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Chapter 20 - RIPPLES OF VICTORY

Victory did not bring celebration.

It brought attention.

Whispers in the Dark

Within days, Ryan could feel it.

Eyes watching.Auras brushing against his perception before retreating.

The martial world had noticed him.

At Cakra Sakti Academy, senior disciples were suddenly more cautious around him—some respectful, others wary.

"Winning a faction duel changes things," Sophie said quietly as they trained."You're no longer invisible."

Ryan nodded.

"I can feel it."

The Crimson Hollow Responds

Far from the academy, in a dim underground chamber, the leaders of The Crimson Hollow gathered.

The defeated warrior knelt, head lowered.

"He neutralized my energy," the man said bitterly."He didn't overpower me."

The leader's eyes glowed faintly red.

"Then he is more dangerous than we thought," he replied."Discipline outlasts fury."

Another figure spoke.

"We cannot challenge him openly again. Not yet."

The leader smiled coldly.

"Then we don't."

A Warning from Bayu

Bayu summoned Ryan that evening.

"You handled yourself well," Bayu said."But understand this—public victories create private enemies."

Ryan listened carefully.

"The Crimson Hollow will not act directly," Bayu continued."They'll target what you value."

Ryan stiffened.

"My family?"

"Your allies," Bayu corrected."Your routines. Your weaknesses."

Training Under Pressure

Ryan's training intensified again.

Now, attacks came without warning.

Illusions.Feints.Multiple opponents.

Sophie struck hard, fast, unpredictable.

"This is how enemies fight when rules disappear," she said.

Ryan adapted.

He stopped reacting—and began anticipating.

His perception sharpened.

His energy coating thinned further, becoming nearly invisible.

Stage 4

One night, during silent meditation, Ryan felt a shift.

Energy no longer spread evenly.

It condensed.

Focused.

Responded instantly to thought.

Sophie tested him the next morning.

She struck.

Ryan redirected the force—not with strength—but with flow.

She stepped back, eyes widening.

"…You've entered Level 3, Stage 4," she said quietly.

Ryan exhaled.

He felt no excitement.

Only readiness.

The Hidden Threat

That night, Ryan sensed something familiar.

That cold presence again.

Stronger.

Closer.

From the shadows of a nearby rooftop, a figure watched.

"Stage 4 already…" the figure whispered."Good. That makes it worthwhile."

Ryan looked up.

But the presence vanished—leaving behind a single thought:

This was only the beginning.

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