Chapter 3 — The Lightning Between Blades
The sky was heavy with the promise of rain when the camp's gates creaked open.Four guards dragged in a boy no older than ten, his wrists bound, his shirt torn.His hair was wild, his eyes sharp like a hawk's, and every step he took was defiant.
The instructors called him Lei Shen.
The First Meeting
From their training circle, Xiao Shen and Hong Ye watched as the newcomer scanned the courtyard. His gaze lingered on the obstacle course, then on the weapons rack, before finally settling on them. It wasn't curiosity — it was assessment, the same way a predator sizes up another.
Later that night, during the knife drill, Lei Shen stepped into the ring without being called."I'll take both of you," he said, his voice steady.
The instructor smirked. "Fine. Let's see how long you last."
The Test
The moment the signal was given, Lei Shen moved.Fast. Too fast for an untrained child.His knife thrust at Xiao Shen's midsection, forcing a quick parry. Hong Ye swept in from the side, only for Lei Shen to pivot, using the momentum to avoid both attacks.
For two minutes, the three danced around each other in a blur of blades and footwork. Lei Shen's style was aggressive — each strike meant to end the fight in a single move.But Xiao Shen adapted quickly, reading the rhythm, finding openings. Hong Ye, ever the strategist, began to coordinate with Xiao Shen, cutting Lei Shen's movement options.
Finally, Xiao Shen's knife tapped Lei Shen's throat."Dead," he said calmly.
Lei Shen grinned. "Not bad. For a warm-up."
Mutual Respect
After training, Lei Shen found them by the well."You two fight like you've been doing it for years."Xiao Shen shrugged. "We've had years.""And you?" Hong Ye asked."Two," Lei Shen replied. "Enough to know I don't like taking orders."
That was when Xiao Shen's Insight of the Heart flickered to life.A brief flash — High combat talent. Bloodline dormant. Loyalty possible through mutual respect.He looked at Hong Ye and gave the smallest nod. This one could be trusted.
The First Alliance
Within weeks, Lei Shen had joined their nightly training sessions.He brought something they lacked — sheer explosive speed. Hong Ye provided leadership, Xiao Shen the tactical mind, and Lei Shen became the spearpoint.
The Earth System adapted automatically:
[Earth System — New Group Training Bonuses Activated]
Triad Combat Drills: +0.4 Weapon Mastery, +0.2 Endurance, +0.3 Agility
Tactical Triad Maneuvers: +0.3 Leadership, +0.2 StrategySynergy Bonus: 15% increased stat growth from trust and cooperation.
Whispers of Escape
One night, under the cover of rain, Xiao Shen brought Hong Ye and Lei Shen to a high point overlooking the west wall. From here, they could see beyond the camp's boundary, toward the distant town lights.
"This place will eat us alive if we stay," Xiao Shen said quietly.Hong Ye folded his arms. "I've known that since the first week."Lei Shen smirked. "So… when do we break out?"
Xiao Shen didn't answer. Not yet.The plan was forming in his mind, each piece waiting for the right moment to fall into place.