Floki sat in his room, spinning his staff between his fingers with a sly grin. He hated being the 10th disciple, a position that came with the dull task of training outer disciples. To escape it, he needed to climb higher, and Kaida was his target. She was strong, skilled, and focused, but Floki had no intention of fighting her fairly.

He wasn’t just any disciple—he was a Trickster reborn. The system pulsed in his vision, delivering a new message.

[Objective: Challenge Kaida for the 9th Rank. Strategy Required.]

Floki leaned back, his grin widening. “Strategy is my specialty,” he said softly. He knew Kaida admired strength but craved connection in this cold and harsh clan. Floki decided to give her exactly what she wanted.

That night, under the moonlight, Floki found Kaida near the training grounds. She was alone, practicing her shadow blade forms with sharp precision. “Kaida,” Floki called smoothly, his tone laced with charm. “Your movements are perfect, as always.”

Kaida turned to him, her face calm but curious. “What do you want, Floki?” she asked, lowering her blade slightly. Floki stepped closer, his grin softening into something disarming. “Just to admire greatness and maybe offer some company,” he replied lightly.

Kaida raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. “Company? From you?” Floki chuckled, leaning casually on his staff. “Don’t be so surprised. Can’t a fellow disciple appreciate skill?”

Kaida almost smiled but caught herself, keeping her demeanor guarded. “You have a strange way of showing appreciation,” she remarked. Floki gestured to a nearby bench, his tone warm. “Why not rest? Even the strongest need a break.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Kaida nodded and sat, sheathing her blade. Floki joined her, his sharp eyes watching her closely. “You know, Kaida, strength is rare, but kindness is even rarer,” he said thoughtfully. Kaida frowned slightly, her tone dismissive. “Kindness doesn’t win fights.”

“No,” Floki agreed, nodding slowly. “But it wins loyalty, and loyalty wins wars.” Kaida tilted her head, her expression softening for the first time. “And what loyalty do you offer, Floki?” she asked.

Floki’s tone turned sincere, his gaze steady. “Personal connection,” he said simply. “And you’ve more than earned it.” Kaida looked away briefly, her face thoughtful. “You’re full of surprises,” she admitted. Floki reached out, his fingers brushing her hand lightly. “Only for those who deserve them,” he replied. Kaida didn’t pull away, her sharp demeanor softening even more. Floki’s voice grew warmer as he began weaving subtle compliments into their conversation. “Your focus is incredible,” he said, leaning slightly closer. “It’s rare to find someone who works as hard as you.” Kaida’s guard lowered further, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Discipline is all we have here,” she said softly.

Floki chuckled, his tone light. “Discipline, yes, but yours is unmatched. It’s inspiring,” he said, his words flowing easily. Shifting the tone, Floki began sharing personal stories, blending truth with crafted fiction. “There was a time,” he began, lowering his voice to a near whisper, “when I thought strength alone was enough.”

Kaida tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Connections? In a place like this?” she asked, her tone skeptical yet intrigued. Floki nodded, his gaze steady. “Even here. Especially here. Someone like you deserves to be understood, not just admired,” he replied.

Kaida looked away again, her expression softening further. “No one’s ever said that to me before,” she admitted quietly. Floki’s hand brushed hers again, his tone low and confident. “Then they’ve been blind,” he said firmly.

He leaned back slightly, letting the moment linger between them. Kaida began to open up, sharing stories of her struggles and moments of doubt. Floki listened intently, offering affirmations and light humor to keep the mood comfortable. Her laughter came softly, a sound she hadn’t allowed herself to make in years.

“That laugh suits you,” Floki said sincerely, leaning in just enough to hold her gaze. Kaida’s cheeks flushed faintly as she looked down. “You have a way with words, Floki,” she said, her tone quieter now. “Well contrary to popular believe, I never lie, I only speak truth,” Floki replied, his voice steady.

As their conversation deepened, Floki used subtle gestures—a gentle touch, lingering eye contact—to create a connection Kaida hadn’t felt in years. By the time the moon reached its peak, Kaida’s gaze held warmth and trust. Seeing his opportunity, Floki leaned in slowly, kissing her gently. Kaida didn’t pull away; instead, she leaned into the kiss with equal passion. Pulling back slightly, Floki looked into her eyes and whispered, “Will you accompany me back to my room?” Kaida nodded, and Floki took her hand, leading her to his barrack. Once inside, he guided her to his bed, undressing her slowly while kissing the nape of her neck. His touch was gentle yet deliberate, each movement heightening her emotions. They spent the night intertwined in passionate embraces, Kaida experiencing sensations she had never felt before.

When morning came, Floki rose early, leaving Kaida with a serene smile. The courtyard buzzed with energy as the inner disciples gathered. Floki stepped forward confidently, his staff resting on his shoulder.

“I, Floki, challenge Kaida for the 9th rank,” he announced, his voice cutting through the noise. The crowd fell silent, their attention fixed on Kaida as she approached. Chang, the top disciple, stood at the front, his gaze calm. “Kaida, do you accept?” he asked evenly.

Kaida nodded slowly, her expression composed. “I accept,” she said firmly, stepping into the ring. The disciples formed a circle, clearing space for the match. Kaida drew her shadow blade, its dark energy pulsing faintly.

Floki entered the ring, his grin sharp but calm. “Let’s make this fun,” he said lightly. Kaida smirked faintly, her tone matching his. “Fun is your specialty,” she replied as Chang raised his hand to signal the start.

Kaida struck first, her attacks sharp and controlled, her blade flashing through the air. Floki dodged with ease, his staff blocking each blow with perfect precision. The disciples murmured as the match progressed, their focus intense. Floki noticed small hesitations in Kaida’s movements, moments where her strikes faltered.

She was holding back, her focus split between the fight and her emotions. Floki took every opening, his counters precise and calculated. “You can do better, Kaida,” Floki said, his voice calm but firm. Kaida hesitated briefly before attacking again, but Floki was ready.

With a quick upward strike, he disarmed her, her blade spinning to the ground. Kaida stepped back, raising her hands in surrender. “The match is yours,” she said quietly. Chang stepped forward, his face unreadable as he spoke.

“Floki is now the 9th inner disciple,” Chang announced, his tone neutral. The disciples clapped politely, though curiosity lingered in their eyes. Floki bowed slightly to Kaida, his grin sharp as he left the ring. Kaida watched him go, her expression thoughtful, a faint smile touching her lips.

That evening, back in his room, the system pulsed softly in Floki’s vision.

[Rank Advanced: Inner Disciple #9. Responsibilities Updated.]

Floki leaned back against the wall, his grin sharp and triumphant. “One step closer,” he muttered, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

The path ahead was clear, and Floki knew he was just getting started.