............"Hmm... Why are there two extra presences in there? Is this a twist in information?" Rohan's footsteps slowed as he noticed two additional presences that shouldn't be there.He also noticed that his presence had been detected by the enemy and grinned, hoping his enemies were strong so he could properly flex his muscles."Swiish...!!""Whoa...there...!" Rohan dodged the sudden attack, glancing at the wooden plank stuck on the ground. He looked a bit surprised before turning back to the middle-aged man who had just appeared beside him."Who are you?" the middle-aged man asked cautiously, his eyes fixed on Rohan.Rohan studied the man, noticing his brown hair, blue eyes, and the saber he carried on his back."Your choice of weapon is quite good. Let's see if you have what it takes to wield it!" Rohan didn't answer the man's question but instead taunted him."Are you trying to test me?" The man looked composed, but his furrowing eyebrows told Rohan he was getting irritated.
............The seven onlookers charged at Rohan, each wielding a different weapon: an axe, spear, sword, blade, rapier, hammer, and staff. Each weapon was enveloped in the same blazing energy that the blue-eyed man had used, indicating their mastery or near-mastery of their respective arts. Their coordinated attacks were precise and deadly.Rohan remained calm, his breathing steady. The Essence of Zen Martial and the first move of the Metrona Blitz technique, the Eclipsing Strike, guided his movements. He felt the rhythm of nature within him, his body moving with effortless grace."Swiish... Boomn...!!"The axe wielder swung first, aiming to cleave Rohan in two. "Bammn...Ahh!"Rohan sidestepped, his body flowing like water, and countered with a swift strike to the man’s ribs."Bammn... Sizzle...!!"The spear followed, thrusting forward with deadly precision. Rohan deflected it with a quick parry, then spun to avoid the sword that came slashing from his right. "Swiish...Bammn...
............At the HQ of SORT in Arboria City, "Muscleman Gym" was disguised as a public gym with many members. It was a high-end facility, so only wealthy people could afford to come here.A car came to a stop as Rohan and Zane Pyros got out. Zane led Rohan inside the gym, where Rohan had to register as a new member. This was a necessary procedure before being led through a secret door hidden behind the bathroom mirror."Hello, Mr. Zane. Is this the new member you were eager to introduce?" a young man asked with a polite smile as they entered a hallway leading to a spacious hall. He noticed Zane and greeted him warmly."Hey, Alak. Nice, let me introduce you. This is your new teammate, Rohan," Zane said with a smile.Rohan observed the young man with a tall, athletic build, piercing blue eyes, a black leather jacket, and aviator sunglasses."Hello, I am Rohan Johnson. Nice to meet you, Senior!" Rohan extended his hand politely."Hello... hello, nice to meet you too!" Alak shook Roh
............"Hahaha... aren't you polite, young man. I am Nea Morphe. It's a pleasure meeting you, Rohan. And don't be so formal with us, just call me Nea." Nea shook his hand and playfully introduced herself.Rohan observed her, not surprised by the strength he felt from her, which wasn't much lower than his. He couldn't help but notice her elegant, flowing red hair and pale skin. Her eyes held a cold and calculating look. She wore her signature silver gown with intricate patterns."Yes, I will. Thank you, Miss Nea!" Rohan nodded and smiled, addressing her politely since he couldn't be too friendly with someone he had just met.The energy in the room was infectious, and Rohan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He knew this was his chance to start forming bonds with his new team, and he really needed to make a good impression on them for his better future."Haha...you really are uptight. You need to loosen up a little!" Nea Morphe chuckled at his response but didn’t ins
............"No... not today," Rohan replied. He wouldn't be going back to Willowbrook City. He hadn't toured this major city very well yet, so he wasn't going back until he knew more about it.The gym was quiet now, the earlier buzz of conversation replaced with the hum of distant traffic. Alak and Rohan stood by the door, the chill air cooling them after the warmth of the gym. Rohan felt a mix of excitement and curiosity about exploring the city more. Alak, sensing his anticipation, smiled and clapped him on the shoulder."You'll love it here. There's so much to see and do. Just take your time," Alak said warmly."Sure, accompany me tomorrow then!" Rohan nodded at Alak, who smiled and patted his back.Before they parted ways, Rohan went to a nice-looking hotel and booked a luxurious suite for himself to relax and enjoy dinner before calling it a day. The hotel lobby gleamed with polished floors and sparkling chandeliers, and the receptionist greeted him warmly as he checked in. R
............Next day, "Where are we going this time?" Rohan asked as Ade Knight led him through the busy streets.Last night, Rohan received a call from Ade Knight, who mentioned he had a mission and invited Rohan to join him.This morning, Ade explained the mission. It was about a dangerous gang that had hired martial artists. Because of this, the mission was given to SORT to handle.Apparently, a train carrying highly valuable materials from a certain company had been stolen by the gang. After investigating, they discovered it was the Iron Ravens Gang.Further investigation revealed that the gang originated from Ravenwood City, a medium-sized city far from Arboria, the major city.The whole morning, Ade took Rohan to various places and introduced him to all kinds of informants. They quickly gathered that the Iron Ravens Gang had been hired by a rival of the company whose materials were stolen.Once they had the names and locations of the gang members, Rohan stopped Ade from dragg
............"Hmm, there are guards at the entrance," Ade observed as he and Rohan approached the building."Let's just talk with them. Hopefully, they'll let us in," Ade said, moving ahead to speak with the guards. As expected, he was denied entry."It won't work. They won't let any strangers into the building. Let's do it our own way," Rohan said, shaking his head, knowing it was unlikely they would be allowed in.Rohan and Ade decided to use their strength to climb up to the first floor and enter through a window."Phew... we’re in," Ade muttered as they safely got inside without alerting anyone."Let's look for our target," Rohan gestured. They straightened their clothes before moving further into the building.In the office, two people were having a heated conversation."Hey, Mr. Chetan, you know that without your friend, we wouldn't have succeeded in this rush. But damn... those materials will earn us a lot of money. Anyway, you didn't forget that you won't be taking any part o
............“Thank you, Chetan. We’ll be checking this out. And remember, we’ll be watching you. If you even think about running or contacting anyone, we’ll know,” Rohan warned as he stood up, motioning for Ade to follow.As they left the office, the door closing with a soft click behind them, Chetan slumped back on the couch, wiping the sweat from his brow. He had narrowly escaped with his life, but he knew he was far from safe. He realized he was already doomed the moment he admitted to stealing materials from Coral Leaf Heavy Industries. No one could save him from the legal consequences and the wrath of a powerful company like Coral Leaf Heavy Industries.Outside, Ade and Rohan exchanged a look of satisfaction. They had what they needed, and now it was time to act......Outskirt of the Arboria City.In a remote settlement known for illegal trading, stolen materials from Coral Leaf Heavy Industries were stored in one of the warehouses. "Hey, which idiot went to meet our client