The deck fell silent.
A silence so complete that even the sound of the waves felt distant.
The surrounding Marines were still staring at Raifeng. Their expressions were… complicated—shock, disbelief, and something they couldn't quite put into words.
All six techniques.
He had demonstrated every single one.
Perfectly. Cleanly. Without hesitation.
This wasn't something "talent" could explain anymore.
The instructor drew a deep breath and looked at Raifeng with a grave expression.
"Raifeng…"
"Where did you learn all that?"
That question was exactly what everyone wanted to know.
Rokushiki wasn't some trick anyone could casually figure out. Every technique required long-term training, guidance, and correction.
Yet Raifeng had mastered them in an instant.
Raifeng paused.
Then answered simply, "I learned them."
The instructor's brows knit together.
"…That's not an answer."
Raifeng looked at him, expression calm and steady.
"I really learned them."
The surrounding Marines exchanged looks. Some scratched their heads. Some let out awkward laughs, not sure what to do with that.
The instructor stared at Raifeng for a long moment, then asked again, voice heavier.
"Who taught you?"
Raifeng shook his head.
"No one."
This time, the silence turned oppressive.
"No one?" the instructor repeated.
"Yes."
Raifeng nodded. "I learned them myself."
The instructor's mouth twitched.
Self-taught?
Rokushiki?
Even the most gifted Marines needed instructors—and years of training.
Raifeng could see exactly what the instructor was thinking.
But he couldn't explain.
He couldn't say there was a system.
He couldn't say he signed in and got Rokushiki as a reward.
Those things could never be spoken out loud.
Mostly when no one was watching."
The instructor stared at him.
"How long?"
Raifeng thought for a moment, then answered honestly.
"Not long."
The instructor fell silent.
Those two words carried weight.
He looked at Raifeng again—and for the first time, a faint unease rose in his eyes.
Not fear of strength.
Fear of the unknown.
A child who could master Rokushiki in such a short time…
What would he become in the future?
The instructor inhaled slowly.
"Raifeng. Do you understand what kind of impact this will have if it spreads?"
Raifeng nodded. "Yes."
"That's why I won't say anything."
The instructor blinked. "You… won't say anything?"
Raifeng glanced around. The Marines nearby were listening like their lives depended on it.
"I don't want unnecessary trouble."
"I just want to train quietly."
It was the truth.
Raifeng had no interest in fame, and no desire to attract attention. The system already made him different—standing out too much would only invite risk.
The instructor was silent for a long time.
Then he nodded.
"I understand."
"I'll keep the report minimal. I'll only say you've shown extremely high talent."
Raifeng gave a small nod. "Thank you."
The instructor looked at him deeply, then turned and walked away.
One by one, the Marines dispersed. But as they left, they couldn't help glancing back at Raifeng again and again.
Their gazes weren't casual anymore.
They were filled with respect… and awe.
After everyone was gone, Raifeng stood alone on the deck.
The sea breeze was gentle.
He exhaled quietly.
"That was close…"
If they'd kept pressing him, he truly wouldn't have known what to say.
"I really am cheating…"
"But I can't say it."
Raifeng smiled helplessly, then the smile slowly faded.
Rokushiki was now mastered.
His foundation had grown even stronger.
But he knew better than anyone—
This was nowhere near enough.
In this vast world, there were still terrifying existences everywhere.
Admirals.
Emperors.
Monsters who could destroy islands with a single move.
If he wanted to survive—
If he wanted to protect the people he cared about—
He had to keep getting stronger.
Much stronger.
Raifeng slowly clenched his fist. Power surged through his body, steady and controlled.
"System…"
"When's the next sign-in?"
The sea breeze continued to blow.
The waves rolled endlessly.
And the journey ahead—
Had only just begun.
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