By the end of the week, Raon had somehow acquired five regular "students" though he refused to call them that.
Han Jiwoo (timid water cultivator), Nam Hyunwoo (wanna be demon slayer), Lee Sojin (strategic mind), Park Minho (water affinity but unbuilt body), and Choi Ara (the medic's younger sister, who'd apparently been watching his "teaching sessions").
They met in the outer courtyard during free practice hours, away from the main training grounds where elders might notice.
"Okay," Raon said, addressing the group. "Let's get one thing straight. I'm not a teacher. I'm a guard who occasionally gives advice. If anyone asks, we never had these sessions."
**That's definitely not suspicious at all.**
"Why the secrecy, sir?" Jiwoo asked quietly.
"Because the sect has formal instructors for a reason," Raon explained. "If they find out a guard is teaching disciples, it'll cause problems. For both me and you."
"But your methods work better than the instructors'," Sojin said, her analytical eyes sharp. "I've been tracking my progress. Three days of your breathing technique improved my Qi control more than three months of formal training."
**She's going to figure you out. That one's dangerous.**
"The formal methods are designed for groups," Raon said carefully. "What I'm showing you is just... personalized observation. Anyone could do it if they paid attention."
"But they don't," Hyunwoo said, grinning. "That's why you're better, Guard Raon!"
**I bet he thinks you're secretly a hidden master. Congratulations, you're now a walking trope.**
Raon rubbed his temples. "Let's just practice. Jiwoo, show me your Water Ripple technique."
As the session progressed, Raon found himself actually enjoying it. These kids reminded him of his college friends, struggling, determined, a little clueless, but willing to try.
**Character growth detected. You're getting soft.**
"Am not."
**You smiled at Jiwoo when she got the technique right.**
"So? She worked hard."
**And you gave Hyunwoo a head pat when he managed not to get blown away.**
"He's like a golden retriever puppy. It was instinct."
**Uh huh. Sure.**
The session ended as the sun began to set. The disciples bowed respectfully (despite Raon's protests) and dispersed.
As Raon turned to leave, he found Jin standing at the courtyard entrance, arms crossed, with an amused expression.
"So," Jin said. "You're not a teacher?"
**Busted.**
"How long were you watching?" Raon asked.
"Long enough to see you explain Qi circulation using a water bucket for reference" Jin said, stepping closer. "And to see those disciples improve more in one hour than they have in months."
Raon sighed. "Are you going to report me?"
"No," Jin said. "I'm going to join you."
**PLOT TWIST!**