The next morning, the sun rose red over the cracked stones of Red Hollow Outpost. The air smelt of dust and smoke. Warriors gathered in the yard, stretching and checking their weapons.
Zhen Yu Woon joined them. He carried a wooden training sword. It felt light, but he held it with care.
"Today, you patrol the outer wall," said Han Torak, his voice low but sharp. "Stay alert. If you see anything suspicious, you report it. Move fast, and stay quiet."
Yu Woon nodded. He felt the weight of the orders more than ever.
He followed the other patrol warriors through the narrow streets. The walls were high, but cracks and missing stones showed the outpost's age.
The patrol reached the southern wall. Yu Woon looked down. Far below, the desert stretched like a sea of red dust. Small rocks and dry grass shifted with the wind. Every sound was sharp, and any shadow could conceal danger.
"Keep your eyes open," Han Torak said. "The south has been quiet, but it can't be quiet forever. Bandits, wild beasts… sometimes worse."
Yu Woon's heart pounded. His first real mission outside the training yard. He tried to steady his breathing. The Neuroforge recorded his pulse, muscle tension, and movements. It only stored information of what was happening.
The patrol moved along the wall for hours. No threats appeared. Yu Woon's muscles ached, and his mind sharpened with focus.
Suddenly, a whistle cut through the wind.
"Something's coming!" Rin Kael shouted.
From the desert, a group of figures emerged. Dust swirled around them. They were moving fast in a formation. Could it be bandits? Or worse?
Han Torak raised his hand. "Hold! Watch closely. Do not attack until I say."
Yu Woon gripped his sword tighter. He felt fear, but it was sharp and clear, and it did not paralyse him. His body remembered every drill and every strike from the training yard.
The figures stopped a few metres from the wall. Their leader raised a weapon, black and jagged.
"They do not look like ordinary bandits," Han Torak whispered. "Prepare yourselves. The fight begins."
Yu Woon's eyes narrowed. His first test outside the Zhen family grounds had arrived.
And somewhere in the distance, beyond the dust and heat, a shadow watched the outpost. It waited patiently. Watching Yu Woon.
This was the first spark of the conflict that would shape his path.