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Chapter 13
The Silent DuelLocation: Stormpine Martial Hall – Procurement DivisionStormpine Martial Hall’s Procurement Division was never truly quiet. Hidden beneath routine trade and orderly ledgers was a web of power that stretched across Shorefield Ward. The Tianfeng Trading House served as the economic backbone of the Hall, binding restaurants, music halls, and elite venues into a single chain of interests that funneled wealth back into Stormpine without pause.Among all departments, Procurement stood at the peak. Its members were not simple traders but outer disciples trusted with influence and resources. Entry was rare. Status and capability were absolute requirements.On this rare idle day, discussion drifted away from business.“The representative for the Three Hall Martial Assembly was already decided. Adrian Vale,” someone said. “So why does a challenger suddenly appear? From the new batch, no less.”“Adrian reached six resonance strikes half a year ago,” another replied. “After perso
Chapter 12
The Crimson PowderLucian Carrington’s solemn gaze met Aldric Vale’s as he extended several heavy redwood boxes.“Junior Brother Aldric, thank you for saving me that night. These are the proceeds from that mission, fully settled. I brought them personally to express my gratitude.”Aldric shook his head lightly. “You’re too polite, Senior Brother. We’re fellow disciples—it’s what we should do.”Opening the boxes, Aldric discovered at least a hundred silver drachs inside. He frowned. Even with the Crimson Peaks Guild trading contraband, the mission’s settlement could not possibly yield this much. The martial hall and escort bureau would take most, leaving only a modest portion for participants. Thirty to fifty silver drachs per person was already generous.“Senior Brother, this amount doesn’t seem right,” he said cautiously.“My share is included. It’s just a small token of appreciation,” Lucian replied with a faint smile.“It wouldn’t be right for you to take nothing,” Aldric insisted
Chapter 11
Shadows of the UnseenThe air in Stormpine Martial Hall had shifted overnight. The aftermath of the First Trial of Shadows lingered like a half-remembered dream—thick, suffocating, yet electrifying. Courtyards glistened with dew, lanterns flickered faintly against the pale dawn, and even the walls seemed to hum with anticipation.Alaric Vale moved through the eastern corridors, every step measured, every breath controlled, his senses stretched taut across the hall’s shifting landscape. Observation Group Theta had not yet appeared, yet he felt their presence in every corner, every shadow. Victor Dane remained unaccounted for, but Alaric knew he was watching, testing, probing like a predator stalking invisible prey.At the edge of the outer training grounds, the rising sun cast pale shafts of light through lingering mist. Each reflection in the puddles teased the mind with false movement. Alaric’s eyes narrowed; perception and reality often blurred here—but he had learned the difference
Chapter 10
The First Trial of ShadowsDawn crept over Stormpine Martial Hall, a slow burn of gold across frost-covered courtyards. The chill bit at the outer disciples’ skin, but Alaric Vale remained in the shadowed corner of the eastern wall, still as stone, eyes tracing the subtle movements around him. Weeks of observation, training, and silent study had honed every sense. Today, all that preparation would face its first true test: the First Trial of Shadows.A low, commanding horn split the morning air. Master Rowan Whitestone appeared on the raised platform, robes catching the breeze, eyes sharp and calculating as they swept over the gathered disciples.“Strength, speed, and precision alone will not suffice,” he announced. “Only those who perceive, adapt, and act under shifting conditions will endure.”Alaric’s lips curved into a controlled, slight smile. This was expected. Every probable challenge—ambushes, misdirection, the subtle unveiling of weakness—had already been traced in his mind.
Chapter 9
The Moment Balance BreaksA stubborn mist clung to Stormpine Martial Hall at dawn, curling around the courtyards and towers like a deliberate veil. The air felt heavy, pressing against movement, softening sound, masking the subtle shifts of those who moved beneath its shroud. Alaric Vale stood atop the eastern wall, shoulders relaxed, yet every muscle taut, eyes sweeping the inner courtyard below.For weeks, he had operated under observation. Measured. Tested. Not just by senior disciples, but by silent forces that moved unseen. Observation Group Theta lingered like a shadow he could not escape, and Victor Dane’s subtle provocations had become a puzzle of timing, distance, and intent.Alaric’s mind cataloged every step, every glance, every whispered word, weighing probability and outcome. He had learned to move like water—fluid, deliberate, adaptable. But today felt different. A tension simmered in the air, something beyond routine drills, beyond observation. The hall itself seemed po
Chapter 8
A Role Written in ShadowDawn arrived without warmth.Stormpine Martial Hall rested beneath a pale sky, its stone walkways damp with lingering night dew. The usual morning calm felt heavier today, as if the mountain itself was holding its breath. Alaric Vale had been awake long before the first bell, seated in silence as the dark metal token rested against his palm.Observation Group Theta.The weight of the assignment pressed deeper than its physical form. This was not advancement. Not recognition. It was utilization. A role carved quietly into the structure of Stormpine, unseen but essential.He slipped the token into his sleeve and rose.Today was not about training his body. It was about learning how far obedience would stretch before it became something else entirely.A single knock broke the stillness. Measured. Exact.Alaric opened the door without hesitation.The man outside wore no colors of rank. No insignia. His robe was dark and unremarkable, crafted to avoid attention ent
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