The First Step in a World of Predators

The training grounds of the Southern Edge Sect were a vast open courtyard, surrounded by towering wooden pillars wrapped in banners bearing the sect's insignia—a sharp crescent blade cutting through a storm.

Disciples filled the area, their movements synchronized as they practiced the Flowing Blade Arts, the signature sword technique of the sect. Their sharp cries echoed in the morning air, each strike a testament to years of discipline.

Jin Tae-Hyun walked through the archway leading into the courtyard, his steps steady but measured. He could feel their eyes on him.

Some bowed slightly, out of forced respect. Others smirked, murmuring among themselves.

He wasn't just any disciple. He was the son of Jin Mu-Seong, one of the sect's elders. A young master, born into privilege—but never truly respected.

Because they all knew.

Jin Tae-Hyun was a fraud.

Before Kaito had taken over this body, Jin Tae-Hyun had been nothing but an arrogant waste of potential. A man who wielded his family's name like a shield, always hiding behind it rather than sharpening his own blade. He had talent, but no discipline. A noble in a world of warriors.

And in this world, the weak were devoured.

"Look at him. Acting like he belongs here."

"He's just here because of his father. If he wasn't a Jin, he'd be sweeping the floors."

Kaito ignored the whispers. If this had been his past life, he would have slit their throats before they finished their sentence.

But this was not his world. Not yet.

Patience. Strategy. Let them speak. For now.

At the far end of the courtyard, a group of elder disciples stood in a semi-circle, their robes embroidered with golden trims—a mark of their seniority.

And at the center of them stood a man Kaito instantly recognized.

Seo Joon-Hak.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and carrying a sword at his hip with an ease that spoke of countless battles. He was one of the most talented disciples in the sect, a warrior who would rise to become one of the Nine Blades of the Murim Alliance in the future.

And more importantly—he despised Jin Tae-Hyun.

Seo Joon-Hak turned his gaze toward Kaito, a slow smirk tugging at his lips.

"You finally decided to show up, Young Master Jin," he said, his voice laced with mockery. "I was starting to think you'd sleep through another day of training."

A few chuckles spread through the crowd.

Jin Tae-Hyun—the old one—would have either lashed out in anger or backed away in embarrassment. But Kaito was neither a coward nor a fool.

Instead, he simply smiled.

"A leader should know when to rest," Kaito said calmly, his voice carrying just enough arrogance to keep up the act of the old Jin Tae-Hyun. "But I see you're still trying to impress father. Have you gotten better, or are you still struggling against the wooden dummies?"

The chuckles stopped.

Seo Joon-Hak's smirk twitched.

Kaito didn't wait for a response. He walked past him like he was nothing more than another nameless disciple.

The murmurs behind him grew. Some surprised. Some amused.

Seo Joon-Hak was a future master of the blade, a warrior destined for greatness. But in this moment, Kaito had made him look like just another senior trying too hard to act superior.

A small victory. A necessary one.

But there were far bigger battles ahead.

---

The First Test

The elders were waiting.

Inside a vast hall lined with ancient scrolls and towering candlelit columns, three figures sat atop an elevated wooden platform. Their gazes were sharp, their presence suffocating.

At the center sat Jin Mu-Seong, his father. A man whose eyes held nothing but disappointment whenever they landed on his son.

To his right was Elder Baek, a cold, pragmatic swordsman who valued strength above all else.

And to the left, Elder Cho, a man with a calculating gaze, one who understood the importance of strategy in a world ruled by power.

Kaito bowed respectfully.

"You summoned me, Father."

Jin Mu-Seong didn't speak for a long moment. Then, finally, he exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable.

"Tomorrow, the Sect's Internal Selection begins," his father said. "Your ranking among the disciples will be determined."

Kaito already knew what this meant.

The Southern Edge Sect's internal selection was brutal. A ranking system that determined a disciple's worth. Those at the top were given resources, elite training, and respect. Those at the bottom? Forgotten.

The old Jin Tae-Hyun had never ranked high. He had always relied on his family name to keep himself above the lowest tier.

But Kaito wasn't Jin Tae-Hyun.

"I see," he said simply.

Elder Baek scoffed. "I do not expect much from you, Young Master Jin. But if you embarrass your father further, you might as well leave the sect entirely."

Jin Mu-Seong's fingers tightened around his armrest. He didn't contradict Elder Baek's words.

Kaito lowered his gaze slightly, not in submission, but in calculation.

The old Jin Tae-Hyun would have either begged or stormed out. But Kaito wasn't interested in playing a weakling or a spoiled noble.

He had one goal now.

To rise.

And to do that, he needed to survive tomorrow's selection.

No.

He needed to crush it.

Kaito straightened, meeting his father's gaze with calm resolve.

"I understand," he said simply.

Then, without waiting to be dismissed, he turned and walked away.

Behind him, Elder Baek scoffed again. Elder Cho murmured something too quiet to hear.

But Jin Mu-Seong?

For the first time, he watched his son leave without saying a word.

---

A Night Before War

Kaito returned to his quarters. The dim glow of candlelight cast long shadows against the wooden walls.

He exhaled slowly.

Tomorrow was the beginning.

The start of his rise in this world.

He had no system. No divine power. No fate guiding him.

All he had was his experience. His instincts. His will.

That was enough.

He sat down, unsheathing the sword resting beside his bed. Its blade gleamed in the low light—pristine, untouched. A weapon that had never truly tasted blood.

That would change soon.

Because in this world, only those who carved their names into history would be remembered.

And Jin Tae-Hyun would not be forgotten.

Not ever again.