The next morning, the courtyard was even colder. A wind blew across the stone tiles, carrying the metallic tang of blood from the training posts where disciples practiced.
Seo Jin stood in the center again, sword in hand. His body was still sore from yesterday. Every muscle ached, but he forced himself not to show weakness.
The fox clung to his shoulder like a scarf, tail wrapped around his neck. "Host, are you ready? Remember, this isn't just training. This is romance training. When he swings at you, think of it as a love tap—"
Seo Jin grabbed its tail and tugged until it squealed. "Shut it before I strangle you."
The disciples gathered around, whispering. Some were excited, others were mocking.
"Will he last longer today?"
"He'll just get crushed again."
Seo Jin ignored them, eyes fixed on the man in black standing across from him.
The Villain's presence was the same as always—cold, sharp, suffocating. His long sword rested in his hand as if it weighed nothing. He looked at Seo Jin with eyes that felt like something cutting through skin and soul.
"You didn't run away," the Villain said.
Seo Jin smirked faintly. "Would you have chased me if I did?"
The Villain didn't answer. He lifted his sword slightly. "Begin."
Seo Jin's heart kicked up. He charged first, knowing waiting would only get him destroyed. His blade swung low, aiming for the leg.
Clang!
The Villain's sword intercepted with a single flick. The force rattled through Seo Jin's arms, nearly making him drop his weapon.
He's too fast. His reflexes are like an AI boss with no cooldowns.
The Villain pressed forward. Seo Jin barely dodged, rolling across the ground. His knees scraped against stone, blood oozing instantly. He hissed, but didn't stop.
The fox shouted in his head, "Host, dramatic rolls don't count as flirting! Try smiling! Maybe he'll spare you!"
Seo Jin snarled under his breath, "If I smile right now, it'll be my funeral grin."
He scrambled to his feet, swinging again. The Villain blocked it lazily, his movements smooth and effortless. Seo Jin was fighting with all he had, but the man looked like he was swatting away a fly.
Damn it. How am I supposed to land a hit on this monster?
The Villain struck suddenly. Seo Jin barely raised his sword in time. The impact shot through his arms, and his knees buckled. His grip slipped, the blade almost flying from his hands.
Pain burned through his palms. Blood dripped where the metal had cut into his skin.
The disciples laughed openly.
"Pathetic!"
"He can't even hold a sword!"
Seo Jin's jaw tightened. He lifted his head, smirk sharp despite the pain. "If you're enjoying the show, remember to clap when I fall."
Laughter grew louder.
But the Villain's eyes flickered faintly. He swung again, forcing Seo Jin to stumble back.
Seo Jin's breath grew heavy. His weak body couldn't keep up. His vision blurred at the edges.
Think. Think. What would I do in a raid boss fight? You can't win head-on. You kite. You stall. You wait for the one mistake.
Seo Jin adjusted his grip, ignoring the sting of blood. He lowered his stance, eyes narrowing.
This time, when the Villain lunged, Seo Jin sidestepped and slashed—not at the body, but at the Villain's sword hand. The blade barely grazed the robe, but for the first time, his strike had connected.
Gasps erupted around them.
Seo Jin grinned through the sweat. Got you, even if just a scratch.
The Villain's gaze sharpened. His aura grew heavier, pressing down like a mountain. Seo Jin's chest tightened, breath caught in his throat.
The fox squealed. "Host, you made him serious! Quick, say something flirty before he kills you!"
Seo Jin spat blood to the side, smirking. "You're heavier than you look, Lord. Careful, or I might start thinking you like stepping on me."
The courtyard exploded in shocked gasps.
The Villain froze. His eyes darkened, unreadable. For a moment, the silence was crushing.
Seo Jin's smirk didn't fade, though inside he was screaming at himself. Why the hell did I say that out loud?!
The Villain's sword lowered slightly. His gaze lingered on Seo Jin, cold and sharp, but… different. Harder to read.
Finally, he turned away. "Enough for today."
Whispers swept through the disciples like fire.
"Enough? Already?"
"He didn't kill him?"
Seo Jin dropped to one knee, sword digging into the ground as he used it to steady himself. His whole body trembled from exhaustion. Blood dripped from his hands, his knees, even the corner of his mouth. But his grin was still there.
Still alive. That counts as victory.
A faint sound echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Mission Update: Gain the Villain's Favor – Progress 45%]
Seo Jin groaned. I bleed out half my body and only get ten percent? This system is scamming me.
The fox wagged its tail wildly. "Host! Did you see? He stopped the fight early! That means he cares about you! Progress, progress!"
Seo Jin collapsed onto the ground, staring up at the sky. "If this is romance, I'd rather stay single."
But even as he said it, he couldn't forget the way the Villain had looked at him just now. Cold, sharp… and curious.
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Cliffhanger End of Chapter Eight.