Chapter 3: Sharpening Claws
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The Spirit Hall branch academy in Greenbranch Town was built more for routine order than glory—stone courtyards, humble halls, and dormitories tucked behind tall wooden gates. But to Evan Cross, it was the first battlefield.
Here, strength meant survival. Discipline meant progress. And mediocrity meant stagnation.
He had no intention of being mediocre.
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Morning – Meditation Hall
Sweat dripped from Evan's chin as he sat cross-legged, drawing in spirit energy with steady, deep breaths. Around him, a dozen children did the same—but few with the same stillness.
The instructor, Naia, moved among the students quietly. She paused behind Evan.
"You're already stabilizing your soul power at rank 6," she noted. "How many cycles today?"
"Ninety-one, so far," he replied without opening his eyes.
Naia raised a brow. "That's nearing the fatigue threshold."
"I can handle it. If I don't push now, I'll regret it later."
His voice was calm, but the determination underneath was unshakable.
She studied him a moment longer, then nodded. "Carry on. Just don't tear your soul pathways."
Around him, several students peeked through half-closed eyes. Evan ignored them. He wasn't interested in showing off—but neither would he slow down for their comfort.
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Afternoon – Open Courtyard Training
Instructor Cheng barked commands over the thumping of fists and feet striking wooden dummies.
"Martial souls out! Combat movement drills!"
The students responded in turn. A boy with a short pike-shaped martial soul jabbed the air with clumsy thrusts. A girl with a Grass Snake martial soul focused on twisting evasion drills.
Evan stepped forward without hesitation.
"Duskwind Panther—activate!"
A rush of silvery wind swirled around him, coiling up his body like a miniature cyclone. A transparent panther, sleek and coiled like a spring, shimmered behind his back. His legs rippled with shadowy streaks, and his fingers flexed into claws.
Then—he moved.
He darted through a column of practice targets, pivoting low and striking upward with pinpoint strikes. His style wasn't flashy, but every motion was razor-focused, controlled. Fast enough that most of the other kids couldn't track him.
"Instructor," one of the boys muttered, "why does Evan get to move like that? He doesn't even have a soul skill yet."
"He's not using a skill," Cheng said firmly. "That's martial soul-based physical training. No cheat—just mastery of his body."
Evan finished the drill and turned toward the others, breathing steadily.
"You'll get there too," he said, not unkindly. "But you have to sweat for it. Every day."
A few of the boys looked down, embarrassed. One girl—Mira, with a Flame Finch martial soul—narrowed her eyes.
"If you're so serious, spar me," she said boldly.
Evan didn't hesitate. "Gladly."
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Sparring Circle
Students gathered around as Mira activated her martial soul. Flame-colored feathers shimmered across her arms, and the faint outline of a bird glowed behind her. She crouched, fists clenched.
"No soul rings, remember," Cheng reminded. "Only base soul power and your martial soul's traits."
Evan dropped into his stance. Duskwind Panther energy coiled around him again—his limbs light, his presence sharp.
Mira struck first—fiery jabs aiming for his shoulders.
He dodged sideways with a burst of speed, the wind whistling behind his feet. His counter came in a blur—an open-palm strike aimed at her ribs.
She twisted, blocked it, and slid back a half-step.
The clash continued for almost a full minute, each of them testing angles and speed. Finally, Evan ducked under a wide arc of flame and swept Mira's legs out from under her. She landed with a grunt—but rolled and popped back up.
Instructor Cheng raised his hand. "Enough. Good effort, both of you."
Mira wiped sweat from her brow. "You're faster than I expected."
Evan smiled. "You hit harder than I expected."
That earned a smirk from her. The other students clapped—not just for the fight, but for the spirit both showed.
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Evening – Dormitory Rooftop
The stars blinked above like cold lanterns. Evan sat alone on the dorm roof again, arms resting on his knees.
But this time, Mira climbed up beside him, dropping into a seat without asking.
"You really train like every minute counts," she said.
He glanced over. "Because it does."
"Most of us are just trying to hit rank 10 and get our first soul ring in a year or two. You act like the whole continent's chasing you."
Evan didn't answer for a long moment.
Finally: "Because I know what's out there. Soul beasts that'll kill you without a blink. Clans who value bloodlines more than talent. The world doesn't wait for slow learners."
She tilted her head. "You sound like you've seen it before."
He met her gaze. "I haven't. But I will."
And she believed him.
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End of Chapter 3