The training grounds stood quiet under the waning sunlight, scorched and scarred from the third test. But today, they were witness to the birth of something far more dangerous than any duel.
Six figures stood before Riku — each heir of the Six Main Clans, once prideful and arrogant, now silent and respectful.
Riku's voice cut through the heavy silence:
"From this day forth… you are no longer just clan heirs. You are my blades. My vanguard. My Six Swords."
Eyes widened. Not from insult—but from the weight of the title.
He stepped forward, gaze sharp as a drawn blade.
"If all of you followed me into battle.I'll forge you into legends."
Naming the Six Swords
Riku motioned toward each one in turn, naming them not with disrespect, but as warriors reborn under his guidance:
Jin Taejin, heir of the Sword Clan — "First Sword: Unbreakable Edge"
Do Haejun, heir of the Poison Clan — "Second Sword: Venom Fang"
Cheon Wonryou, red-haired heir of the Sound Clan — "Third Sword: Crimson Echo"
Moon Gyu, calm and analytical — "Fourth Sword: Silent Moon"
Hwang Daeho, of the Fire Palm Clan — "Fifth Sword: Blazing Palm"
Baek Seoryu, of the Water Flow Clan — "Sixth Sword: Flowing Gale"
Each title struck deep into their hearts.
Two-Year Training Scroll
Riku unrolled six thick scrolls and tossed them toward each heir. Inside was a carefully crafted training program—fused with insights drawn from the Demon Sword Art, Supreme Cult manuals, and even ancient qi flow patterns he glimpsed using the Sharingan.
"These scrolls contain your individualized training paths for two years," he said. "If you follow them with discipline, you may touch the Grandmaster Realm."
They opened their scrolls—and each was stunned at the tailored detail. Every weakness exposed. Every strength sharpened.
Announcement of Seclusion
After a moment of silence, Riku looked to the sky and declared:
"From today onward… I'm entering closed-door training. I will not return until I take my next step beyond the Supreme Grandmaster Realm."
Gasps escaped them. Even Cheon Wonryou bit her lip in anxiety.
"You'll train alone?" Moon Gyu asked softly.
Riku nodded.
"It's time I walk the path only I can walk."
His calm but overwhelming confidence instilled a sense of purpose in them all.
Preparation for Seclusion
One by one, the Six Swords bowed deeply to him—not out of fear, but respect.
"We'll be ready," said Jin Taejin. "When you return, we'll be worthy of that title."
"Don't die inside your cave," Cheon Wonryou muttered, cheeks red. "I haven't even beaten you yet."
With laughter and determination, they departed to their respective clan areas, beginning preparations:
Food and rations stored in sealed containers
Clothes and robes specially designed for spiritual absorption
Meditation mats provided by academy .
And most importantly, a personal seclusion chamber for each of them
By nightfall, a new silence descended over the academy.
Night before seclusion(R)
Under the silver moon, the training grounds were silent—save for the soft rustle of wind through the trees. Riku stood by the lake, his robes fluttering. Behind him, Cheon Wonryou approached, her red hair shimmering like fire in moonlight.
She didn't speak. Her breath was uneven, heart caught between pride and longing.
Riku turned, and their eyes locked. The world stilled.
"Why do you keep appearing in my thoughts…?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Riku stepped closer. "Because maybe… I want to stay there."
And then
Their lips met—gently at first, hesitant. But the moment deepened. She gripped his robe tightly, and his hand slid behind her neck, pulling her closer. The kiss turned deeper, tongues brushing in tender urgency. A soft moan escaped her lips, muffled by the closeness. Her fingers curled in his hair as if afraid he'd vanish. They both stared in each other's eyes lustfully and with love .
They parted just slightly, breathing fast.
"I've fallen for you… haven't I?" she murmured.
Riku smiled, brushing a thumb against her cheek.
"I'll catch you."
And then they moved towards their seclusion places .
One by one, the Six Swords entered their places of solitude.
And at the center of it all—beneath a hidden waterfall cavern—Riku stood alone, the system interface before his eyes.
"Seclusion Initiated."
[System will be in closed in this phase will awaken in two years ]
He closed his eyes.
A storm was coming.
But this time, he wouldn't face it alone.