Under the cover of night, an ethereal figure cloaked in shadows emerged silently from the forest. Its form was fluid, blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness as it moved with an eerie, soundless grace.

Reaching the edge of the shimmering barrier Merlin had erected, the figure paused. A shadowy hand, faintly translucent, stretched forward and brushed lightly against the barrier's surface. The faint glow rippled under the touch, a subtle pulse radiating outward, but the barrier held firm, undisturbed by the delicate contact.

The figure lingered, its presence still and intent, as though studying the intricate weave of mana keeping the barrier intact. After a moment, it withdrew its hand, the shadows enveloping it completely once more. Without disturbing the peaceful scene within, the figure melted back into the night, vanishing without a trace.

In a grand library illuminated by the flicker of oil lamps, an old nobleman sat at his desk, reviewing a stack of meticulously arranged reports. The papers detailed everything from the town’s income to local disputes and other mundane administrative matters.

The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, and from their depths, a figure emerged, bowing low in silent deference. The nobleman’s hand, poised over his work, stilled. Without a word, he turned his head slightly, acknowledging the presence.

“My lord,” the shadow began, its voice low and measured. “I bring news.”

The nobleman’s gaze sharpened, his fingers lightly brushing against the edge of the desk. “Speak,” he said, his voice calm but commanding.

“I have located a pair of individuals of interest. A powerful mage and a warrior of considerable skill. They were observed teaching the villagers an unusual method—one that awakened their systems in mere days.”

The noble’s brow furrowed slightly, though his tone remained even. “Unusual, you say? What manner of method?”

The shadow hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing. “It was not magic, my lord. The warrior referred to it as... ‘qi.’ Something I have never seen nor heard of before. Yet, the villagers adapted to it quickly. Within days, they displayed strength and coordination far beyond their prior abilities.”

The nobleman leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. “A foreign art, then,” he murmured, almost to himself. “And the mage?”

“He appears young, my lord, and his strength lies not in physicality but in his magic. However, his control over mana and use of diagrams suggest a sophisticated education—possibly from an academy.”

The noble tapped a finger lightly on the desk. “Keep watching them,” he ordered firmly. “I want every detail reported to me. And when they enter Terrilstead, ensure they are... welcomed appropriately.”

The shadow bowed low again. “As you wish, my lord.”

With that, the figure dissolved back into the darkness, leaving the nobleman alone with his thoughts.

“Two more anomalies…” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “That makes ten now.”

He stood from his chair, crossing the room to a large wooden board mounted on the wall. The board was adorned with numerous pins and strings, each connecting a series of portraits and documents. Names and brief descriptions were scrawled beneath each picture, detailing alliances, roles, and known activities of individuals scattered across the town and beyond.

His gaze scanned the intricate web of connections, pausing at a few faces with longer descriptions. “I suppose I’ll need someone on my side as well,” he muttered, a hint of resolve in his tone. “Just in case.”

The next morning, the sun climbed over the horizon, bathing the road in golden light. Yun Jin and Merlin trudged along the dirt path leading to Terrilstead, the town’s walls now visible in the distance. Merlin’s steps faltered occasionally, his small frame still recovering from the relentless physical training.

“Keep moving,” Yun Jin said, his tone firm but not unkind. “The sooner we get there, the sooner you can rest.”

Merlin huffed, gripping his staff like a walking stick. “Easy for you to say. You’re not dragging a pack that feels like it’s stuffed with bricks.”

Yun Jin chuckled, glancing at the oversized bag on Merlin’s back. “If you had told me, I would’ve carried it for you.”

“No way,” Merlin shot back, his cheeks flushing. “I can handle it!”

Yun Jin’s smirk widened. “Suit yourself.”

As they approached the gates of Terrilstead, they were greeted by the sight of guards standing watch. The town bustled with activity beyond the walls, the sounds of merchants hawking wares and townsfolk chattering blending into a lively cacophony.

The guards eyed the pair as they drew closer. “State your business,” one of them demanded.

Before Yun Jin could respond, Merlin stepped forward, holding out the medal given to them by the village elder. “We’re travelers, heading to the imperial city. This was given to us by Elder Harun.”

The guards didn’t utter a word, their expressions impassive as they stepped aside to let Yun Jin and Merlin pass.

No directions were given, leaving the pair standing at the gate, unsure of where to head next.

Yun Jin opened his mouth to ask where they should go, but the guards quickly called for the next in line, their attention already shifting to the people behind him. Realizing he wouldn’t get an answer, Yun Jin sighed and moved forward, Merlin trailing close behind.

The streets of Terrilstead were alive with color and movement. Merchants called out from stalls laden with vibrant fabrics, exotic spices, and gleaming trinkets. Children darted through the crowd, laughing as they played.

Merlin’s eyes widened as he took it all in, his earlier exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “This place is amazing!”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“Yeah, totally!” Yun Jin mumbled, his words muffled by the mouthful of food he was chewing. He gave a quick thumbs-up for emphasis, looking utterly unbothered as he reached for another skewer.

Merlin blinked in confusion. “When did you get that? I didn’t even see you—”

Yun Jin grinned, gesturing casually toward a stall nearby where a young woman balanced a tray of freshly grilled skewers, her mother working the smoking grill beside her. “I bought it from that lady over there.”

Merlin frowned. “Wait, with what money?”

“Oh, the money the villagers gave us,” Yun Jin said nonchalantly, then added with a playful smirk, “I saw you already carrying a lot of stuff, so I figured I’d help hold onto some of it for you. Pretty thoughtful of me, huh? Haha!”

Merlin groaned, rubbing his temple. “Unbelievable. You call this ‘helping’?”

Yun Jin laughed, tossing a coin toward Merlin, who barely managed to catch it. “Relax, here’s your cut. Don’t say I never share.”

Merlin stared at the coin in his hand, a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement spreading across his face. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Impossible?” Yun Jin replied, a playful glint in his eyes. “Some may even call me Limitless, hehehe. Come on, don’t be so picky. Are you a woman or something?” He reached out and ruffled Merlin’s hair, the teasing gesture catching the younger mage off guard.

Merlin froze for a moment, staring at Yun Jin. He wasn’t sure how to feel. Until now, Yun Jin had seemed like a figure carved from legend—a wise, almost larger-than-life presence, like his own grandfather.

But now?

He’s a lot more human than I thought, Merlin realized. A troublesome one at that.

Merlin huffed, blushing, batting Yun Jin’s hand away.

He protested, his cheeks tinged red as he avoided Yun Jin’s amused gaze.

--

Amid the lively scene, a sharp cry rang out.

“Thief! Someone stop him!”

A figure darted through the throng, clutching a small purse. The commotion barely registered with most, but Yun Jin’s sharp eyes flicked toward the movement. Without a word, he broke into a sprint, leaving Merlin behind as he navigated the crowd with practiced ease.

Merlin called after him, “Wait—what’s happening?” but Yun Jin was already gone, a blur weaving through the streets.

The thief ducked into a narrow alley, his steps frantic as he glanced over his shoulder. He smirked, certain he’d lost his pursuer. But just as he turned back, he froze.

Yun Jin stood at the alley’s far end, his stance relaxed but his gaze sharp.

“You’ve got quick feet,” Yun Jin remarked, his voice calm. “But not quick enough.”

The thief snarled, drawing a small dagger. “Stay back!”

Yun Jin didn’t flinch. Instead, he stepped forward, his movements fluid, his presence commanding.

The thief lunged, aiming to scare Yun Jin off, but before he could react, Yun Jin sidestepped effortlessly, his Qi-enhanced reflexes making the motion almost imperceptible.

With a single, deliberate motion, Yun Jin twisted his body and struck upward with a sharp, controlled kick. His foot connected with the thief’s arm, disarming him, before continuing in a graceful arc to land a second blow to the man’s chest.

The impact sent the thief sprawling onto the ground, gasping for air. The dagger clattered away, forgotten.

As the thief struggled to rise, Yun Jin lowered himself slightly, his Qi gathering as he delivered a palm strike to the ground. The resulting shockwave sent dust and debris scattering, disorienting the man and leaving him completely stunned.

Yun Jin reached down, retrieving the fallen purse with a stern expression.

Moments later, a young woman rushed toward Yun Jin, her expression a mix of relief and gratitude. Merlin trailed behind, looking winded and confused.

The woman stopped a few feet from Yun Jin, clasping her hands together. Her delicate features were framed by a cascade of silky, dark hair that shimmered in the sunlight, flowing past her shoulders like a waterfall. Her skin was smooth and luminous, with a natural glow that seemed untouched by hardship. Wide, doe-like eyes sparkled with innocence and gratitude, their depth captivating.

Her lips, full and naturally rosy, curved into a timid smile, their softness adding to her alluring charm. She wore a simple dress that clung delicately to her figure, hinting at firm, graceful curves. Her hips were wide yet proportionate, exuding a quiet femininity, while her posture remained elegant, giving her an air of modest allure.

“Thank you so much! That’s mine,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, carrying a sweetness that complemented her innocent demeanor.

Yun Jin extended the purse to her without a word, his stern face unreadable. She accepted it with a warm smile, clutching it to her chest. “You’re my savior! Please, let me repay you. How about dinner at my home? I insist!” Her soft, tender hand reached out, gently clasping his.

Merlin’s eyes widened as he saw Yun Jin brushing her hand away.

“That’s not necessary,” Yun Jin said, his tone cold and steady.

Yun Jin’s gaze darkened, his face growing unreadable.

Without a word, his sharp eyes flicked past the woman, scanning their surroundings. His movements became deliberate as he stepped around her, taking Merlin with him, his grip firm but steady.

He stopped just short of the alley’s exit, his presence threatening as he rested a hand on the hilt of his sword.

“I’ll give you one chance,” he said firmly. “Explain yourself.”