Chương 9: Chapter 8: The Lotus Saint

Back in reality. The academy had become chaotic. Rumors about Rayan spread daily. Some called him a hidden genius. Others called him a fraud. Many wanted answers. But One person decided to find them herself. Siena. The Lotus Saint. She stood beneath a massive tree overlooking the academy grounds. Her golden eyes tracked a lone figure training in the distance. Rayan. Swing. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Swing. Swing. Over and over. Simple sword practice.

Nothing flashy. Nothing impressive. Yet something felt strange. Very strange. Siena narrowed her eyes.

"He changed." Her friend looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

"He moves differently." The girl frowned.

"Different how?" Siena remained silent. It was difficult to explain. Before Awakening Day— Rayan always seemed lost. Uncertain. Disconnected. But Now— His movements felt focused. Sharp. Purposeful. Like a blade being slowly forged. The more she watched— The more curious she became. Then Suddenly— Rayan stopped. Their eyes met. Across hundreds of meters. Siena froze. For a split second— She felt as though he had known she was watching the entire time. Then he smiled politely. And returned to training.

The Lotus Saint's heartbeat quickened.

"Interesting."