No Intervention, a Test for You

My master spoke bluntly and with certainty.

And from his words, that Tong Ghost was formidable.

"Master, I've never even seen a Tong Ghost. I don't even know what form that thing takes.

You're really going to watch me kill it without stepping in?"

I looked at my master.

My master gave a firm "Mm."

"My waist has been overworked lately. It's been hurting, so I'm not suited for strenuous exercise.

You brat aren't some rookie anymore.

There are all sorts of bizarre and fantastical things in this line of work.

And countless strange ghosts and monsters.

You need to learn to judge and analyze them yourself, then respond to and deal with them.

This Tong Ghost just happens to be ever-changing and sinister.

Consider tonight your master's test for you. It'll also help me formulate your future training plan.

Of course, there's another benefit.

But you'll only find out after you personally cut down that Tong Ghost..."

It seemed my master had expectations for me as well. He intended to use the Ancient Siamese Tong Ghost that would be separated out tonight as my whetstone.

And judging by what he meant, killing such a special Tong Ghost should yield some sort of reward?

Could Tong Ghosts drop equipment? I joked inwardly, but didn't say it aloud.

My master had already put it that way, so I couldn't chicken out.

Besides, my master was there to cover for me. And I wanted to fight this ghostly evil thing at my best, to test my combat ability while fully equipped.

"Alright, Master. I hope I won't disappoint you tonight."

My master smiled and flicked a cigarette toward me.

"Disappointment is unlikely. I'm more interested in seeing how long you can last, and just how miserable you'll look."

I gave a bitter