Red symbolized survival instinct, a primal force that needed to be controlled to advance to the next color. The emotion to master during this stage was Fear. Students were required to fight blindfolded, their eyes covered by a strip of cloth, against multiple White Garment opponents. The training was designed to push them to their limits, forcing them to face the unknown.
Fear often awakens rage, humanity’s most primal response. Controlling that rage was the key to unlocking the “Red Form.” At first, Drazel struggled, his frustrations mounting with every bruise and scratch he sustained. Each missed strike and failed defense stoked his anger, leaving him caught in a cycle of impotence and fury. But with time, pain became his teacher. Slowly, he learned to channel that energy, harnessing it into a calm focus that transformed his movements.
Eventually, Drazel reached a turning point, defeating up to five White Garment students while blindfolded. At that moment, his challenges evolved—his opponents were replaced by Red Garment students, repeating the grueling process. During this phase, Drazel was introduced to the technique known as “Red Ocean”: a relentless, rage-fueled onslaught designed to overwhelm and shatter an opponent’s defenses.
After a year of rigorous training, Drazel’s mastery of “Red Ocean” reached a pinnacle during a sparring match with his master, Kirin—a tall, commanding figure clad in the regal Purple Garment. In a climactic moment, Drazel broke through Kirin’s defense, landing a single, decisive blow. His triumph, however, was short-lived; Kirin retaliated instantly, his counterattack sending Drazel hurtling five meters across the training hall, crashing into one of the enormous pillars that framed the space.
That day left a lasting impression on Drazel, but it wasn’t the impact against the pillar he remembered most. It was Kirin’s words:
“Well done. I’m proud of you,” his master said. For the first time, Drazel felt he had truly earned his master’s approval.
Later, after training had ended for the day, Kirin shared surprising news.
Kirin
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I’ll leave in a week for the Violet test
Drazel
May the Dragon Guide you Master
Kirin
You don’t have to be that serious with me, when was the last time you called me father?
Drazel
Before I took the red garment
Kirin
Being disciplined is a good thing, but everything in excess is counterproductive, try to find balance, son.
Drazel
Will do…father.
Kirin’s departure marked the beginning of a long journey said to last at least two years. It also left Drazel to continue honing his skills alone.
To advance further, all Red Garment students were required to face one another in combat. There were 28 students in total, and over the course of a single week, hundreds of duels took place. Drazel emerged victorious in every match, achieving a perfect 27-0 record.
His flawless performance earned him the nickname the undefeated rookie, though not all the attention was positive. Rumors swirled—some claimed his victories were sheer luck, while others whispered that Kirin had secretly been coaching him. These rumors only deepened Drazel’s isolation. In two years as a student of the Order, he had yet to make a single friend.
The Order’s lack of an age limit only widened the gap between him and others. Among the ranks, students ranged from 14 to 50 years old. Drazel’s time spent reading books and honing his craft had left him ill-equipped to connect with others. He felt unworthy of companionship. In his mind, he needed to be stronger, better—to prove himself before seeking the camaraderie he craved.
By completing the series of duels, Drazel earned the Orange Garment, a symbol of conquering fear and overcoming the mental barriers that paralyze action in battle. During this stage, students learned the technique called “Bright Whisper.” It required stepping into the enemy’s offensive range and counterattacking with precision. To master this form, a practitioner had to release all feelings of guilt or self-blame—only by forgiving oneself could they act decisively in the heat of combat.
Drazel’s journey toward Orange marked a shift, not just in his skill but in his understanding of himself. As he shed the weight of fear and doubt, he began to glimpse the warrior he was destined to become.