The air hung thick with tension as Floki, Kaida, and Tanaka emerged from the darkened forest, their steps steady and triumphant.
Their pouches jingled with the weight of their collected spoils, proof of their dominance over the bandits that had plagued the roads between Silverlake and Evergreen City.
The system pulsed faintly in Floki's vision.
[Ears Collected: 31. Current Ranking: Highest Among All Teams.]
Floki's grin stretched wide. "We've outdone ourselves, haven't we?"
Kaida wiped her blade clean, her voice calm. "Don't let your pride blind you. We're not back at the clan yet."
Tanaka adjusted the strap on his pouch, his twin daggers glinting faintly. "We've got the lead. Let's make sure we keep it."
As they walked along the winding path toward the Shadow Clan compound, Floki glanced at Kaida and Tanaka. "So, what's the deal with Bolo and his crew? Why do they act like they own the place?"
Kaida rolled her eyes. "Bolo thinks he's untouchable because he's the #2 disciple. He's strong, sure, but he loves reminding everyone of it."
Tanaka shrugged. "Zane's not much better. Always hanging on Bolo's every word like some loyal dog. Jace is the quiet one, but don't let that fool you. He's got skills."
Floki laughed softly, his tone teasing. "So, they're the type that talks big and gets mad when someone shows them up?"
Kaida smirked faintly. "Exactly. Bolo's not used to losing. Today probably bruised his ego more than his body."
Tanaka added with a grin, "And Zane? He'll be complaining about this for weeks."
Floki raised a hand, signaling a halt. His grin didn't waver as he turned to his companions. "Seems we're not done yet."
From the shadows of the treeline, a figure emerged—a lone bandit, limping but armed with a wicked-looking blade. His eyes burned with desperation and fury.
"You think you can take everything from us and leave?" the man snarled, his voice shaking. "You'll pay for what you've done."
The bandit lunged, his movements wild but fueled by desperation. Floki stepped aside, his staff whipping out to crack against the man's ribs.
The man crumpled to the ground, coughing blood. Floki leaned down, his voice low and mocking. "You should've stayed hidden. But I'll take the effort as a compliment and your ear."
Kaida stepped forward, ending the man's misery with a swift strike. She sheathed her blade, her gaze steady. "We don't need any more distractions."
[System Update: 32 ears collected!]
Floki straightened, twirling his staff lazily. "Agreed. Let's get back before Bolo's team tries anything sneaky."
The Shadow Clan compound loomed on the horizon as the group finally returned, their steps heavier with exhaustion but buoyed by victory.
The courtyard was alive with activity, disciples milling about as teams reported their results to Chang. Floki's sharp eyes caught sight of Bolo's team standing off to the side, their expressions grim.
Bolo met Floki's gaze, his jaw tightening. "You think you've won, don't you?"
Floki strolled up to him, his grin unwavering. "Think? No, Bolo. I know we've won."
Zane, standing beside Bolo, sneered. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Floki. The top dogs always fall the hardest."
Kaida's voice cut through the tension, her tone icy. "Save your threats. We've already proven who's better."
Bolo's face darkened, but his tone was laced with venom. "You just got lucky. That's all."
Floki leaned closer, his grin razor-sharp. "Luck? That's the best excuse you've got? Pathetic."
Zane's eyes narrowed. "Let's see how far your luck carries you next time."
"Next time?" Floki said with a laugh. "Next time, you'll be even further behind."
Chang's commanding voice silenced the murmurs as he stepped into the center of the courtyard. "Teams, present your spoils."
Each group stepped forward, their pouches of bandit ears placed on a long table. Chang's sharp gaze swept over them as he counted each contribution.
Bolo's team went first, presenting a total of 28 ears. Zane shot Floki a smug glance, his confidence returning for a brief moment.
Floki stepped forward next, his grin widening as he dropped his pouch onto the table. The contents spilled out, and a collective murmur swept through the crowd.
"Thirty-two," Chang announced, his tone even. "Floki's team holds the highest count."
Kaida crossed her arms, her expression amused as she studied Bolo's growing frustration.
Bolo's fists clenched at his sides. "This isn't over."
Floki shrugged casually. "Oh, it's over. But keep dreaming if it helps you sleep."
The disciples laughed softly, the sound cutting through the tension as Bolo stalked away.
Chang raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "Floki, Kaida, Tanaka—your efforts have proven your skill. Double cultivation resources for the week, as promised."
Tanaka grinned, his usual seriousness giving way to a rare moment of satisfaction. "Well deserved."
Floki inclined his head, his grin never fading. "Glad to be of service."
Later that evening, Floki sat cross-legged in his room, the system's faint glow illuminating his vision.
[Mission Complete: Bandit Hunt. Rewards Distributed. Additional Resource Bonus Applied.]
Kaida's earlier words echoed in his mind as he replayed the day's events. Don't let your pride blind you.
The system pulsed again, revealing new details about the energy siphoning blade he had claimed from the bandit leader.
[Weapon Scan Update:]
Type:Energy-Siphoning Blade.Properties:Enhanced sharpness, chi-draining capabilities, aura-dampening effect.Tier:High Mortal Level.Compatibility:Optimal with Shadow and Spirit Techniques.
The system then revealed an unexpected suggestion.
[New Opportunity Detected: Weapon Fusion.]
Recommended Fusion:Energy-Siphoning Blade + Staff of Illusion.Resulting Weapon:Ware Glaive of Vampiric Illusion.Properties:Enhances both chi-draining and illusion techniques. Versatile for long-range and melee combat. Tier Upgrade Potential: Mystic. Requirements: Celestial Iron, Shadow Ink, and Spirit Silver.
Floki's grin widened as he leaned back against the wall. "A Ware Glaive? You never disappoint."
His thoughts turned to Kaida and Tanaka. They had proven themselves reliable allies, but Floki knew he had to stay sharp. The path ahead would only grow more dangerous.
Tanaka's voice from earlier played in his mind. We've got the lead. Let's make sure we keep it.
Floki rested the blade across his lap, its energy a steady reminder of the power he was accumulating. The night was quiet, but Floki's mind raced with plans.
"This is only the beginning," he murmured, his tone filled with anticipation.
The shadows outside seemed to whisper in agreement as Floki prepared for what lay ahead...