The sun hung low as Seol-Yeong, Yoon-Hee, and Hyeon walked along a dirt path winding through the dense Whispering Woods. The air was cool and carried the scent of pine and distant rain. Despite the calm surroundings, the tension between them was palpable — not out of conflict, but anticipation.
"Now that we've got these… names," Yoon-Hee said, her voice thoughtful, "people will come for us."
Seol-Yeong nodded. "The Murim world respects strength, but it also challenges it. If we keep pushing forward, we'll draw even stronger enemies."
Hyeon grinned. "Good. I'm tired of weaklings." He cracked his knuckles, the sound like distant thunder. "But if we want to survive those enemies, we need to get a lot stronger."
That was why they were heading to the ancient training grounds — the Crumbling Heaven Valley. It was said to be a place where countless martial masters had trained and died, a land steeped in danger and opportunity. Rumors claimed the valley hid rare treasures, ancient techniques, and fierce beasts that could push any warrior to their limits.
As they walked, Yoon-Hee glanced at Seol-Yeong. "You still haven't told us where you got that Primordial Ascent Manual. And what exactly is it?"
Seol-Yeong hesitated. He had kept that secret for a long time — not out of mistrust, but because the manual itself felt… different. Dangerous, even. But they were a team now, and they deserved to know.
"I found it years ago," he finally said. "In the ruins of the Skyfall Temple. There was a sealed chamber, filled with ancient wards and traps. At the center… was the manual."
"Skyfall Temple?" Hyeon's eyes widened. "That place was destroyed centuries ago!"
Seol-Yeong nodded. "And yet the chamber remained untouched. When I took the manual, the entire temple collapsed around me — like it had been waiting for someone to claim it." He paused. "The manual isn't like other techniques. It… changes you. Refines not just your body, but your soul. And the deeper I go, the more I feel like it's only the beginning."
Yoon-Hee's expression softened. "Then we'll make sure you master it. Together."
Hyeon clapped a hand on Seol-Yeong's shoulder. "And if it tries to eat your soul, I'll punch it. Problem solved."
Despite himself, Seol-Yeong smiled.
As they walked, the trees thinned — and then the ground trembled.
From the shadows ahead, a massive beast emerged — a Bloodfang Bear, its fur matted with dark stains, its eyes glowing with savage hunger. It was easily three times their height, each step shaking the earth.
"Looks like we've got a warm-up," Hyeon said, already stepping forward.
"I'll take its legs," Yoon-Hee said, frost forming at her fingertips.
"I'll handle the head," Seol-Yeong replied, his sword sliding free with a flash of azure fire.
The Bloodfang Bear roared — and the battle began.