Shadows in Motion

The morning sun shimmered off the polished stone of the training ground as soldiers circled the courtyard, murmuring amongst themselves. At the center stood Riven, his muscles coiled with anticipation, facing the estate's captain, Garron. The man stood tall and imposing, a figure of hardened experience and sharp intuition.

Riven rolled his shoulders, slipping into a familiar stance. His breathing was calm, but his eyes gleamed with challenge.

Garron grinned. "You've grown sharper than I expected. Let's see what else you've got."

A small crowd formed. Soldiers who had only heard rumors of the boy's potential now watched with sharpened interest.

Ding!

Combat Initiated

Unique Martial Art Detected: Muay Thai Passive Skill: Endless Will - Active Special Skill Triggered: Veteran's Edge

Riven moved first—a blur of motion. His jab snapped forward, a feint, followed by a real strike: an elbow slicing at Garron's chin. The captain blocked it just in time but stepped back as a teep kick slammed into his abdomen.

Riven wasn't done. He chained a roundhouse kick, spinning into a downward elbow, then shifted his weight with a low sweeping kick aimed at Garron's ankle. Every movement was polished, flowing, deadly.

"Your style…" Garron grunted, parrying a high knee. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen."

Riven smirked. "You wouldn't. No one here would."

The system buzzed again.

Combo Chain: Muay Thai – 8-hit Precision Combo

He twisted mid-air, spinning into a brutal elbow. It grazed Garron's shoulder, but before the captain could retaliate, Riven surged forward. He ducked low, arms wrapping around Garron's waist.

Grapple Detected: Ssireum – Basic Grip

He roared and slammed the older man backward, surprising everyone. Garron hit the ground hard, coughing.

"What the hell was that?" Garron gasped, rising.

Riven didn't answer. He was already in motion, dashing forward with a knee, then shifting into a tight, devastating punch aimed at Garron's ribs.

Garron grunted, now forced to defend seriously. "Fine. Let's go all out then."

He parried the punch, stepped in, and countered with a palm strike that nearly took Riven off his feet. They traded blows, parries, knees, and low kicks, the ground beneath them echoing the thuds of combat.

Riven's system pulsed with activity.

Status Effect: Adrenaline Surge – +15% Speed

Skill Chain Detected: Muay Thai + Ssireum Crossover

He mixed his style again, flowing from a high kick into a leg sweep, then using his grip to throw Garron off balance. The hybrid movements were unnatural, unpredictable. Each move was the product of a world Garron didn't understand.

The soldiers watching were stunned. They didn't know what to call these techniques—there were no names for them in this world.

Riven landed another strike, this time to Garron's shoulder, causing the captain to grit his teeth. "You've got something different, kid. You fight like your soul's been through war."

Just as they clashed again, a loud voice echoed through the courtyard.

"Captain Garron! Urgent news!"

A young messenger rushed forward, panting. "Lord Kaelen demands your presence. And Riven's too."

Garron lowered his fists, stepping back with a heavy breath. Riven exhaled slowly, wiping sweat from his brow.

"What is it?" Garron asked.

The messenger looked grave. "A situation. The Lord says it cannot wait."

Soldiers stepped aside as the captain and Riven followed the messenger. As they passed through the streets of the estate, Riven's eyes narrowed. A hooded man walked alone toward a dark alley. On his arm, a strange red symbol pulsed beneath his cloak.

What was that…?

The moment passed, but it left a thorn in Riven's mind.

At the castle, Lord Kaelen stood in the war chamber, arms folded. He turned as they entered.

"You're here. Good."

He pointed at a large map. "Monsters have begun invading the outer villages. A wave hit Verden hours ago. This isn't a random attack—it's a coordinated movement. Something is stirring them."

Riven leaned closer. The map showed red markers pushing toward their region.

Kaelen spoke grimly. "We need to intercept them before they reach our borders. Garron, you'll lead a strike team. Riven…"

The Lord studied him.

"You're coming too."

A hush fell. The decision was made.

Riven's eyes blazed—not with fear, but purpose.

The chapter ended not with silence, but the promise of blood.