"Okay, Lord Fu Hua. I'll be right out."
Harin quickly closed the door and scrambled to tidy herself up.
A few minutes later, she emerged in a clean white T-shirt, standing sheepishly in front of Fu Hua like a child caught sneaking snacks before dinner.
Fu Hua cleared her throat.
"Harin."
"I'm here, Lord Fu Hua."
"You've been comfortable these past few weeks, haven't you?"
"Of course! I'm doing well, Lord Fu Hua."
Fu Hua nodded slowly, then continued.
"I haven't asked much of you. But staying holed up in your room all day isn't healthy."
"And let's not talk about the wall of Anby posters you somehow managed to put up…"
Harin's face turned crimson. She lowered her head, voice barely audible.
"I… I didn't say anything because I'm not good at fighting. Back in the Silver Squad, I was just a logistics officer…"
Fu Hua raised an eyebrow.
"Then don't ask to spar with me tomorrow."
"But it's better than sulking indoors. And if we go out on commissions, you might run into your beloved Anby."
"I don't mind that… but Lord Fu Hua, shouldn't I call you Master?"
"If you want. It's up to you."
"Master… if I train with you, can I become as strong as you?"
Fu Hua rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"I don't know. But you'll definitely be stronger than you are now."
"Then… can I become as strong as sister Anby?"
"That depends on your effort."
"Master, what sect are we from?"
Fu Hua paused. Her gaze softened.
"Taixu Sect. You're my ninth disciple."
"Eh?! That's a real sect?"
"It was. Taixu is gone now. But relatively speaking… then yes."
Harin nodded, sensing the weight behind Fu Hua's words. She didn't press further.
"Alright then. You're free to go do your thing."
"Yes, Master…"
Harin returned to her room, leaving Fu Hua alone in the living room.
Fu Hua leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
"Hmm… did that papaya milk actually work? Things feel… different."
She glanced down at her chest, mildly surprised.
"I've earned a bit from commissions. Enough for a few draws. And the Shadow Knight: Moon Wheel form is still available…"
She opened her system backpack.
"But this gacha… all I've pulled is papaya milk. Is this turntable mocking me?"
She sighed.
"Maybe I'm just cursed with bad luck."
The next morning, Fu Hua brought Harin to the park.
"Hua girl, been waiting for you. Want to play a round later?"
"Uncle Wang, maybe in a bit. Warm up first."
"Who's this? Your friend?"
"Apprentice."
"Oh~ Makes sense. With your skills, you should've taken students ages ago."
"You flatter me."
Fu Hua greeted the usual crowd of elders and regulars.
Harin stood nearby, stunned by how familiar and respected Fu Hua was here.
They reached the open training space.
Fu Hua turned to her.
"Today's your first martial arts lesson. I'll teach you everything I can."
"Understood."
"Good. Let's start with the basics."
And so, training began.
Though Harin had claimed she wasn't a fighter, her foundation was solid—especially compared to ordinary civilians.
Within a week, she can probably graspe the fundamentals in that time.