Feng stepped through the door leading to the second floor. The space beyond shifted—wider than the first floor but still enclosed, with only one path forward. The air here felt denser, tinged with aggression and silent tension. He took a quiet breath, his posture relaxed yet coiled like a spring.
In his hand, Feng held a long, black katana—single-edged, its dark steel humming softly with residual qi from his last encounter. Hanging across his lower back was his secondary blade: a mid-length, double-edged sword optimized for rapid transitions and close-range strikes.
His appearance drew murmurs even before the fight began. Clad in a black and green ninja-like outfit touched with Western flair, his silhouette was sharp, efficient, and striking. The clothing bore no insignia—only silent purpose. Draped over his frame was a dark green robe, layered and flowing, adding a ghostly elegance to each of his movements.
There were no cheers this time. Only stunned silence and tense anticipation. The monitors in the observation hall displayed his status and stats, the crowd still in disbelief from his performance on the first floor—where he defeated five G-Rank Wolfrorks in just three seconds, eyes closed the entire time. A feat that had redefined what "talent" meant.
Lisa's expression during that first-floor display had lingered in Eva's mind. It hadn't been admiration or pride—it had been something darker. A cool, controlled smirk touched by ancient instincts. It was the first time Eva had ever seen Lisa look... pleased in that way.
Now, on the second floor.
The challenge: ten G+ Rank monsters—Armored Blade Beetles, creatures clad in thick, jagged shell armor and armed with razor-sharp foreleg blades. Fast, reactive, and brutal. As the heavy door sealed behind Feng, the trial initiated.
"Second Floor Combat Begins!"
The system announcement echoed.
The beetles reacted instantly, skittering forward with alarming speed. But Feng stood still. His eyes opened just a sliver.
He stepped.
Silent Wind Dance: Initiated.
The air bent around him.
On the monitor, only flickers of black and green remained. His form merged with the flow of the room's energy, movement synchronized with the breath of the wind itself.
Shhhk—clang—slice—whirl.
It was over in four seconds.
The ten beetles lay dismembered, their armored shells cracked like old pottery. Some were cleanly split; others showed surgical precision in weak points no ordinary swordsman would recognize.
Feng stood at the center, unbothered. His breathing was steady. His qi folded back into him without waste.
[Trial Complete – Floor 2]
Time: 4.0 Seconds
Rating: EXCELLENT
ADP Earned: 70 Points
(10 x 5 base)
(Bonus: 10 x 2 for finishing under 5 seconds)
Lisa didn't smile this time.
She simply crossed her arms, leaning slightly forward, eyes narrowing at the screen.
Eva whispered, "That's faster than her own second-floor time..."
Lisa's expression remained unreadable.
"He's getting faster."
Eva gave her a sideways glance. "You're... enjoying this?"
Lisa didn't respond.
But her hand, resting quietly by her side, slowly curled into a fist.
Feng's System Panel
AttributeValueDescriptionINT41General Qi output, affects elemental power and skill castingAGT57Reaction time and physical speedVIT39Natural Qi resilience and recovery rateDEX62Ranged damage and agility-based attacksCON45Qi and body control precisionSTR49Physical strength and Qi-reinforced powerKNL32Understanding of skill and world system intricacies
Main Qi: Wind Qi (A-Class)
Secondary Qi: Ice Qi (AA-Class) – Arcane-type only
Class: Arcane
ADP (Academy Points): 175
Weapon Details
Black Katana: Long, single-edged. Forged for smooth slicing and deep Qi conductance. Ideal for wide arc attacks and precise decapitations.
Mid Blade: Double-edged, mid-length sword. Balanced for tight spaces and fast combos. Designed to work in tandem with movement skills like Silent Wind Dance.