The rustle of leaves. The crunch of soil beneath his feet. The steady rhythm of breath.
Clark dashed across the clearing in a blur, his footfalls almost soundless. His figure flickered, vanishing momentarily—then reappeared meters ahead. Sonido—his high-speed movement technique—was progressing faster than he expected, but it still lacked the fluidity he once commanded in his previous life.
He exhaled deeply, then dropped into a crouch. His palm pressed gently against the earth.
Extrasensory Perception, once a sharpened sixth sense that could read killing intent and incoming attacks from all directions, now gave him only the faintest tremors of life around him.
Still, it was progress.
Nearby, a smooth lake reflected his image as he approached to rest. He gazed briefly into the surface, the reflection of his red eyes meeting his own.
"Red Demon Eyes…"
His voice was low.
Activating the dormant technique again, Clark winced as a dull pain pulsed through his skull. The irises of his eyes shifted, a faint crimson ring forming as ancient seals flickered faintly in them—an incomplete activation.
His knees buckled for a moment. Blood trickled from his nose. He wiped it away, panting.
"Not yet," he muttered, frustration dancing in his voice. "But soon."
The sky began to dim.
Clark picked up his satchel and turned back toward the deeper parts of the forest—when he froze.
Shouts.
Voices.
Metal against metal.
Not far off.
He moved quietly, cloaking his presence with every step until he reached a vantage point.
In the clearing below, four bandits circled a pair of children.
But these weren't ordinary children.
One of them was a girl, likely his age. She moved with elegance and deadly precision. Her long golden hair flowed behind her like a silken banner, shimmering faintly under the setting sun like ice touched by fire. Her piercing blue eyes were cold and unshaken, reflecting a steel resolve.
She wore an elegant combat attire—white and silver trimmed with pale blue, adorned with snowflake motifs and swirling frost designs across her sleeves and boots. A sword, simple but sharp, glinted in her hand as she danced through her enemies, striking with grace and control.
Beside her was a boy with noble posture and refined movements. His attire was nothing short of aristocratic—royal blue and gold with a deep crimson cloak fastened to his shoulders. He moved like a swordsman born and bred in a palace—every strike calculated, each parry elegant. His expression remained calm, almost bored.
Clark narrowed his eyes as he watched.
"They're… strong," he thought. "Even without showing their true power."
The bandits didn't stand a chance.
One lunged at the girl—she sidestepped without effort, her sword flashing upward and stopping an inch from his throat. The man dropped his weapon immediately.
Another charged the boy. In three swift motions, his blade disarmed and disarmed him—literally—leaving the bandit clutching his arm and screaming in the dirt.
Clark stepped forward instinctively—but paused.
"They don't need help."
Still, he remained in the shadows, watching, waiting. Ready—just in case.
The last of the bandits tried to run.
Clark's hand moved, fingers twitching in reflex.
But the girl was faster.
In one smooth movement, she vanished and reappeared in front of the man—her blade stopping mere centimeters from his eyes.
The bandit collapsed to his knees, surrendering.
"...Are you going to kill them?" the boy asked calmly, cleaning his blade with a cloth.
"No," the girl replied, her voice composed but frosty. "They're not worth the energy."
Clark finally stepped out, his voice cool but casual.
"You two made that look easy."
Both turned to him at once.
The girl's eyes narrowed, her body subtly shifting into a guarded stance.
The boy gave a polite but watchful nod.
Clark raised his hands in peace.
"Don't worry. I was just passing by. I saw you needed no help… so I didn't interfere."
The girl didn't lower her weapon immediately, but the boy stepped slightly forward.
"You have an unusual presence," he said. "What's your name?"
Clark gave a small smirk.
"Clark."
The girl tilted her head slightly, lowering her sword. "Are you… from around here?"
"Yeah," Clark replied. "Just another kid from the valley."
He glanced at the unconscious bandits. "You handled them well."
The boy nodded. "We've had training."
Clark's smile faded slightly.
"Yeah… so have I."
Chapter Ends.