The Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 19: The Calm Before the Storm
---
The dust from the battle settled slowly, but the tension in the air remained thick. The crowd, once full of whispers and uncertainty, had fallen silent. Kai stood resolute, his expression unreadable as he watched Jirohan retreat into the distance. Yami's form shimmered slightly as she moved to his side, her sharp eyes never leaving the path the Martial Saint had taken.
"Master," she murmured, her tone dripping with a mix of admiration and caution. "He left, but not without acknowledging you. That's a rare thing."
Kai nodded but didn't speak for a moment. His mind was already processing everything—the Martial Saint's power, the subtle shifts in the atmosphere, and most importantly, Jirohan's recognition. That was something Kai had wanted. Recognition. From someone as powerful as the Martial Saint, it meant that Kai was no longer a nameless boy. He had carved his name into the martial world in a way that couldn't be ignored.
"Recognition," Kai muttered to himself. "It's the only way to move forward in this world."
---
[System Notification]
> New Objective: Survive the Martial Saint's Test – Complete
Bonus Objective: Force Jirohan to Retreat – Complete
Rewards
1,500 Experience Points
Martial Saint's Acknowledgment (Title Earned)
---
Selene's form appeared from the shadows, her many eyes glowing as she took her place beside Kai. "Master," she spoke within his mind, "you handled that well. But I sense something still lingers. He will return… eventually."
Kai's lips curled into a smile. "Let him. He learned something today—what he decides to do with that knowledge is his choice."
Yami tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes narrowing. "But you won't give him a second chance, will you?"
Kai's grin widened. "No. The next time, I'll be the one to make him retreat."
---
[Kai's Perspective]
With Jirohan's departure, a new calm settled over the town. The townsfolk began to murmur among themselves again, but there was no longer any fear in their voices. Respect had replaced it. Kai, the boy they had once dismissed, had earned his place in their eyes. He could feel their gazes on him, but he didn't let it affect him. He had more important matters to focus on.
"Master," Selene said, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "Your path is becoming clearer, but others will seek to challenge you now. The Martial Saint's interest in you is a double-edged sword. The moment one powerful figure acknowledges you, others will take notice."
Kai's expression darkened, but only for a moment. "Let them. I'm not afraid of what's coming. It's the only way forward."
Yami, her form now flickering in and out of visibility, stepped closer. "Your strength is undeniable, Master. But you'll need more than your beasts and this system to stand against those who will inevitably challenge you. It's time to grow further."
Kai turned to look at her, eyes narrowing in thought. "I know. The time to leave this realm is approaching. But we're not ready yet."
---
[System Display]
> Beast Status:
Selene (EX-Rank)
Yami (EX-Rank)
Unnamed Serpent (EX-Rank)
> Stats
Strength: A+
Agility: A+
Intelligence: A+
Vitality: A+
Spiritual Energy: S
---
[System Notification]
> New Objective Added: Prepare for the Journey Beyond
Goal: Strengthen Beasts
Goal: Prepare for Trials Ahead
---
Kai knew that Jirohan wasn't the end. He had only just begun to show the world what he was capable of. There was still so much to learn, so many battles to fight, and more beasts to summon. But above all, there was the journey beyond the realm—a journey he needed to prepare for.
"I'll need more," Kai murmured. "And I won't be satisfied until I've forged my own path."
Yami chuckled softly. "We will be with you, Master. All the way."
Selene's eyes glowed from the shadows. "There is no turning back now."
Kai stood tall, staring into the distance where Jirohan had disappeared. His heart beat with excitement, not for the battles that lay ahead, but for the power that he could feel swelling within him. It was only a matter of time before he moved beyond these boundaries and into the true test of his strength.
But first, he would make sure he was ready.
---
End of Chapter 19