NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chapter-6
The void stretched infinitely around Ryo, a vast expanse of white with no ground, no sky, and no horizon. It was silent and cold, yet not unpleasant—more like the absence of everything rather than an active presence. Floating in the distance, two objects glowed faintly, pulsing with an otherworldly light: a golden box carved with intricate patterns, and an ancient book bound in aged leather.
Ryo's crimson eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his movements weightless. His instincts screamed at him that these objects were important—no, vital.
The golden box stood upright, its surface etched with eight symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with life. It exuded a sense of ancient power, commanding attention and reverence. The other object, the leather-bound book, seemed simpler at first glance, but as Ryo stared at it, the faint glow of runes shimmered across its cover, revealing an aura of immense potential.
"The Pangu Box," Ryo murmured, instinctively recognizing the artifact. The knowledge came unbidden, as though it had always been a part of him.
His gaze shifted to the book. As he reached out a hand toward it, the book brightened suddenly, the glowing runes flaring as though reacting to his presence. A low hum echoed through the void, growing louder and louder until the world itself seemed to shatter.
---
Ryo's eyes snapped open, and he was back in the real world, his body drenched in sweat. His heart pounded as he stared at the dimly lit room of the inn where they were staying.
"Boy," Li's voice cut through the haze of his thoughts. The old man stood by the door, his crescent-shaped mustache twitching slightly as he gave Ryo an appraising look. "You've been staring into space for hours. Come on. We're heading to Nuoding City."
Ryo frowned, still shaken by what he had seen in the void. But he didn't question Li. Whatever answers he needed, they would come in time.
--
The journey to Nuoding City was uneventful, the dirt road winding through forests and fields. By the time they reached the city gates, the sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the crumbling walls. Nuoding City was a far cry from the bustling trade hubs Ryo had seen during his travels with Li. The streets were narrow and poorly maintained, and the buildings were old and worn.
"Why here?" Ryo asked, his crimson eyes scanning the city with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Li chuckled, leading the way toward the academy at the edge of the city. "Sometimes, the most fertile soil is hidden in the unlikeliest places. Nuoding Academy may not look like much, but I've got a friend here—a good man who owes me a favor or two."
When they reached the academy, Li was greeted warmly by the dean, an older man with a broad smile and kind eyes. His robes were simple but clean, and his demeanor exuded authority without arrogance.
"Old Li!" the dean exclaimed, clasping Li's hand firmly. "It's been years! What brings you to this forgotten corner of the world?"
"This boy," Li replied, gesturing toward Ryo. "He's a sharp one, and he needs a place to grow. I figured you'd be the best person to help him."
The dean's eyes shifted to Ryo, studying him closely. Ryo held the man's gaze, his expression calm and unreadable.
"He's quiet," the dean remarked.
"He's calculating," Li corrected with a smirk. "Trust me, he'll surprise you."
The dean chuckled. "Very well. Any friend of yours is welcome here." He extended a hand toward Ryo. "Welcome to Nuoding Academy."
Ryo hesitated for a moment before shaking the dean's hand. "Thank you," he said simply.
--
The next morning, as Ryo was exploring the academy grounds, a middle-aged man with a serious expression approached him. He was tall and thin, and his demeanor radiated confidence.
"You must be Ryo," the man said, his voice calm and measured. "I'm Yu Xiaogang, known as the Grandmaster. I've heard about you from the dean, and I'd like to make you my apprentice."
Ryo raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Why?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled faintly, as though expecting the question. "Because I possess knowledge that very few others do. My theories on martial souls and soul power have been acknowledged as revolutionary. With my guidance, you'll reach heights others can only dream of."
Ryo studied him for a long moment, his crimson eyes unblinking. Then he said flatly, "No."
Yu Xiaogang blinked, caught off guard. "No? Why not?"
"Because you've already told me everything I need to know," Ryo replied. "Your knowledge is basic compared to what my grandpa has taught me. Theoretical or practical, there's nothing you can offer that I don't already have."
Yu Xiaogang's expression shifted, a mixture of irritation and disbelief crossing his face. "You're making a mistake, boy. Without a mentor—"
"I'll manage," Ryo interrupted, walking past him without another word.
---
Later that day, Ryo sat at the back of a crowded classroom, his head resting lazily on one hand as the teacher droned on about the basics of martial souls. Around him, students scribbled notes and hung on every word, but Ryo barely paid attention.
His mind was elsewhere, focused on something far more interesting. He scribbled on a scrap of paper, jotting down ideas and diagrams. The phrase *Blood Infant* was scrawled across the top, accompanied by sketches and notes about his martial soul.
He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice the growing whispers around him.
"Hey, new kid!" a loud voice called out, breaking his concentration.
Ryo looked up to see a group of boys standing near the center of the classroom. One of them, a noble with an arrogant smirk, was pointing at him. "How about a sparring match? Or are you too scared?"
Ryo sighed, uninterested. "Not interested."
The noble's smirk widened. "What's the matter? Afraid you'll lose?"
The group of boys laughed, and Ryo's patience wore thin. He stood, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Fine."
---
The group led Ryo to the training grounds, where students gathered eagerly to watch. The noble stepped forward, introducing himself with a flourish. "I'm Wei Long, noble of the Wei Clan martial soul is the Steel Claw, and soul power is rank 13!"
Ryo shrugged, stepping into the ring. "Ryo. Glass Box. Rank 7."
The crowd murmured, unimpressed by his introduction.
The fight began, and Wei Long lunged forward, his hand transforming into a sharp, metallic claw. Ryo didn't move, his crimson eyes calm and calculating.
As Wei Long closed in, Ryo extended his hand, and the glass box materialized. In an instant, it shattered into countless shards, which hovered in the air like a swarm of blades.
The shards shot forward, surrounding Wei Long in a deadly wall of jagged glass. He froze, sweat beading on his forehead as the shards pressed closer, close enough to draw blood if he moved.
"I surrender!" Wei Long shouted, his voice shaking.
Ryo clenched his fist, and the shards reformed into the glass box, floating silently back to his hand. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving the crowd in uproar.