(隐藏的力量 - Yǐncáng de Lìliàng)
The halls of Mist Dragon Academy (雾龙学院 - Wù Lóng Xué Yuàn) were buzzing with rumors after Raiko's match with Wei Jinhai. Though it wasn't an outright victory, Raiko's ability to dodge most of Jinhai's attacks had caught the attention of many students.
Some thought it was luck. Others weren't so sure.
Raiko, however, paid little mind to the whispers. He knew how dangerous attention could be. He had spent his entire life pretending to be ordinary, hiding the truth of his right-hand power. If anyone found out what he truly possessed, he would no longer be just another academy student he would become a target.
"Looks like you've made a name for yourself," a familiar voice teased.
Raiko turned to see Feng Ren (冯仁 - Féng Rén), one of the few people at the academy he considered a friend. With his lazy smile and carefree attitude, Feng Ren didn't seem like much, but Raiko had a feeling the boy was sharper than he let on.
"I didn't do anything," Raiko replied casually.
Feng Ren chuckled. "That's the problem. You didn't do anything, yet people are still talking about you." He leaned against the wall. "If you keep this up, someone stronger than Jinhai will come knocking."
Raiko sighed. "Then I'll lose properly next time."
Feng Ren raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what if you can't afford to lose?"
Raiko hesitated. That was a question he didn't have an answer for.
Later that afternoon, an unexpected summons arrived.
"The Academy Elder wants to see you," a senior student informed him.
Raiko's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was cautious. The Academy Elder, Elder Tian (田老 - Tián Lǎo), rarely called students unless it was something important.
As he stepped into the Elder's chamber, he found the old man seated at a low wooden table, sipping tea. Elder Tian's sharp eyes studied him carefully, as if peering into his very soul.
"You are Raiko, yes?" the elder asked.
"Yes, Elder," Raiko replied respectfully.
Elder Tian set his teacup down. "You are an interesting one. You entered this academy with no notable background, no known clan, and yet… you avoided Jinhai's attacks with the grace of a seasoned warrior."
Raiko's heart pounded, but he kept his face unreadable. "It was just luck."
Elder Tian chuckled. "Perhaps." He gestured toward a scroll on the table. "The academy was founded to give those without status a chance to rise. But sometimes, even among the 'weak,' there are those who do not belong." His eyes locked onto Raiko's. "Tell me, boy… do you seek power?"
Raiko's fingers twitched. He knew this was a test. He had to tread carefully.
"I seek to survive," he answered truthfully.
Elder Tian's gaze lingered on him before he finally nodded. "A wise answer."
He waved his hand, dismissing Raiko. "That will be all… for now."
Raiko bowed and left the chamber, but he knew this wasn't over. Elder Tian had noticed something. It was only a matter of time before others did too.
That night, Raiko couldn't sleep. His mind replayed the encounter with Elder Tian over and over.
As he lay on his small wooden bed, he suddenly felt a presence outside his window. His instincts flared someone was watching him.
Moving silently, he approached the window and opened it slightly.
A hooded figure stood on the rooftop across from his room. The moonlight barely illuminated their form, but Raiko could see a silver insignia on their cloak the mark of the Hidden Claw (隐爪 - Yǐn Zhǎo), a secret faction known for hunting those with rare abilities.
His grip tightened. Have they discovered me already?
The figure didn't attack. Instead, they raised a single hand and whispered, "Soon."
Then, like a shadow in the wind, they vanished.
Raiko closed the window, his mind racing.
Someone knew.
And soon, he would have no choice but to fight.