After Ravihiro's defiant show of strength, he and Rumina exited the hall, the atmosphere around them charged with both excitement and tension. As they walked through the Sky Demon Sect, the disciples and elders still whispered, casting glances filled with awe, fear, and jealousy toward Ravihiro.
Rumina, amused, couldn't help but give him a sidelong smile. "You really made an impression back there, didn't you?"
Ravihiro simply shrugged, unfazed. "They wanted a show; I gave them one."
Rumina chuckled. "You're really something, you know that?" But her tone turned serious as she looked ahead. "I hope you're ready. Being by my side won't be easy."
Ravihiro raised an eyebrow. "Is that a warning or a challenge?"
Rumina stopped, turning to face him with a sly grin. "Both. My father may have accepted you for now, but don't think he'll let his guard down. He'll test you at every opportunity, and so will the other sects. The Sky Demon Sect is respected and feared. Anyone who stands with me will be seen as a target."
Ravihiro's gaze held steady. "If they come for me, they'll regret it." His words were delivered with such a quiet, deadly conviction that Rumina felt a chill run down her spine. There was something in him, something ruthless and unbreakable, that left no room for doubt
They arrived at a secluded courtyard within the sect grounds, the air heavy with the scent of blooming nightshade. The moon cast long shadows over the stone paths, and the distant mountains loomed like silent sentinels. It was a serene, almost eerie place—a far cry from the intense energy that filled the main halls of the sect.
Rumina gestured for him to sit with her by a low table set in the center of the courtyard. As they settled, a servant brought out cups of herbal tea, and they sat in silence for a while, each lost in thought.
"Tell me," Rumina finally broke the silence, her voice soft, "why did you really agree to come here? I know you're not the type to follow just anyone's orders."
Ravihiro took a sip of his tea, his gaze distant. "I don't follow anyone's orders. But... I do what's necessary." His eyes held a fleeting darkness, a glimpse of the weight he carried but rarely revealed.
Rumina studied him, her expression softening. "You know, there's more to life than fighting and proving yourself." Her tone was almost wistful. "The world is vast, filled with beauty beyond power and strength."
Ravihiro let out a quiet sigh, his usual stoicism softening just a bit. "Maybe for some. But for people like me… peace is fleeting, if it exists at all."
Rumina, sensing his guarded tone, leaned in with a mischievous grin, breaking the tension. "You know, you might be a bit more likable if you didn't look like you're ready to kill everyone all the time."
Ravihiro snorted, half-amused. "Likable isn't really my concern."
"Oh, I noticed." Rumina leaned back, a playful glint in her eye. "But you'll have to get used to it, being around here. The sect is full of people watching your every move. They're waiting for any sign of weakness. My father might have approved you, but his spies will be everywhere."
Ravihiro gave a dry smile. "They're welcome to try. But if they interfere, they'll find out just how 'likable' I am."
Rumina laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet night. "Alright, Mr. Reaper. Just don't forget you're still supposed to marry me after all this."
He raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "And what if I decide I've had enough?"
Rumina shrugged, her smirk not fading. "Then I suppose you'll have to run far enough that my father's reach won't find you."
Ravihiro rolled his eyes. "Sounds like a good excuse to stay out of trouble."
They continued talking into the night, a strange mix of banter and silent understanding between them. Rumina, for all her confidence and strength, seemed intrigued by Ravihiro's relentless solitude and unbreakable resolve. And Ravihiro, though distant and indifferent, felt something shift in his guarded walls.
The next day, they trained together in the sect's grounds, drawing the attention of curious disciples. Rumina's pursuers, warriors from various allied sects who had long admired her, watched with jealousy and resentment as she and Ravihiro sparred. Despite the crowd, Ravihiro's focus was unbreakable, his movements calculated and fierce.
One of Rumina's suitors, a proud disciple from the Crimson Blood Sect named Kael, couldn't contain his jealousy any longer. Approaching them, he sneered, "So this is the 'great Ravihiro' who's stolen Lady Rumina's favor. I expected someone more... impressive."
Ravihiro's gaze cut through him, cool and dismissive. "If you don't like what you see, look somewhere else."
Kael's face flushed with anger, his hand moving to the sword at his side. "You're cocky for an outsider. Do you think you're worthy of her just because you walked through some pathetic trial?"
Rumina stepped between them, her voice sharp. "Kael, stop this. Ravihiro earned his place here."
But Kael ignored her, drawing his sword and leveling it at Ravihiro. "Show me your worth, outsider. If you're so confident, then face me."
Ravihiro's eyes narrowed, his aura darkening, though he remained motionless. "You're making a mistake."
Kael lunged forward, his sword aimed for Ravihiro's heart. But before he could even come close, Ravihiro sidestepped, a shadow-like movement that left Kael stumbling forward. In an instant, Ravihiro was behind him, his hand gripping Kael's sword arm with bone-crushing strength.
"If you can't even land a hit," Ravihiro murmured in Kael's ear, "you shouldn't draw your sword in the first place."
With a flick of his wrist, Ravihiro twisted Kael's arm, forcing him to drop the sword. Kael cried out in pain, and Ravihiro released him with a slight shove, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
The onlookers were silent, the weight of Ravihiro's dark, imposing aura suffocating them. Even Rumina, watching from the sidelines, felt the chilling intensity of his presence.
Ravihiro looked down at Kael, his voice cold. "This is a warning. Don't waste my time again."
Kael scrambled to his feet, humiliated, and retreated without another word. Rumina watched him go, then turned to Ravihiro, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Well, that was… intense," she said, raising an eyebrow.
Ravihiro shrugged, his tone casual. "Some people just need a reminder."
Rumina chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm not sure whether I should be impressed or worried."
Ravihiro looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Both, maybe."
She laughed again, but there was something deeper in her gaze as she looked at him—a respect born not from fear, but from understanding. For the first time, she saw a glimpse of the man beyond the shadowed demeanor, the one who held unwavering strength but still carried unspoken burdens.
As the day ended, Ravihiro stood by the courtyard, looking out at the mountains beyond the sect. Rumina joined him, the two of them standing in silence, side by side. Neither needed words, and for a fleeting moment, the vast world around them felt smaller, as if they were alone in it together.