"The moment you hesitate in front of a beast… is the moment it no longer sees you as a warrior."— Duun, Instructor of the Outer Dojo
The Corrupted Ash Stag stood taller than any beast Kai had ever faced—twice the height of a man, with antlers glowing like molten metal and veins pulsing with crimson Ki.
Its six eyes locked onto them.
It charged.
The ground trembled.
[System Alert:]Spirit Beast: Ash Stag (Corrupted)
Type: Infernal-Class MutationRank: Tier-3 High
Weak Points:— Underbelly (Low armor)— Rear Leg Joints (Mobility hinges)
Known Skills:— Flame Stampede— Ember Breath— Infernal Rebirth (???)
Recommended Strategy: Pair Coordination / Disable Movement
"Go for the back legs!" Kai shouted.
Mako was already moving. His twin swords shimmered with Wind Ki, blurring as he dashed to flank the beast.
Kai darted forward—straight into the stag's path.
[Skill: Fang Draw – Activate][Timing Bonus: 2x Counter Window]
He rolled just under the beast's front hooves as they crashed down, narrowly avoiding the Flame Stampede effect.
Sparks flew. Fire rippled through the air.
Kai sliced upward as he passed below the creature—cutting into its underbelly.
The stag roared, rearing back.
[Direct Hit: Minor Internal Damage][Corruption Level: Stable]
But it wasn't enough.
The stag's Ember Breath ignited next—its mouth flaring as a wave of flame screamed toward Mako.
Kai shouted: "DODGE!"
Mako planted both feet—and instead of dodging, cut the flame in half.
[Technique: Wind Sever – Spiral Execution]
The flames parted like a curtain, swirling around him as he launched forward and slashed through the creature's right rear tendon.
[Critical Strike: Right Hind Mobility Severed]
The beast staggered, howling in pain.
Kai didn't waste the moment.
He surged forward, pushed by Ki, and leapt toward the beast's neck.
One strike.
Two.
On the third—
[Activate: Ember Pulse Lv.2 – Overload Mode]Blade ignites. Flame Ki concentrated at the point of contact.
He drove it into the beast's throat.
[Direct Hit – Spirit Core Proximity]
WARNING: Infernal Rebirth Triggering
The stag began to convulse.
Its body started to burn from the inside, twisting as the spirit core tried to escape its dying flesh.
Mako shouted: "It's going to explode!"
Kai jumped back—
But not before he reached into the stag's throat and ripped out the glowing red core with a blast of Ki-formed pressure.
He hit the ground hard, core clutched to his chest, just as the stag detonated in a blast of scorched wind and flame.
[Ash Stag – Defeated]
Loot Gained:— Spirit Core: Emberblood Class— Flamebone Material x3
[Perception Increased: +1][System Integrity: Stable]
Kai's Rank Potential: Upgraded— Now Eligible for Sect Evaluation – Tier A
Silence returned.
Mako limped over, laughing breathlessly. "You insane bastard."
Kai coughed. "That's your thanks?"
Mako grinned and sat beside him.
"You ever think… maybe this whole thing's not just about fighting?"
Kai didn't answer immediately.
He looked at the core in his hand—still warm, still pulsing.
"No," he said at last. "It's always about fighting. But not just with swords."
Mako tilted his head. "Meaning?"
Kai stared out over the ruined stone.
"Power. Choice. Survival. These are just weapons too. And we're not done using them."
[System Update:]All Trials Complete.Candidates Remaining: 5
Kai (Unaffiliated) — Tier A QualifiedMako Rin (Minor Wind Sect) — Tier B Qualified
Next Phase: Invitation Round – The Choosing
You are being watched.
Far above, hidden by veils of flame and cloud, unseen eyes observed Kai.
One by one, names whispered into sealed scrolls. Symbols of legacy were prepared. And dark coins passed between ancient hands.
Some saw Kai as a threat.
Others, an asset.
But a few…
Already saw him as a future heir.