The courtyard was quiet, but the calm didn't last long.
Rovan stood across from Zarek, his expression neutral, his posture relaxed. Yet there was a sharpness in his gaze that made it clear—this was no ordinary moment.
"Now that you've learned the basics," Rovan said, "it's time to see if you can actually use it."
Zarek stood still, his breathing steady. The faint energy within him moved more smoothly now, no longer completely chaotic.
"…What kind of test?" he asked.
Rovan didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he turned slightly and gestured toward the entrance of the courtyard.
"Come out," he said.
A figure stepped in.
A boy, around Zarek's age, dressed in simple training clothes. His posture was firm, his eyes focused, carrying a confidence that Zarek immediately noticed.
He wasn't like the ones from before.
This one was trained.
"This is Kael," Rovan said. "A beginner cultivator."
Kael glanced at Zarek briefly, then nodded. "So he's the one?"
Rovan gave a slight nod. "Don't underestimate him."
Kael smirked faintly. "I won't."
Zarek observed him quietly.
There was something different.
A presence.
Subtle, but steady.
"That," Rovan said, noticing Zarek's focus, "is controlled energy. Something you lack."
Zarek didn't respond.
But he understood.
"This will be simple," Rovan continued. "You fight. No killing."
Kael cracked his knuckles lightly. "Try to keep up."
Zarek stepped forward.
His body tensed slightly, but his mind remained calm.
The energy within him stirred.
"Begin," Rovan said.
Kael moved first.
Fast.
His steps were light, controlled, each movement precise.
Zarek reacted.
Barely.
He shifted his body to the side, avoiding the first strike by a narrow margin.
Kael's eyes flickered with surprise.
"Not bad."
He attacked again.
This time faster.
More direct.
Zarek raised his arm, blocking the strike.
The impact sent a sharp vibration through his body.
Stronger than before.
"So this is a cultivator…" Zarek thought.
Kael pressed forward, not giving him time to recover.
Punch after punch, each one controlled, efficient, refined.
Zarek stepped back, his movements defensive.
But something was different this time.
He wasn't overwhelmed.
He was learning.
He watched.
Analyzed.
Adjusted.
Then—
He moved.
Zarek stepped in.
His hand shot forward, aiming for Kael's arm.
Kael reacted instantly, pulling back.
But Zarek followed.
Their movements clashed.
Force against control.
Zarek felt it again.
That energy.
"…Devour," he whispered.
The moment his hand brushed against Kael's arm, the familiar pull activated.
Kael's expression changed instantly.
"…What is this?"
A faint portion of his energy began to drain.
Not much.
But enough.
Kael jumped back immediately, breaking contact.
His eyes were now sharp.
"Rovan… what is he doing?"
Rovan didn't respond.
He was watching closely.
Zarek stood still.
He could feel it.
Even that small amount of energy…
Made a difference.
Kael exhaled slowly, regaining his composure.
"…Alright. No more holding back."
The air around him shifted.
His energy became more visible.
More focused.
Zarek narrowed his eyes.
"…Good."
This time, Kael attacked with full intent.
The speed increased.
The pressure intensified.
Zarek moved.
Not perfectly.
Not smoothly.
But better.
He dodged one strike.
Blocked another.
Took one hit—
But didn't fall.
His body adapted.
His control improved.
Then—
An opening.
Zarek stepped in.
His hand reached forward—
And this time—
He grabbed Kael's wrist.
"…Devour."
The pull was stronger.
Clearer.
Kael's body stiffened.
His energy surged—then began to drain.
"…No—!"
Zarek held on.
Just for a moment.
Then released.
Kael stumbled back, breathing heavily.
"…What… was that…?"
Silence filled the courtyard.
Rovan finally stepped forward.
"That's enough."
Both of them stopped.
Zarek's breathing was steady.
Kael's was not.
Rovan looked at Zarek with a faint, approving expression.
"…You're learning faster than I expected."
Zarek didn't reply.
He simply looked at his hand.
Feeling the lingering energy.
"…But," Rovan added, his tone shifting slightly, "you're still far from control."
Zarek nodded.
"…I know."
Kael straightened himself, still catching his breath.
"…He's dangerous."
Rovan didn't deny it.
"Yes," he said calmly. "He is."
Zarek's eyes darkened slightly.
But there was no pride in them.
Only focus.
Inside him, the system stirred once more.
[Combat Data Recorded]
[Control Efficiency Increased]
[Devour Synchronization Improved]
Zarek closed his eyes briefly.
Then opened them again.
"…Again," he said.
Rovan smiled faintly.
"That's the spirit."