The morning air was crisp and silent as Kaida followed Chang to Master Sho-Nuff’s chamber. Each step felt heavier as she thought about what awaited her.
Chang glanced back at her as they reached the large doors. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice calm.
Kaida straightened her posture, meeting his gaze. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
Chang gave her a small nod, then pushed the doors open. The room beyond was dimly lit, the shadows moving as though alive.
Master Sho-Nuff stood at the far end of the room, his presence filling the space. His sharp eyes locked onto Kaida the moment she stepped inside.
“You’ve come,” Sho-Nuff said, his voice smooth but commanding. “Good. Let’s see if you’re as determined as you claim.”
Kaida bowed deeply, her tone steady. “Master, I’m ready to prove myself.”
Sho-Nuff smirked slightly, gesturing toward the Mystic Mirrorbeside him. “Words are easy. Actions will tell me your worth.”
The mirror rippled, displaying an image of a narrow cliff path shrouded in mist. Sho-Nuff pointed to it, his tone firm. “Your first task: retrieve a Night Lotus from the Abyss Cliffs. The path is dangerous, and spirit beasts guard the flower.”
Kaida’s eyes flicked to the image, her mind already racing with plans. “And the second task?”
The mirror shifted to show a deep cavern cloaked in darkness. Sho-Nuff’s smirk faded slightly. “The Shadow Cavern. You will navigate its depths and defeat a Shadow Wraith. It feeds on fear and shadow energy.”
Kaida’s jaw tightened, but she nodded. “Understood. And the last task?”
The mirror displayed a glowing orb sitting on a stone pedestal. Sho-Nuff’s tone grew heavier. “The Orb of Resonance. It will test your spirit well to its very limits. Fail, and it could destroy you.”
Kaida took a deep breath, her expression firm. “I’ll complete them all.”
Sho-Nuff studied her for a long moment, his sharp gaze piercing. “We’ll see. Go prepare yourself. You begin at dawn tomorrow.”
Kaida bowed deeply, her determination clear. “Thank you, Master. I won’t fail.”
As she turned to leave, Chang gave her a nod of encouragement. “Be ready for anything, Kaida. These aren’t just tests—they’re survival trials.”
Kaida met his gaze, her lips curling into a faint smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Scene 2: The Morning Announcement
As the sun rose, the Inner Core disciples gathered in the courtyard. Chang stood at the center, his expression calm but commanding.
“Disciples, listen closely,” he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. “With Kaida advancing to #2, all ranks below her are moving up by one.”
Murmurs spread through the group as the disciples exchanged glances. Chang raised a hand, silencing the noise.
“The empty position will shift to #10,” Chang continued. “This means the #10 spot is open for competition. Outer Core disciples, this is your chance to rise.”
The courtyard buzzed with excitement as Outer Core disciples stepped closer. Chang’s gaze swept over them, his tone sharp. “If you wish to compete, step forward now.”
Three disciples stepped into the circle, each with a determined look. The first was Sakura, a sharp-eyed woman known for her speed and cunning.
The second was Zuko, a powerfully built fighter with a reputation for brute strength. The last was Jaren, the former #10 disciple looking to reclaim his place.
“Only one of you will take the rank,” Chang said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “The competition begins tomorrow. Prepare yourselves.”
Sakura glanced at her competitors, her smirk sharp. “Hope you’re ready to lose.”
Zuko chuckled, his tone mocking. “Talk all you want. Strength wins fights, not words.”
Jaren said nothing, his focus locked on Chang as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. The tension in the air was thick as the disciples dispersed, each preparing for the battles to come.
Scene 3: Kaida Seeks Guidance
Kaida pushed open the apothecary door, the scent of herbs and potions filling her senses. Her mother, Krysta, stood at a workbench, her focus on a glowing mixture in a small vial.
“Kaida,” Krysta said without looking up. “You’re here early. What’s the matter?”
Kaida hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Master Sho-Nuff gave me three tasks. They’re... difficult.”
Krysta paused, setting the vial down carefully. Her sharp eyes met Kaida’s as she asked, “What kind of tasks?”
Kaida explained the challenges, her tone steady but her words laced with tension. When she finished, Krysta’s expression was thoughtful but serious.
“The Night Lotus will require speed and caution,” Krysta said. “The cliffs are dangerous. Take this elixir—it will sharpen your reflexes.”
She handed Kaida a small vial filled with a glowing blue liquid. “The Shadow Wraith is no simple opponent,” Krysta continued. “It feeds on fear. You’ll need to keep your mind sharp.”
Kaida nodded, slipping the elixir into her pouch. “And the Orb of Resonance?” she asked.
Krysta’s expression grew grim as she picked up a small, glittering pill from the counter. “It will push your spirit well to the breaking point. Take this pill before you face it—it will strengthen your energy flow.”
Kaida accepted the pill, her grip firm. “Thank you, Mother.”
Krysta’s gaze softened slightly, though her tone remained serious. “Be careful, Kaida. These aren’t just tasks—they’re real dangers.”
Kaida nodded, her determination shining through. “I’ll succeed. I promise.”
Scene 4: Bolo’s Scheme
In a secluded corner of the compound, Bolo stood with Zane and Jace. The two disciples listened closely as Bolo laid out his plan.
“The #2 spot is Kaida’s now,” Bolo said, his voice low but confident. “But she won’t hold it for long.”
Zane leaned against the wall, his expression skeptical. “What makes you think you can take her down?”
Bolo smirked, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “Because I’m not going to fight her directly. That’s a fool’s move.”
Jace crossed his arms, his curiosity piqued. “Then what’s your plan?”
Bolo stepped closer, lowering his voice further. “We’ll make her stumble. We’ll create chaos, force her to make mistakes. Then the #2 spot will be mine.”
Zane raised an eyebrow, his tone cautious. “That sounds risky. What if it backfires?”
Bolo’s grin widened, his confidence unshaken. “It won’t. As long as we work together, she won’t stand a chance.”
Jace nodded slowly, his own smirk forming. “I like the sound of that. Let’s show her why she doesn’t belong at the top.”
The three of them exchanged knowing glances, their plan solidifying in the shadowed corner.
Bolo’s voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
“Get ready. This is just the beginning.”
