The adaptation to the elven city was faster than I expected. Maybe because everything there already functioned efficiently, or maybe because I no longer had time to feel unfamiliar with new environments. Even so, there was something I needed to do before anything else.
Train.
I left the mansion early in the morning, before the city had even begun to move. The air was still cold, and the mana around seemed more stable at that hour. I walked away from the structures, crossing the forest until I found a more isolated area, where there was no risk of hitting anyone.
Lyannis came right behind me. "Starting early already."
"I need to."
Rai'kanna appeared next. "You really don't know how to stop, huh?"
"I can't."
Scarlett observed the surroundings. "Suitable area."
Elara added: "No interference."
Vespera said: "Wide space."
Liriel arrived last, still adjusting her hair. "You could rest a little longer…"
I looked at all of them.
"Later."
I wasted no time. I stepped a few paces away, positioned my body, and took a deep breath. The energy inside me responded almost immediately, as if it had been waiting for that.
The sword reacted.
I didn't need to fully summon it. Just channeling its presence was enough.
I closed my eyes for a moment… and then moved.
The first strike cut through the air with precision. There was no physical target, but the impact was real. The pressure generated spread forward, scattering leaves and making the environment react.
Lyannis let out a low whistle. "That increased."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "A lot more than before."
Scarlett analyzed: "Elevated strength."
Elara stated: "Control still adjusting."
Vespera added: "Room for improvement."
I continued.
Another strike.
This time, stronger.
The energy surged forward with greater intensity, hitting a rock formation in the distance. The impact was dry, direct.
The rock… simply split apart.
I stayed silent for a moment.
Observing.
"So this is the level."
Lyannis commented: "You didn't even force it that much."
"No."
Rai'kanna said: "If that hit directly…"
"It would destroy more."
Scarlett stated: "High offensive capability."
Elara added: "High destructive potential."
Vespera said: "Proportional risk."
Liriel watched carefully. "You're controlling it better."
"I'm trying."
I took another deep breath.
This time, I channeled more energy.
I felt the weight increase.
The sword responded.
And then… I advanced.
The strike was faster.
Heavier.
The pressure generated was greater than before, cutting through space with enough force to alter the environment around it. Trees in the distance swayed from the displaced air.
But it still wasn't the limit.
"Again."
Lyannis murmured. "He's not going to stop."
Rai'kanna said: "Of course not."
Scarlett commented: "Persistence."
Elara stated: "Continuous training."
Vespera added: "Gradual evolution."
I focused even more.
This time, not only on strength.
But on control.
The energy needed to obey.
Not escape.
Not exceed.
I moved again.
The strike came out clean.
Without waste.
The pressure was directed exactly where I wanted.
And the result was clear.
The area ahead was hit with precision, without spreading unnecessary impact.
I stopped.
Breathing in a controlled manner.
"Better."
Lyannis nodded. "Much better."
Rai'kanna said: "Now that's it."
Scarlett analyzed: "Efficiency increased."
Elara stated: "Refined control."
Vespera added: "Precise execution."
Liriel smiled faintly. "You're evolving fast."
"I need to evolve."
I stayed silent for a few seconds.
Feeling the energy still flowing.
But that wasn't all.
There was still something I needed to test.
I closed my eyes again.
This time… I went deeper.
The armor.
Golden energy began to form around my body. Not complete, not yet. But present.
More stable than before.
More controlled.
Lyannis commented: "You're using it earlier now."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna said: "And it doesn't seem as heavy."
"It isn't."
Scarlett analyzed: "Advanced adaptation."
Elara stated: "Increased resistance."
Vespera added: "Reduced consumption."
I maintained the form for a few seconds.
Feeling the weight.
The pressure.
But this time… it didn't affect me the same way.
"I can maintain it."
Liriel tilted her head. "For how long?"
"Longer than before."
I let the energy dissipate.
Without forcing beyond what was necessary.
I took another deep breath.
The training still wasn't over.
But the main thing… was already clear.
I was becoming stronger.
Faster.
More precise.
Lyannis approached. "So this is the result of everything until now."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna said: "It's still not enough."
"I know."
Scarlett commented: "But it's close."
Elara stated: "Consistent evolution."
Vespera added: "Correct path."
Liriel looked at me carefully. "You're thinking about them, aren't you?"
I didn't answer immediately.
But she already knew.
"Yes."
The second general.
The first.
And the demon king.
They were still there.
Waiting.
I took a deep breath.
And looked ahead.
"I'm still not at the level I need to be."
Lyannis smiled faintly. "Then keep going."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna nodded. "As always."
Scarlett said: "Without interruption."
Elara stated: "Continuous progression."
Vespera added: "No stagnation."
Liriel smiled.
And I understood.
No matter how much I advanced.
There was always more.
There always would be.
I adjusted my stance again.
Held firm.
And said calmly:
"It's not over yet."