"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

Dawn was breaking, the golden hue of the sun barely peeking through the dense canopy above. I sat on a thick tree branch, legs dangling, one hand twirling a playing card between my fingers. My muscles ached, a dull reminder of the hours spent training the day before. Progress was slow—but progress nonetheless.

I needed to push harder.

Leaping down, I landed in a crouch, my senses sharpening as I scanned my surroundings. Today’s focus would be endurance—pushing my body until the pain became familiar, until exhaustion was a distant memory.

I took off running.

Not a casual jog—full speed.

The wind rushed past my face as I weaved between trees, my feet barely touching the ground before propelling me forward. I pushed off a boulder, flipping mid-air before landing gracefully and continuing.

Faster.

Branches clawed at my skin, roots threatened to trip me, but I dodged without breaking stride. This was muscle memory, instincts drilled into me from my past life.

But my stamina wasn’t what it used to be.

A sharp burn ignited in my legs, my breath coming in heavier now. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself forward. Pain meant nothing. Pain was a teacher, carving the body into something greater.

Minutes stretched into an hour. I continued.

When my legs finally gave out, I collapsed against a tree, sweat dripping down my forehead. My heart pounded against my ribs, but satisfaction curled in my chest.

I was improving.

Taking a deep breath, I refocused. Training wasn’t over. Not yet.

I reached for my playing cards, flicking them between my fingers before sending them flying. They curved through the air, striking their targets—trees, stones, moving leaves—all with perfect accuracy.

But accuracy wasn’t enough.

I stood, channeling my focus. The cards shimmered, shifting form as they spun—daggers, needles, short blades—each transformation fluid, seamless.

I could do more.

Closing my eyes, I concentrated, extending my senses outward. The world slowed. The distant rustle of a rabbit in the underbrush, the soft creak of a tree swaying, the rhythmic thump of my own heartbeat—all clear.

This was the next step.

Opening my eyes, I sent the cards flying—but this time, I controlled them mid-air. They halted, hovering for a fraction of a second before adjusting their trajectory.

I grinned.

Good.

Suddenly, movement.

A presence.

I stilled, eyes narrowing as I focused.

A shadow moved between the trees—silent, deliberate. Not an animal. Someone was here.

I faded into the background, activating my stealth ability. My body blurred, blending into the surroundings like a phantom.

The figure stepped into view—a man, clad in dark leather, a short sword at his side. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the forest. A scout? A hunter?

Or something worse?

I didn’t move, barely breathed, watching as he examined the area. My tracks were faint, but not invisible.

He knelt, brushing his fingers against a disturbed patch of dirt.

I gripped a card between my fingers, ready.

Then—he straightened, shaking his head. With a final glance around, he turned and walked off, disappearing into the forest.

I exhaled slowly.

This wasn’t a coincidence.

Someone was watching the area.

Which meant it was time to start watching back.