His fist slammed into its throat with clean precision.
The beast's head snapped sideways; it crashed to the ground, claws scrabbling weakly before going still.
A few disciples stared.
"Did that wolf… hesitate?"
"Was I seeing things?"
Han Qing's brows knit.
That feeling again… what is that boy?
Another wolf lunged at the flank of the formation.
Lin Wu, standing near Astra, saw his chance—not to help, but to …..
As a nervous disciple tried to reposition, Lin Wu subtly stuck his foot out, tripping him.
The boy stumbled into Astra's side, throwing off the formation line.
The third Ridgebone Wolf saw the opening and pounced, claws extended toward Astra and the falling disciple both.
Gasps erupted.
Astra had a split-second choice.
He could dodge alone.
Or he could take the hit and protect the other boy.
The Spirit Egg's presence flared.
"…fight… protect…"
Warmth surged through his veins.
Astra grabbed the falling disciple and twisted, rolling them both aside, but not fully. One claw scraped across his shoulder, tearing his robe and skin.
Pain flared hot, but his eyes stayed clear.
He let out a sharp breath, then pivoted.
The wolf, having over-extended, landed with one paw too far ahead—its balance off.
Astra stepped in, ignoring the burn in his shoulder.
He drove his fist into the beast's ribcage.
Stone-Breaking Fist – Full Body Link.
CRACK.
The Ridgebone Wolf coughed blood and collapsed.
The disciple he'd saved stared at him, shaking.
"I– I thought I was dead…"
"You're not," Astra said, already scanning for the next threat. "Back in formation."
Han Qing saw the entire sequence.
So did Bai Ruyin.
Her cold eyes softened by a fraction.
He chose to get hurt rather than sacrifice another. Idiot.…Admirable idiot.
The remaining wolves, properly pressured by Han Qing and supported by Bai Ruyin's formation, were soon dispatched.
Silence returned to the forest.
Han Qing wiped his blade clean, then looked over the group.
"Check injuries. Regroup."
He walked toward Astra, gaze dropping to the claw mark on his shoulder.
"Let me see."
"It's shallow," Astra said. "Not a problem."
"Let me see," Han repeated calmly.
Astra paused, then slightly shifted his torn robe.
The wound wasn't fatal, but the claw had reached muscle.
Han Qing clicked his tongue.
"Reckless."
"If I didn't move, he would have died," Astra replied evenly.
"Then make sure you're strong enough to save him without taking the hit," Han Qing said. "You can't protect anyone if you fall first."
Astra met his gaze.
"…You're right."
Han studied him for a moment, then nodded once.
"Not bad, though," he said more quietly. "For your first mission."
He tossed Astra a small vial.
"Basic healing liquid. Apply it before nightfall."
Astra caught it.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Nearby, Bai Ruyin had her back turned, but her spiritual sense was locked on them.
So he isn't just strong. He's the type who steps between others and danger without thinking twice.…Hn. Stupid. But…
She turned fully, eyes cool as ever.
"Form up," she said. "We still have to verify the spirit mine."
Inside Astra, the Spirit Egg glowed warmly.
He felt it—
not just approval, but a subtle, protective feeling.
So you don't like when I get hurt either…
The Egg pulsed.
"…grow… stronger…"
He smiled faintly.
"I will," he answered in his heart.
[Ding! Spirit Egg Affection +1 (Bond: 3)]
Almost at the same time:
[Ding! Battle Scenario Identified: 'First Mission Combat']
Temporary Sign-In Available: Broken Ridge Battle Site. Sign in?]
"Sign in," Astra thought.
[Ding! Sign-In Successful]
**Reward:]
– Minor Battle Instinct Enhancement
– Stone-Breaking Fist Proficiency +
His understanding of the fist technique deepened.
Movements and angles became clearer in his mind, like a fog lifting from a road.