The Trickster’s Return

Floki sat in his room, spinning his staff between his fingers with a sly grin.

He hated being the 10th disciple. It came with the boring job of training outer disciples.

To escape it, he needed to climb higher, and Kaida was the target.

Kaida was strong, skilled, and focused, but Floki had no plans to fight her fairly.

He wasn't just any disciple; he was a Trickster reborn.

The system pulsed in his vision with a new message.

[Objective: Challenge Kaida for the 9th Rank. Strategy Required.]

Floki leaned back with a wider grin. "Strategy is my specialty," he said quietly.

He knew Kaida admired strength but craved connection in this cold and harsh clan.

Floki decided to give her exactly what she wanted.

That night, under the moonlight, Floki found Kaida near the training grounds.

She was alone, practicing her shadow blade forms with sharp focus.

"Kaida," Floki called, his tone smooth, "your movements are perfect, as always."

Kaida looked at him, her face calm but curious. "What do you want, Floki?"

Floki stepped closer, his grin softening. "Just to admire greatness and maybe offer some company."

Kaida raised an eyebrow, lowering her blade. "Company? From you?"

Floki chuckled, leaning on his staff. "Don't be so surprised. Can't a fellow disciple appreciate skill?"

Kaida almost smiled, but didn't. "You have a strange way of showing appreciation."

"Strange but effective," Floki said, his voice warm and inviting.

He gestured to a nearby bench. "Why not rest? Even the strongest need a break."

Kaida hesitated, then nodded and sat, sheathing her blade.

Floki joined her, watching her closely. "You know, Kaida, strength is rare, but kindness is even rarer."

Kaida frowned slightly. "Kindness doesn't win fights."

"No," Floki agreed, "but it wins loyalty, and loyalty wins wars."

Kaida tilted her head, her expression softening. "And what loyalty do you offer, Floki?"

"To those who earn it," Floki replied with a sincere tone. "You've more than earned it."

Kaida looked away briefly, thinking. "You're full of surprises."

Floki reached out, lightly brushing her hand. "Only for those who deserve them."

Kaida didn't pull away, her sharp demeanor softening even more.

Floki began with subtle compliments, weaving them into their conversation as if they were natural observations.

"Your focus is incredible," he said, leaning closer. "It's rare to find someone who works as hard as you."

Kaida's guard lowered slightly, her lips twitching into a small smile. "Discipline is all we have here."

Floki chuckled softly. "Discipline, yes, but yours is unmatched. It's inspiring."

He shifted the tone, drawing her into personal stories of his own, some true, others crafted for effect.

"There was a time," Floki said, his voice dropping to a softer, almost vulnerable tone, "when I thought strength alone was enough. But then I learned it's the connections we make that truly matter."

Kaida tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Connections? In a place like this?"

Floki nodded, his gaze warm. "Even here. Especially here. Someone like you deserves to be understood, not just admired."

Kaida looked away, her expression softening as she considered his words. "No one's ever said that to me before."

Floki reached out, his hand brushing hers lightly. "Then they've been blind."

He leaned back slightly, giving her space while letting the moment linger.

Kaida's sharp demeanor seemed to melt as she opened up, sharing stories of her struggles and moments of doubt.

Floki listened intently, offering affirmations and light humor to keep the mood comfortable.

When she laughed, he leaned in, his grin softer now, yet still carrying his mischievous charm. "That laugh suits you," he said, his tone sincere.

Kaida's cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked down, a rare vulnerability showing. "You have a way with words, Floki."

"Only for those who deserve them," Floki replied, his voice low and steady.

As the conversation deepened, Floki used subtle gestures—a gentle touch on her hand, a quiet moment of shared eye contact—to create a connection she hadn't felt before.

By the time the moon reached its peak, Kaida's gaze held warmth and trust, emotions she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years.

Floki seeing his opportunity to advance his plan, he slowly leaned in and kissed her, she didn't pull away, instead she leaned into the kiss passionately.

He then leaned away slightly, looked her in the eyes deeply and whispered in a low hushed tone, "Will you accompany me back to my room?" Kaida accepted, Floki took her hand and led them back to his barrack.

Once inside his room, he led her to his bed, and undressed her slowly, kissing the nape of her neck and slowly moving further down as he removed her training robes.

Softly kissing, licking, and nibbling her soft supple skin, the feeling Kaida felt was of ecstasy, she never felt this way before, they spent most of the night intertwined in passionate embraces as they made love…

When morning came, Floki rose early, leaving Kaida with a grand smile.

The courtyard buzzed with energy as the inner disciples gathered.

Floki stepped forward with his staff on his shoulder. "I, Floki, challenge Kaida for the 9th rank."

Everyone fell silent, watching Kaida as she approached.

Chang, the top disciple, stood at the front, his calm gaze sweeping the group. "Kaida, do you accept?"

Kaida nodded slowly. "I accept."

The disciples formed a circle, clearing space for the match.

Kaida drew her shadow blade, its energy glowing faintly.

Floki entered the ring, his grin sharp but calm. "Let's make this fun."

Kaida smirked lightly. "Fun is your specialty."

Chang raised his hand. "Begin."

Kaida moved first, her strikes sharp and controlled, her blade flashing through the air.

Floki dodged with ease, his staff blocking her blows with precision.

The disciples watched closely, murmuring as the match progressed.

Kaida's attacks seemed strong, but Floki noticed small hesitations in her movements.

She was holding back, her strikes missing by narrow margins.

Floki took every opening, his staff countering her blade with perfect timing.

Kaida's energy wavered slightly, her focus split between the fight and her feelings.

Floki stepped in close, sweeping her blade aside with his staff.

Kaida met his eyes, and for a moment, her sharp expression softened again.

Floki's grin faded slightly. "You can do better, Kaida."

Kaida hesitated briefly, then attacked again, but Floki was ready.

With a quick upward strike, he sent her blade spinning from her hands.

Kaida stepped back, raising her hands in surrender. "The match is yours."

Chang stepped forward, his face unreadable. "Floki is now the 9th inner disciple."

The disciples clapped politely, though their curiosity about the match lingered.

Floki bowed slightly to Kaida, his grin returning as he left the ring.

Kaida watched him go, her face thoughtful and almost smiling.

That evening, back in his room, the system pulsed softly.

[Rank Advanced: Inner Disciple #9. Responsibilities Updated.]

Floki leaned back against the wall, his grin sharp. "One step closer."

The path ahead was clear...