The first light of dawn crept into the small two-bedroom house, casting a soft glow across the sparsely furnished space. Elara, stirring awake in her room, rubbed her eyes groggily. She stretched, her mind already drifting to the day's training. But as she approached Yohan's room to wake him up—a task she'd recently assigned herself—her steps slowed, a sense of dread bubbling up in her chest.
Pushing open the door, Elara was greeted by a sight that had become far too familiar: Selene, comfortably curled up beside Yohan on his bed. Her arms were wrapped tightly around him, her head nestled against his chest with a blissful smile plastered across her face. Yohan, as always, was utterly unfazed, lying on his back with a calm, indifferent expression, his crimson eyes half-open as though he'd been awake for hours.
"Again?" Elara's voice was sharp, her irritation palpable. She stormed into the room, glaring daggers at Selene. "Selene, what are you doing in here? You're supposed to sleep in our room!"
Selene blinked sleepily, barely lifting her head from Yohan's chest. "It's more comfortable here," she said nonchalantly, as though her actions were perfectly justified. "Besides, Yohan doesn't mind, right?" She looked up at Yohan with a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying the chaos she was causing.
Yohan let out a sigh, running a hand through his long black hair. "You're loud this morning," he muttered, sitting up and dislodging Selene's grip with practiced ease. "Do whatever you want, just don't drag me into it."
"That's exactly the problem!" Elara snapped, crossing her arms. "You let her get away with this every night! It's inappropriate, and it's... it's annoying!" Her face flushed with frustration, though whether it was due to Selene's antics or her own jealousy, she wasn't entirely sure.
Selene, undeterred, slid off the bed and stretched languidly. "Oh, Elara, you're just jealous," she said, flashing a teasing smile. "Maybe if you were a little braver, you'd sleep here too."
Elara's face turned crimson, and she sputtered in protest. "I am not jealous! And I would never—ugh, you're impossible!"
As the two girls continued their heated exchange, Yohan rose from the bed, his movements calm and deliberate. He adjusted his tunic and reached for his daggers, securing them at his waist. The morning light glinted off the dark metal of his weapons as he turned to face the door.
"Are you two done?" Yohan asked, his voice carrying a faint edge of impatience. "We have training to get to, and I don't have time for this nonsense."
Both girls froze, their argument cut short by his words. Elara looked away, muttering something under her breath, while Selene simply shrugged, a satisfied smirk on her face.
"Good." Yohan walked past them, his crimson eyes scanning the hallway as though already planning the day ahead. "Let's go. We're wasting time."
As Yohan exited the room, Selene followed closely behind, sticking her tongue out at Elara before trailing after him. Elara stood in the doorway for a moment, her fists clenched at her sides, before letting out a frustrated sigh and hurrying to catch up.
The tension in the house lingered as the trio stepped outside, but Yohan paid it no mind. For him, the petty squabbles were nothing more than background noise, distractions he couldn't afford to entertain. His thought about the path ahead—both the day's training and the long road to power that stretched before him, as he headed towards the training grounds.
The sect's training grounds buzzed with activity as disciples gathered in the early morning light. The hum of conversation filled the air, ranging from discussions about cultivation techniques to the occasional whisper about rivalries and alliances. A sharp gong echoed through the grounds, silencing the chatter. The elder who had overseen the outer disciples' induction stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the assembly. His presence commanded immediate attention.
With his long silver beard and piercing gaze, Elder Han radiated authority. His voice, steady and clear, carried across the crowd. "Disciples of the outer sect," he began, his tone both formal and weighty, "the time has come to test your resolve and potential. In one month's, time, the Inner Sect Trials will commence."
The gathered disciples exchanged excited and nervous glances. Everyone knew about the Inner Sect Trials—an event that separated the truly ambitious from the rest. To succeed was to gain access to unparalleled resources, advanced techniques, and a status that could elevate one's position within the sect.
Elder Jian raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. "These trials are not for the faint of heart. To be eligible, you must demonstrate sufficient cultivation, strength, and strategy. But let me be clear: the trials are as dangerous as they are rewarding. Injury, failure, and even deaths are not uncommon. Only those with unwavering determination should consider participating."
Yohan stood near the back of the crowd; his expression unreadable. Elara and Selene flanked him, their reactions markedly different. Elara's eyes widened with both excitement and trepidation, while Selene appeared confident, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
"The trials," Elder Han continued, "will test not only your physical abilities but also your wits and resilience. Every disciple will face challenges tailored to expose their strengths and weaknesses. This is your chance to prove your worth."
As the elder's words hung in the air, Yohan's mind sharpened. He had no intention of remaining in the outer sect for long. The trials were not just an opportunity—they were a necessary step in his path to power. His resolve hardened as he listened, tuning out the nervous whispers of the crowd around him.
Elder Han's gaze swept over the assembly. "Prepare yourselves. The trials will not wait for those who hesitate."
With that, he stepped down from the platform, leaving the disciples to process the gravity of his announcement.
As the crowd began to disperse, Yohan turned to leave, his thoughts already focused on the preparations he would need to make for the trials. Before he could take a step, a voice cut through the air—a voice laced with mockery and arrogance.
"Leaving so soon, 'trash'?"
Yohan stopped and turned, his crimson eyes meeting the haughty gaze of Zane Stormbourne, the senior disciple who had taken an immediate dislike to him during their first encounter. Zane's ornate robes and confident smirk screamed entitlement, and the crowd quickly turned their attention to the brewing confrontation.
Zane stepped forward; his arms crossed over his chest. "I couldn't help but notice you standing there, looking all calm and composed," he sneered. "Do you honestly think someone like you has a chance in the Inner Sect Trials? Don't make me laugh."
Elara bristled beside Yohan, her hands curling into fists. Selene's smile disappeared, her eyes narrowing at the senior disciple. "Watch your mouth," Selene said sharply. "You have no idea what Yohan is capable of."
Zane chuckled, ignoring her. His gaze remained fixed on Yohan. "You should do yourself a favor and withdraw now," he continued. "The trials are no place for weaklings. I'll make sure of that."
Yohan's expression didn't change. He regarded Zane with the same calm indifference he had shown to most of the petty dramas around him. Without a word, he turned and began to walk away, his movements measured and unhurried.
Zane's smirk faltered, irritation flashing across his face. "What's the matter? Too scared to respond?" he called out, his voice rising with frustration.
Yohan paused and glanced over his shoulder, his crimson eyes locking onto Zane's. "I don't waste time on distractions," he said simply, his tone cold and detached.
The crowd murmured, some disciples exchanging impressed glances while others chuckled at Zane's failed attempt to provoke a reaction. Zane's face twisted in anger, but he didn't pursue Yohan further. Instead, he called out, "We'll see how long you can keep that attitude, trash. The trials will expose you for what you are."
Yohan didn't respond. He continued walking, Elara and Selene following close behind. Elara glanced at him; her concern evident. "Yohan, you can't just ignore people like that. Zane is dangerous—he could make things difficult for you in the trials."
"He can try," Yohan said, his tone flat. "It won't change my path."
Selene glanced back at the fuming Zane and grinned. "You really know how to get under people's skin without even trying," she said, her admiration evident.
Yohan didn't reply. His mind was already on the trials and the preparation he would need to ensure his victory. Zane Stormbourne was nothing more than an obstacle—a minor inconvenience on the road to power.