The Cunning Treasure Hunter

Compared to Noah Gale, who stood beside him, Ethan Vale carried an unmistakable edge. While Noah's plain appearance and soft demeanor exuded warmth, Ethan, with his sharper features and proud bearing, seemed to embody unyielding confidence—bordering on arrogance.

"Greetings, senior brother," came a voice, soft yet carrying a unique melody.

It was the kind of voice that could draw one's attention effortlessly, ethereal and fleeting, like an unripe fruit hanging on a desolate branch. Ethan Vale, despite his usual bravado, found himself uncharacteristically captivated. For the first time in his life, he faced someone he couldn't easily comprehend.

"My name is Vera."

Her small hand extended toward him, an unassuming gesture that seemed to break the spell her voice had cast. Yet, Ethan's focus remained locked on her eyes—those deep, enigmatic pools of black that seemed to hold a world beyond his reach.

"Hey, Ethan Vale, snap out of it!" Noah's voice cut through his thoughts. "You're a senior disciple! Show some decorum!"

"W-What? When did I lose my decorum?" Ethan muttered, quickly grabbing Vera's hand. It was small, cool to the touch, and softer than he expected. He barely had time to register the sensation before Noah nudged him sharply in the ribs, forcing him to release her hand.

"I'm Noah Gale. Nice to meet you," Noah said with a broad, welcoming grin, offering his hand to Vera.

And so, the trio met for the first time.

"Alright, let's get you settled in," Noah said as they began walking toward the Blooming Peak Pavilion. "After that, you'll meet Senior Brother Marcus Reid. Training should begin tomorrow, I assume?"

"Probably. Throwing her straight into training today would be a bit much," Ethan remarked, shrugging.

Noah chuckled mischievously. "You never know. Senior Brother Marcus might decide to throw her into the afternoon drills right away."

"Senior Brother Marcus? Not likely," Ethan replied with a dismissive wave.

Both of them turned to look at Vera, who seemed confused by their banter. Ethan leaned in slightly. "Your name is Vera, right?"

"Yes, Senior Brother," she replied, her tone even and respectful.

"I've got a question for you."

"Please, ask away."

"How old are you?"

It was a simple, almost childish inquiry, but Vera didn't hesitate. "I'm fourteen."

"What?! Fourteen?!" Noah exclaimed, his eyes wide. "We're fifteen!" He threw an arm around Ethan's shoulder, grinning slyly. "Hey, Ethan."

"What now?"

"Feels good being older, doesn't it?"

Ethan smirked, shrugging off Noah's arm. "Better than having a junior sister who's older, that's for sure."

The three of them continued toward the pavilion as the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson. Below them, the training grounds buzzed with activity as disciples, fresh from their lessons, practiced with vigor under the watchful eye of Senior Brother Marcus Reid.

Marcus was an imposing figure, a seventeen-year-old with sharp, penetrating eyes and a presence that demanded respect. His tied-back hair and thick eyebrows only added to his air of authority. As Ethan and Noah approached with Vera in tow, Marcus glanced their way.

"Ethan Vale, Noah Gale. You've returned."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

"We have."

"Good. Go and rest."

His gaze, however, lingered on Vera, who bowed deeply, clutching her hat in both hands.

"Disciple of the Suncrest Sect, third-generation member, Vera, greets Senior Brother Marcus Reid."

"There's no need to be so formal," Marcus replied, though his tone carried an undertone of appraisal. "We're all close in age, after all."

Despite his words, the sharp glint in his eyes suggested otherwise. His gaze wasn't harsh, but the silent scrutiny of the surrounding disciples was another story altogether.

"You'll begin training tomorrow," Marcus continued. "I hear you were brought here by Master Aiden?"

"Yes, Master Aiden guided me here," Vera answered.

Marcus nodded. "Let me warn you in advance. The atmosphere in Blooming Peak Pavilion isn't exactly... gentle."

Vera glanced around. It didn't take long to understand what he meant. Dozens of eyes were fixed on her, filled not with hostility but wariness, as if her presence alone had shifted the balance. She had entered as an uninvited rival in their ongoing competition.

"I understand," she said calmly.

Marcus's tone shifted slightly as he added, "There's a reason for that. The Single Branch Tournament is approaching."

"The Single Branch... Tournament?" Vera asked, tilting her head.

"It's a competition," Marcus explained, his voice steady. "Through sparring matches, we determine the most exceptional disciple from each generation. It's a way to separate gems from stones."

Only now did Vera realize the true purpose of Blooming Peak Pavilion. It wasn't just a residence—it was a crucible for rivalry and ambition, designed to hone its occupants through unrelenting competition.

"The winner," Marcus continued, "receives the Purple Cloud Pill, the most coveted elixir in the Suncrest Sect. It can enhance one's internal energy by an extraordinary margin."

Hearing this, Vera finally understood the fire in everyone's eyes. A single pill capable of providing such power was enough to ignite fierce desire.

"I see."

Her response was unexpectedly calm, almost indifferent. Marcus's brows furrowed. "You don't seem particularly interested."

"It's a desirable prize," Vera admitted.

"Then why do you sound so dispassionate?"

"It's just..." Vera glanced around at the glaring disciples. "I wonder if a single pill is worth making brothers and sisters look at each other this way."

With that, she bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Both Marcus and the disciples watched as her small figure disappeared toward the pavilion. At the entrance, Ethan and Noah were waiting, having overheard everything.

"Didn't Senior Brother Marcus tell you to rest?" Vera asked, tilting her head.

Ethan shrugged. "If I'd gone straight to bed, he'd have come after me later."

"Really?"

Noah chimed in, a small grin on his face. "Ethan's right. Senior Brother Marcus may look stern, but deep down, he's a bit of a romantic."

"...Doesn't seem that way to me."

"You'll see soon enough," Ethan said with a knowing grin.