Dawn again. Raon and Jin stood side-by-side in the main courtyard, wooden swords in hand.
"Your technique yesterday intrigued me," Jin said, calm as ever. "I'd like to spar with you."
Raon swallowed. "Sure, but don't say I didn't warn you when you start seeing double."
**You're really trying to Aura farm while facing the MC?**
They began. Jin moved gracefully, his Qi flow sharp and deliberate but inconsistent. Rion's new technique kept him stable, controlled, every swing deliberate.
**His Qi circulations uneven. Ask about his breathing technique.**
Raon frowned, whispering, "You breathe wrong."
Jin paused mid-swing. "Excuse me?"
"I mean, not wrong, just... inefficient!"
**I must say you have a bad way with words**
They continued. As the duel went on, Jin's movements grew more balanced, instinctively adjusting to Raon's rhythm.
Then, Jin's sword stopped an inch from Raon's chest. "Interesting. You've adapted fast."
Raon grinned, panting. "Guess being average has perks."
**You mean low expectations.**
Both of them laughed. The tension eased.
As they walked off the field, Jin said quietly, "If things get difficult, I'll rely on you, Guard Raon."
Raon blinked, caught off guard. "I... uh...sure."
**He likes you. Friendship route unlocked.**
"Shut up already" Raon shouted"
In the distance, disciples whispered about the guard who'd sparred evenly with the Young Master. For the first time, Raon's presence was being noticed.
That night, as he stared at the moon from the training yard, the System chimed softly:
**New Objective: Strengthen the Sect.**
**Subtask: Elevate Ten Disciples to Rank E.**
** Reward: Sect Advancement Mode.**
Raon sighed. "No pressure."
**On the bright side, failure means you'll die faster.**
"…You're awful."
But even as he groaned, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't hell anymore, just another messed-up story waiting for him to rewrite it.