The next morning arrived far too early for Jin Mu's taste.
The sun had barely crested over the eastern ridge when the clang of blades and the rhythmic grunts of clan disciples filled the courtyard.
Jin Mu stumbled into the training field, yawning so wide a mosquito could've flown in. His hair was a mess, his robe half-tied, and his expression screamed I regret all my life choices.
Dozens of clan youths turned to stare. Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Is that Third Young Master?"
"He actually woke up before noon?"
"Maybe he sleepwalked here."
Jin Mu scratched his head, pretending not to hear.
> [Quest: Attend morning training without collapsing – Active.]
[Progress: 0%. Confidence level: questionable.]
"Yeah, thanks for the vote of faith," he muttered under his breath.
The senior instructor, a grizzled man named Kang Heon, noticed him and nearly dropped his bamboo sword. "Young Master Jin Mu? You… you're here?"
"Felt like getting some sun," Jin Mu replied.
The instructor blinked twice before shouting, "Form ranks!"
---
Rows of clan disciples lined up, blades gleaming in the morning light. Their movements were disciplined, the air vibrating with collective qi.
Jin Mu took his spot at the end of the line. His hands trembled slightly — yesterday's "training" had left his muscles sore in places he didn't know existed.
Kang Heon barked orders.
"Basic Form One — Flowing Dragon Slash!"
Dozens of swords swept upward in unison, cutting arcs of silver air. The movement was elegant, powerful — the foundational stance of the clan's Dragon Fang Blade Art.
Jin Mu swung his sword too.
His arc was crooked. His footing slipped. The tip of his blade nearly hit the disciple beside him.
The boy jumped back, cursing. "Watch it, Third Young Master!"
Jin Mu gave an apologetic grin. "Consider it a test of your reflexes."
> [Observation detected: 'Flowing Dragon Slash.']
[Skill Fragment Recorded: 12% Comprehended.]
His eyes widened. "Wait, I can copy that?"
> [Affirmative. The System compensates for your lack of talent. You're welcome.]
"I knew I liked you for a reason," he murmured.
> [Sarcasm detected. Reducing affection level.]
---
Half an hour later, Jin Mu's arms were jelly. Sweat drenched his back, and his sword trembled in his grip. Kang Heon frowned deeply.
"You're moving like a drunken boar," the instructor snapped.
Jin Mu gave him a tired grin. "Better than yesterday. Yesterday I was just the boar."
A few disciples snorted quietly. Kang Heon tried to hide his amusement but failed. "At least you're showing up. That's something."
> [Quest Update: 80% Completed.]
[Condition: Endure until training concludes.]
Endure. Easier said than done. His muscles burned, lungs strained, but that faint warmth from yesterday — that strange pulse of energy — kept him moving.
By the time Kang Heon called the session off, Jin Mu dropped his sword and collapsed onto the dirt, gasping.
> [Quest Complete.]
[Reward: +2 Martial Points.]
[Bonus: Partial recovery of stamina.]
A soft rush of energy spread through his limbs, easing the pain.
He smiled weakly. "Still alive. Barely."
---
"Impressive," came a voice sharp as a whip.
Jin Seolhwa stood over him again, arms folded, eyes glinting with that mix of pride and annoyance only an older sister could manage.
"You didn't run away this time."
"Couldn't. My legs stopped working halfway through," he said.
Her mouth twitched. "Pathetic as ever, but you're improving."
> [New Quest Generated: Survive a spar with Jin Seolhwa.]
[Reward: Skill Copy Chance x1, +3 Martial Points.]
[Penalty: Public humiliation.]
Jin Mu groaned. "You've got to be kidding."
"On guard," she said, drawing her wooden sword.
He sighed, raising his blade. "You know, there are better ways to express sibling love."
"Show me, then."
The clash was instant. Seolhwa's attacks were like thunderclaps — fast, clean, full of raw force. Jin Mu blocked one, stumbled on the second, and the third sent him sprawling.
> [Observation detected: 'Blazing Dragon Step' (Footwork). Copy progress 27%.]
Even through pain, his eyes brightened. "I can learn this!"
> [If you survive long enough to use it.]
Seolhwa's blade stopped inches from his throat. Her smirk was dangerous. "At least you didn't faint this time."
Jin Mu grinned from the ground. "I call that victory."
She shook her head, half-smiling despite herself. "You're impossible."
---
That night, as the clan quieted, Jin Mu lay under his willow tree again.
He replayed the day in his mind — the stares, the pain, the small victories.
> [Skill Progress Updated: Flowing Dragon Slash – 24%. Blazing Dragon Step – 27%.]
[Evaluation: At this rate, you might achieve mediocrity in a decade.]
He chuckled softly. "Can't wait to disappoint you sooner."
For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt something genuine stir in his chest — a faint sense of direction.
He didn't know how long it would last, but he planned to ride it until it burned out.
> [New Quest Unlocked: Investigate the Clan Archives.]
[Hint: Fragments of the original Dragon Fang Blade Art detected nearby.]
Jin Mu sat up, the night breeze brushing against his hair. "Fragments, huh? Maybe that's where this mess really starts."
He grinned, eyes glinting under the moonlight.
"Alright, System. Let's wake the dragon."