The training grounds were silent under the pale moonlight, tension simmering like a fire waiting to ignite. Zane and Jace paced near the edge of the courtyard, their movements restless and frustration etched into their features.

“This is ridiculous,” Zane spat, his voice sharp and bitter. “Floki’s only been here for a few weeks, and he’s already making fools of us.”

Jace’s fists clenched tightly, his knuckles white. “He humiliated me in front of everyone. That grin of his—it’s like he’s daring us to try something.”

Zane’s sharp eyes flicked toward the barracks where Bolo, the #2 disciple, resided. “Then let’s stop complaining and do something about it.”

Jace hesitated, his brow furrowing. “You’re thinking… Bolo?”

Zane nodded, his tone conspiratorial. “He’s the only one who can deal with someone like Floki. All we have to do is convince him that it’s worth his time.”

The two made their way to the secluded training hall where Bolo often spent his nights perfecting his techniques. Inside, the towering disciple moved with deadly precision, his strikes carrying an ominous energy that seemed to ripple through the air.

As they entered, Bolo glanced up, his piercing gaze narrowing. “What do you two want?”

Zane stepped forward, carefully adjusting his tone to one of respect. “We need to talk about Floki.”

Bolo straightened, his expression unreadable. “The new #9? What about him?”

Jace cut in quickly, his frustration spilling over. “He’s a problem. Disruptive. Cocky. And worst of all, he’s making fools of the inner disciples.”

Bolo raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re saying a recruit from the outer core managed to outclass both of you?”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “He got lucky. But it’s not just about us. He’s climbing the ranks fast, and if he keeps this up, he’ll challenge you next.”

Bolo’s smirk faded, his eyes narrowing. “You think he’s that much of a threat?”

Jace nodded, his voice tinged with urgency. “He’s clever and unpredictable. He’s already gained Kaida’s favor and earned Krysta’s attention in the apothecary. Even Forge Master Gorak is talking about taking him as a direct disciple.”

At this, Bolo’s eyes darkened, his fists tightening. “If he’s as dangerous as you say, why haven’t you dealt with him yourselves?”

Zane hesitated before replying, his tone carefully measured. “Because we know when to defer to someone stronger. You’re the only one who can put him in his place.”

Bolo’s silence stretched, the air heavy with his consideration. Finally, he stepped forward, his shadow seeming to ripple and pulse with power.

“Fine,” he said, his smirk returning with a dangerous edge. “I’ll deal with him, but don’t mistake this for loyalty.”

Zane and Jace exchanged quick, triumphant glances. “That’s all we ask,” Zane said smoothly.

Bolo’s smirk widened, his voice colder now. “Floki wants to play games? Let’s see if he’s ready for the big leagues.”

Back at the Barracks

Floki lounged on his cot, lazily spinning his staff between his fingers. Kaida stood nearby, her arms crossed and her expression tense.

“You’re not going to like this,” she began, her voice low.

Floki glanced up, his grin widening. “I rarely like anything. Lay it on me.”

“Zane and Jace went to Bolo,” Kaida said bluntly, her frustration clear. “They want him to take you down.”

Floki arched an eyebrow, his grin sharpening. “Bolo, the #2 disciple? Finally, someone worth my time.”

Kaida’s tone sharpened. “This isn’t a joke, Floki. Bolo isn’t like the others. He’s ruthless and doesn’t play fair.”

Floki twirled his staff casually, his tone light. “So, he’s ruthless. Big deal. I’ve faced worse.”

Kaida stepped closer, lowering her voice. “You don’t understand. Bolo isn’t just strong—he has a forbidden skill, Life Drain. It lets him siphon health from anyone near him.”

Floki’s grin faltered for a split second before returning, sharper than before. “Sounds like a neat trick. I’m almost jealous.”

Kaida’s frustration boiled over. “You’re impossible! If you don’t take this seriously, he’ll destroy you.”

Floki leaned back, resting his staff against his shoulder. “Kaida, I’ve never met a challenge I couldn’t beat. Trust me, I’ll handle it.”

Kaida sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re going to get yourself killed one day.”

Floki’s grin softened, though his eyes gleamed with resolve. “That’s what makes me fun. Let him come. I’ll be ready.”

The Dawn of Innovation

Floki sat alone in his barracks that night, his staff resting across his knees. His mind churned as he thought about Bolo’s Life Drain skill, its implications unsettling.

The system pulsed softly, projecting the details of the Energy-Siphoning Blade he had obtained earlier. [Suggestion: Combine the Energy-Siphoning Blade with your staff using Advanced Forging Techniques. Potential Result: War Glaive of Vampiric Illusion.]

Floki’s eyes widened as the system provided a blueprint for the weapon. The War Glaive would not only counter Bolo’s Life Drain but also siphon energy for Floki’s own use while creating illusionary distractions.

His grin returned, sharper than ever. “A war glaive? Now we’re talking.”

He grabbed his tools and made his way to the forge, his steps light but deliberate. Floki stood in the glow of the forge, the heat surrounding him like a cocoon. The system pulsed faintly, overlaying instructions for the creation of his new weapon.

[Suggestion: Combine the Energy-Siphoning Blade with your staff using Advanced Forging Techniques. Potential Result: War Glaive of Vampiric Illusion.]

Floki’s eyes gleamed as he studied the blueprint. “A weapon that can siphon energy and create illusions? This just keeps getting better.”

Sparks flew as he worked, his hammer ringing out a steady rhythm. Each strike infused the weapon with shadow energy, blending the properties of the blade and staff into a seamless whole.

Hours passed, sweat dripping from Floki’s brow as he worked with a focus few had seen before. The glaive began to take shape, its dark, curved blade gleaming with a crimson sheen.

The forge hissed and crackled as Floki inscribed runes along the weapon’s length. Shadows rippled across the glaive as its power solidified, and the system chimed.

[System Update: Forging Skill Advanced to Peak Tier. War Glaive of Vampiric Illusion Created. Mystic Grade Weapon Achieved.]

Floki held the weapon aloft, its energy humming in his hands. “Perfect,” he murmured. “Let’s see Bolo handle this.”

A slow clap echoed behind him, startling Floki. He turned to see Master Gorak standing in the shadows, his piercing gaze fixed on the weapon.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Gorak said, stepping forward. His eyes studied the glaive with a mixture of awe and curiosity. “This is… extraordinary work. You’ve reached Peak Tier in forging, and you’re not even dedicated to the craft.”

Floki grinned, twirling the glaive. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”

Gorak’s expression turned serious. “I want it. Name your price, and the glaive is yours no longer.”

Floki’s grin faded slightly as he shook his head. “Sorry, Master Gorak. This one isn’t for sale. I need it for what’s coming.”

Gorak raised an eyebrow, his tone soft but probing. “You realize what you’ve created, don’t you? This weapon is Mystic Grade—beyond what most disciples can even dream of wielding.”

“I know,” Floki said, his voice steady. “And that’s why it’s staying with me.”

Gorak’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Very well. But if you ever reconsider, my offer stands. A weapon like that belongs in the hands of someone who can truly wield it.”

Floki’s grin returned, sharper than ever. “Then it’s in the right hands already.”

As Gorak left the forge, the shadows seemed to press closer around Floki. He held the War Glaive of Vampiric Illusion tightly, its weight reassuring.

The confrontation with Bolo loomed ahead, but Floki felt a surge of confidence. Whatever came next, he would face it on his own terms, armed with a weapon that made even the masters take notice.

The Trickster had just raised the stakes. And he was ready to play.