Shadow Guard's Base

--- Chapter 9 ---

Five days have passed since Baek Ain fought the 3rd Rank Magical Beast beyond his cultivation. He was injured and had to get transported to the Shadow Guard's Base, thirty miles from Wu Tan City.

Baek Ain treated the best the Shadow Guard could and even fed with an expensive recovery pill that only Dou Spirit(above Dou Grandmaster) could afford. Everything is on Lan Rou's tab as she wanted to heal her disciple to the best condition.

Even if Lan Rou has to work in the Shadow Guard for eternity, a single scar on Baek Ain's body won't cut it. She knew that would be impossible unless a miraculous event happened.

Some people in the Shadow Guard also discredit Baek Ain, not believing he could fight a 3rd Rank Magical Beast for more than five minutes without getting killed. Lan Rou didn't say anything, but her action speaks clearly by beating one of those people to a pulp.

Unknown to everyone in the Shadow Guard, Baek Ain's body goes through a massive change.

[Ding! The "Body Metamorphosis." applied to the host's body]

[Recovering all fatal injuries to null state]

[Clearing out all impurities]

[Improving blood flows and several internal organs]

[Enhancing the performance of the body by 150%]

[The host has achieved the "Pure Yang Physique."]

[The host has obtained a new skill: Minor Healing Factor(B)]

[Initiating a shockwave to wake up the host]

Zzzt!

In a well-lighted room, Baek Ain rested on a recovery bed and slept soundlessly. Then, an impulse shocked his entire body.

He opened his eyes abruptly, sitting on the bed with cold sweat running down his forehead. He looked around in confusion and smelt medicinal scents all over the place.

"Where am I?"

"Where is that baboon..."

[You're in the safe zone, host. More precisely, the Shadow Guard's Base near the Hidden Beast Forest]

"..." Baek Ain sighed in defeat, hanging his head down low because his confidence was "literally." crushed by the 3rd Rank Magical Beast.

He could defeat any 2nd Rank Magical Beast with no problem, but that Shady Baboon appeared out of nowhere and reduced him to a mere ragdoll state.

Baek Ain has never felt so powerless, even when facing Gu Xun'er, as he knew she wouldn't kill him without proper reason. 'Am I too naive? Maybe I'm enjoying this world too much.' He thought while lying head down again.

'Maybe I should train more?' Never once this thought flashed in Baek Ain's head. His lazy nature rendered him in this state.

Not to mention Baek Ain doesn't have a concrete goal besides finishing the Goddess of Opportunity's quest.

[Ding! Do you want to Sign In to the Shadow Guard's Base?]

Baek Ain looked at the system panel with a small smile and replied, "Yes."

[Congratulations, Host! You have received Di Class: Unrecorded Body Refining Technique and C Grade Skill: Lightning Impulse]

[Name: Unrecorded Body Refining Technique]

[Type: Body Training Art]

[Grade: A+]

[Description: Unrecorded Body Refining Technique is a sequence of how one refines physical prowess to the very extreme stage by reversing blood flow and Energy(Dou Qi) "continuously." this makes all organs within one's body and external durability increase exponentially. The last wielder of this technique exploded because of the excessive reversed flow]

[Name: Lightning Impulse]

[Type: Passive]

[Grade: C]

[Description: Lightning Impulse is the instinctual ability to react upon everything. It allowed the wielder to move without thinking to dodge dangerous attacks and intent]

"What a nice reward..." Baek Ain chuckled while staring at the unique-looking ceiling.

After some thought, Baek Ain couldn't help but open his mouth and asked, "Hey, system. Would you like a nickname?"

"Maybe I've been treating you too harshly all this time..."

[Up to you, host]

[If you like to give me a name, then the system will accept it]

"Even a weird one?"

[Even a weird one...]

"I'm just messing around with you. There is no way I would call you "Deez Nuts." or something similar, haha."

[...]

"Alicia, or just Cia. What do you think?"

[The system now will refer to itself as Alicia]

[Using a vast range spectrum to create a suitable voice]

[Thank you, host] The system sounded more feminine but still had that "monotonous AI." quality. It was pleasant to Baek Ain's ears, and he liked it more than before.

[Do you want to use 1x Skill Upgrade Token(A)?]

[It could upgrade your skill to A Grade instantly]

Baek Ain rubbed his chin and returned, "Can you show me Synthesize and Sixth Sense's proficiencies first?"

[Sure]

[Synthesize (B+)]

[Skill Proficiency: 89%]

[Sixth Senses(B)]

[Skill Proficiency: 5%]

"Hmm, They got upgraded?"

[Your fight against the Shady Baboon increased the Skill Proficiency quickly, host. It's not just "Synthesize." and "Sixth Sense." as "Hyper Jump." and "Iron-like Enhancement." also become stronger]

[The Life and Death situation pushes your limit, which you usually won't do because of the risk]

"That comment struck right into my heart..."

"I guess that monkey is a blessing in disguise." Baek Ain had a complex expression on his face. "Well, I have decided what skill to upgrade."

"Use the token on the Lightning Impulse."

[Ding! The Lightning Impulse upgraded to A]

Baek Ain suddenly felt a familiar presence approaching his location. He waited and saw an unfamiliar tall yet beautiful lady with bluish-silver hair bringing a plate, knife, and some red apples.

"Ain?! You are awake!" The lady said excitedly, placing the plate on the table nearby.

She hugged Baek Ain with a worried look and added, "I'm sorry. I should help you sooner."

"Instructor Lan?" Baek Ain recognized this stern yet warm voice and was speechless. After all, Lan Rou has never shown her face nor a sliver of her hair.

Lan Rou smiled and answered, "Yes, it's me."

"Wow..."

Baek Ain couldn't hold his surprise.

"Just rest for now. I'll explain everything slowly." Lan Rou began to cut the apples, making it easier for Baek Ain to eat them.

"And don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

'My secret... The Golden Crow's Possession.' Baek Ain laughed helplessly inside.

...

...

Staying at the Shadow Guard's Base for two days allows Baek Ain to gain experience against other Shadow Guards. He fought them relentlessly while perfecting his Dou Techniques one after another. Above all, his gifted recovery shocked the healer in the group.

Even though some Shadow Guards seemed displeased about him, they couldn't do anything with Lan Rou around him. Not to mention the person they served is on Baek Ain's side.

In the arena, Baek Ain fought a tall man with a rugged beard and untamed hair. He swung the Sharp Tiger Blade and countered the bearded Shadow Guard's claw-like attack.

Clank!

Their Dou Qi clashed, creating a spark of energy in the arena.

Baek Ain's Dou Qi is a fire attribute.

Meanwhile, the bearded shadow guard is water.

He should have an advantage against Baek Ain, but this young man didn't show weakness when facing his Dou Qi, As if the Water Dou Qi doesn't affect Baek Ain.

Baek Ain's blessed with the Golden Crow, one of the three Supreme Fire Beasts known as the Sun Bird. His Fire Dou Qi couldn't get suppressed unless the opposite possessed the Supreme Water Beast's blessing/elemental attribute.

Baek Ain charged forward with Hyper Jump and slashed the cloth tied on the Bearded Shadow Guard's left arm, winning the spar.

SWOOSH!

[Seven Star Blade Art has reached level 7]

[Silent Shadow Steps has advanced to level 14]

Bowing his body respectfully, Baek Ain smiled and said, "Thank you for the spar. I learned a lot."

The Bearded Shadow Guard laughed amusingly and replied, "Hahaha, it seems the rumor was true. We finally have a monstrous rookie."

"With those skill sets, you're ready to take on some mission."

"Mission?" Baek Ain tilted his head.

"What? Gale Rou never told you about this?" The bearded Shadow Guard becomes more confused than Baek Ain. "Shadow Guard is a special organization that serves the Miteer Family/Primer Clan."

"We received a mission constantly from gathering information to the assassination."

"He'll receive one soon." Lan Rou stepped into the arena.

"Let's go, Ain."

"Lady Fei is calling you."

"Okay." Baek Ain waved his hand at the bearded shadow guard before disappearing with Lan Rou.