky.
Clouds rolled slowly, shadows crawling across the rooftops.
Ryu didn't say it aloud—but he felt it.
Something was coming.
And when it did—
He would be ready.
---
To be continued..