Dean's heart hammered in his chest as he stared at the empty window frame, the night air carrying a faint chill that matched the dread pooling in his gut. Kai's voice lingered like a venomous echo, stirring memories of his past life's humiliation—the laughter, the fall, the endless replay of his failure. Why me? Dean thought, fists clenching until his knuckles whitened. He wasn't a hero; he was just a guy who'd slipped into this world by accident. But now, with Lian's worried face flashing in his mind, fear twisted into something sharper: resolve. He couldn't let Kai win. Not when people were starting to believe in him.
"Vera," Dean whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "That was Kai outside. He's coming for me."
Vera's response was immediate, her sassy tone laced with an unusual edge of concern—like a tough coach hiding worry for her star player. "I heard, darling. That prodigy's got more ego than spirit energy. But you? You've got me. Mini-quest update: Master Thunderclap Swagger Strike by Dawn. Reward: 40 Flex Points and the full technique. Fail, and Kai's sabotage will hit harder than your doubts. Let's turn that fear into fuel."
Dean nodded, though she couldn't see it, and paced his hut. Doubt gnawed at him—What if I'm not enough?—but Vera's words sparked a flicker of hope. He opened the Swagger Shop, the glowing interface a comforting distraction. With his remaining 10 Flex Points from the Thousand Steps climb, he bought a minor Focus Buff, feeling a warm clarity wash over his mind. It dulled the panic, sharpening his focus on the task ahead.
Outside, the sect grounds were quiet under the moonlit sky, but Dean couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He slipped out, heading to a secluded training clearing near the edge of Iron Claw Mountain. The air hummed with ambient spirit energy, and Dean drew it in, his Mortal Tier cultivation stirring like a hesitant flame. Emotions surged: frustration at his weakness, grief for his lost life, and a budding protectiveness for Lian and Brock. They see something in me, he thought, tears pricking his eyes. I won't let them down.
"Alright, Vera," Dean said, voice steadier now. "Teach me this Thunderclap Swagger Strike."
Vera's voice purred with approval. "That's my cupcake—embracing the swagger. It's a palm strike infused with thunder essence. Channel your spirit energy, add a dash of flair, and boom—shockwave that stuns foes. But it needs emotion to pack a punch. Feel that anger at Kai? Use it. Mini-quest step one: Practice on those boulders. Make 'em crumble with style."
Dean positioned himself, palms forward, and focused. His first attempt was pathetic—a weak spark that fizzled out, leaving him breathless and humiliated. Doubt crashed back, heavier than before. Banana Boy strikes again, he thought bitterly, slumping against a tree. Tears of frustration welled up, hot and unbidden. Why couldn't he get this right? Lian's kind eyes, Brock's goofy loyalty—they deserved better than a fraud.
"Get up, darling," Vera commanded, her tone softening just a fraction. "Everyone stumbles. Remember Gao? You flexed then. Do it now—for them."
Inspired by her rare gentleness, Dean rose, wiping his eyes. He thought of Lian's worry, Brock's enthusiasm, and channeled it into his core. Spirit energy surged, mixing with his emotions like fuel on a fire. He thrust his palm at a nearby boulder, yelling, "This is for doubting me!" A crackling thunderclap erupted, the strike sending a shockwave that split the rock in two. Dust billowed, and Dean staggered back, awe replacing his fear.
Vera cheered. "Yes! That's the emotion I'm talking about. Halfway there—keep going!"
Hours blurred into a montage of strikes, each one stronger as Dean poured his heart into them. Frustration gave way to exhilaration, doubt to determination. By midnight, his palms ached, but the Thunderclap Swagger Strike felt like an extension of himself—a weapon born from his inner turmoil. Flex Points trickled in from mini-milestones, pushing him to 30.
But as dawn approached, sabotage struck. A rustle in the bushes made Dean whirl, his enhanced senses from the Focus Buff alerting him. Three shadowy figures emerged—Kai's lackeys, their auras flaring with low Spirit Tier energy. The leader, a smirking disciple named Huo, cracked his knuckles. "Young Master Kai sends his regards, Trash. Time to clip your wings."
Dean's stomach dropped, fear spiking like ice in his veins. This is it—Kai's move. But beneath the terror, anger boiled. These thugs threatened everything he was building. "Vera," he muttered, "help me flex through this."
"Emergency mini-quest: Repel the Saboteurs with Style," Vera replied, her voice commanding and fierce. "Use your new strike. Reward: 50 Flex Points and a Defense Aura Buff. Show them your heart, darling."
The lackeys charged, fists glowing with basic techniques. Dean dodged the first, his Speed Buff from the Thousand Steps making him nimble. Emotion fueled him—protectiveness for his friends, defiance against bullies. He countered with Thunderclap Swagger Strike, palm slamming into Huo's shoulder. Thunder roared, sending Huo flying into a tree with a stunned gasp. The crowd—wait, no crowd yet, but Dean struck a quick pose anyway, channeling Vera's flair.
The other two hesitated, eyes wide. "He's got real power!" one yelped.
Dean's confidence soared, emotions transforming fear into triumph. He unleashed another strike, the shockwave knocking them back. They fled, cursing under their breath, leaving Dean panting but victorious.
Vera's praise was warm. "Quest complete! 50 Flex Points—you're at 80 now. That emotion? Pure gold. One day left to impress the sect."
Exhausted but elated, Dean returned to his hut, a smile breaking through his weariness. For the first time, he felt like he belonged. But as he collapsed onto his mat, a note slipped under the door: "Tomorrow's trial will be your last. – Kai"
Dean's elation shattered, replaced by a wave of anxiety. The sect's upcoming disciple trial—his chance to shine. But with Kai pulling strings, what traps awaited? Vera's voice whispered, "Rest up, cupcake. Tomorrow, we flex like never before—or fall trying."