The routine continued.
Day after day.
No sudden breakthroughs.
No miracles.
Only repetition.
Han Chandu and Han Sen moved through the outer forest again, their steps quieter now, their movements more refined, their eyes sharper, because what was once unfamiliar had now become something they could read.
"…left," Han Chandu said quietly.
Han Sen shifted instantly.
A small creature burst out from the bushes—
Dark shell.
Low body.
Quick legs.
A Black Shell Beetle.
Han Sen stepped in first, cutting its escape, forcing it to turn, while Han Chandu moved forward without hesitation, his strike landing cleanly against its side.
The creature staggered.
Tried to run—
Failed.
Han Chandu finished it.
Silence returned.
A faint panel appeared.
[ Notification ]
→ Black Shell Beetle Killed
→ No Beast Soul Obtained
Han Sen clicked his tongue lightly.
"…again nothing."
Han Chandu didn't respond.
Because that was expected.
They moved on.
Another rustle.
Faster this time.
A gray blur shot between the trees, its red eyes flashing as it moved unpredictably, its claws scraping lightly against the ground.
Han Sen smirked.
"…Red Eye Rat."
The creature lunged.
Fast.
Sharp.
Han Sen dodged, barely, its claws missing him by inches, its movement erratic, harder to predict than the beetle.
Han Chandu didn't rush.
He waited.
Watched.
Then—
Moved.
His strike came mid-motion, breaking its rhythm just enough—
Han Sen followed instantly.
A kick.
Direct.
The creature hit the ground.
Han Chandu stepped in.
Final.
Silence.
The panel appeared.
[ Notification ]
→ Red Eye Rat Killed
→ Basic Beast Soul Obtained (Armor Type)
Han Sen looked immediately.
"…anything?"
A brief pause.
Han Chandu answered calmly.
"…no."
Another lie.
Small.
Controlled.
Because in that moment—
Something had already changed.
Inside him.
That silent space.
That still ocean.
Now—
Two lights.
The knife.
And beside it—
A faint piece of armor forming slowly.
Incomplete.
But real.
His second Beast Soul.
Hidden.
Unseen.
His eyes returned to normal instantly.
Han Sen exhaled.
"…we're really unlucky."
Han Chandu simply said—
"…we keep going."
They didn't stop.
Didn't question.
Because results came from repetition.
Not luck.
Time passed.
Another creature appeared.
Larger.
Slower.
Its body covered in rough, stone-like skin, its movements heavy but stable.
Han Sen frowned slightly.
"…Stone Skin Lizard."
Han Chandu nodded.
"…focus the same spot."
The creature charged.
Heavy.
Direct.
Han Sen sidestepped, avoiding the impact, while Han Chandu moved toward its flank, striking with more precision than before, his control sharper, his timing cleaner.
The impact landed.
Better.
Still not enough to break it instantly—
But enough to weaken.
Han Sen followed.
Same point.
Again.
Again.
The creature slowed.
Its movements losing strength.
Until—
It collapsed.
Han Chandu ended it.
The panel appeared.
[ Notification ]
→ Stone Skin Lizard Killed
→ No Beast Soul Obtained
Han Sen let out a breath.
"…we're getting better."
Han Chandu didn't deny it.
Because it was true.
Not stronger—
But better.
More efficient.
More controlled.
Less wasted movement.
They stopped as fatigue began to settle in, their bodies heavier, their breathing slightly uneven, their muscles carrying the strain of repeated fights.
They prepared the meat.
Sat.
And ate.
Slowly.
Silently.
Then—
The panel appeared.
[ Notification ]
→ Stone Skin Lizard Meat Consumed
→ Ordinary Gene +3
Han Sen blinked.
"…three again?"
Han Chandu checked his own panel.
[ Status Update ]
Ordinary Genes → 6 / 100
A small increase.
But faster than before.
His body felt slightly lighter again, his recovery quicker, his movements smoother, the fatigue not hitting as hard as it used to.
Han Sen stretched his arm slightly.
"…if this keeps up…"
"…we improve faster," Han Chandu finished.
Han Sen nodded.
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"…you've changed," Han Sen said.
Han Chandu glanced at him.
"…how?"
"…you move differently."
A pause.
"…more certain."
Han Chandu didn't answer immediately.
Because he understood.
Not talent.
Not instinct.
But repetition.
Understanding.
System.
A faint panel appeared.
[ Skill Panel ]
Taijutsu → 4 / 100
Small.
But real.
His gaze steadied.
"…just getting used to it," he said.
Han Sen smirked faintly.
"…yeah… me too."
They stood.
Turning back toward the shelter as the day began to end, their bodies tired, their steps slower, but steady, because even though progress was slow—
It was real.
Behind them, the forest remained silent.
Unchanged.
Waiting.
And within Han Chandu—
That quiet space remained.
Dark.
Still.
Holding two lights now.
A knife.
And armor.
Hidden.
Growing.
Unseen.
A small edge.
But an edge—
Was enough.
For now.