-Jin — Stormline Serpent

Electricity danced up Jin's arms, running through his fingertips in bright flashes.

Then he lowered himself into a stance and vanished — a burst of crackling thunder following in his wake.

First Spirit Skill — Volt Dash

Propels the user forward in a lightning-fast lunge that delivers a shock on impact. Can be chained with movement techniques or strikes.

Jin reappeared with a grin, shaking his hands.

"That stings… but it feels alive."

Michael gave a rare half-smile. "That's your nerves being rewired to match the serpent's. Not bad for your first."

-Su — Verdant Rootcaller

Su stood slowly, vines coiling around her forearms like living bracelets. She knelt again, placing her palms on the stone.

Soft green light spread outward in an expanding pulse.

First Spirit Skill — Rootsense Field

Creates a low-range domain of connected roots that allow her to sense movement, vibrations, and spiritual presence through solid ground. Can also trap light-footed enemies momentarily.

Su's eyes fluttered open, golden-green, and she gave a small nod.

"I can feel… everything beneath me. Even the worms."

Michael raised his chin thoughtfully.

"She'll be the team's stabilizer. A scout's bane — and a strategist's anchor."

Michael looked at each of them, his expression unreadable. Then, his voice echoed across the hall.

"Good. All of you performed well… but there can only be one winner."

His gaze settled on Mei.

"And that winner is Mei."

She stood straighter, eyes wide with a mix of shock and pride. The others looked toward her—some surprised, others clearly envious.

Michael continued, his tone firm.

"But this is not the end for the rest of you. There is still one more chance."

The others tensed, waiting for what he meant.

"You all have two years. If within those two years, any of you surpass Mei—whether in strength, talent, or spirit power—then I will reconsider."

He paused, his words slow and deliberate now.

"As for Mei… her status is already decided. She will join my team. We have six members already, but we require a seventh. From this day forward, she stands as the seventh seat of my core squad."

The weight of his words settled over them like a stone.

Envy flickered in their eyes. Mei could feel it. But she didn't step back. She simply bowed her head respectfully and said,

"I won't let you down, Master."

Michael gave a faint nod.

"You'd better not. Because from here on out—expect only trials."

The others said nothing at first.

Lian's ears twitched. Jin's hands clenched at his sides. Su lowered her gaze to the ground, her jaw tight, while Ren simply exhaled through his nose, a faint wisp of flame escaping his lips. They had fought with everything they had—but Mei had been chosen.

Michael didn't coddle them. He never did.

"Envy means nothing," he said flatly. "If it motivates you, good. If it weakens you, leave now."

He turned toward the exit. "You have two years. Make them count."

With that, he motioned for Mei to follow.

Outside the Hall…

Michael continued leading Mei down the quiet stone path, his hands folded behind his back. The moonlight traced silver lines along the corridor walls. Mei followed silently, heart pounding in her chest.

Her mind raced.

W-Why is he taking me to his room? Her face flushed deep red, thoughts spiraling. Her steps grew hesitant as she whispered nervously, "P-Please… be gentle, Young Master. It's… my first time…"

Michael stopped.

He turned around, expression blank. "What… are you imagining?"

Mei froze. "A-Aren't you…?" she stammered, voice barely a whisper.

Michael narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "I brought you here to speak. About your role. Not to—sleep with you."

Mei's entire face turned crimson. She bowed her head so quickly it nearly hit the floor. "S-sorry! I misunderstood, please forgive me!" she said in a flustered panic.

"Tch," he clicked his tongue, turning back toward the door and pushing it open. "Don't let your imagination run wild. You're part of my team now, not a servant."

She nodded quickly and followed him inside, still mortified.

Inside His Room…

The chamber was simple yet refined — a large wooden table covered in scrolls and maps, incense quietly burning in the corner. A wall-length window overlooked the valley below. Michael walked over to the desk and gestured for Mei to stand across from him.

"Listen carefully," he said, voice firm. "When you join the rest of the team tomorrow, you are not to mention that I bought you from the auction house."

Mei blinked. "Huh…?"

"You will say you were found and taken in by Master Mo," he continued. "That he recognized your martial spirit's potential and told you to come find me. That I brought you to meet the others, and now you're joining them."

Mei frowned slightly. "But… why lie, Young Master?"

Michael looked her dead in the eye. "Don't ask questions you don't need the answers to. I'm your master — or am I not?"

Mei lowered her gaze quickly. "No, You are. I am yours, Young Ma—"

He cut her off with a slight wave of his hand. "Stop calling me that. My name is Mo Luochen. When others are around, call me that. Got it?"

Mei nodded, cheeks still red. "Yes… Mo Luochen."

"Good," he said simply. He turned toward the window, watching the faint mist swirl in the valley below.

"You have talent, Mei. Don't waste it getting caught up in things that don't matter."

Hearing his words, Mei's face flushed again, but this time it wasn't from embarrassment — it was something deeper. Her eyes lowered for a moment, then rose to meet his with surprising determination.

"My body… will only belong to you, Mas—no… Mo Luochen," she said, correcting herself mid-sentence, voice trembling with sincerity. "You weren't just a master who picked me. You gave me purpose… strength… a path I never thought I'd walk."

She stepped a little closer, hands clasped in front of her chest.

"I know I'm not strong enough to stand beside you now. But one day… I will be. I'll grow until you can't ignore me. I'll become someone worthy of protecting you… serving you—not as a slave, but as someone you trust."

*******

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