The impact of my last strike was still reverberating through the cave when the Behemoth stepped back. It wasn't much, but it was enough to show something important.
It felt it.
Lyannis appeared beside me almost instantly. "Now that left a mark."
"But it's still not enough."
Rai'kanna advanced from the front, forcing the creature to keep its focus on her. "Then let's keep going."
Scarlett observed the movement pattern. "Defense partially compromised."
Elara added: "Breaking point identified."
Vespera said: "Short attack window."
Liriel maintained her concentration. "I can increase the impact."
I nodded slightly. "Wait for the right moment."
The Behemoth roared, a heavy sound echoing through the cave walls. It raised its body, advancing with greater force this time. The ground trembled beneath its steps, but by now we had already adapted to its rhythm.
Lyannis moved first, dodging and creating a side opening. Rai'kanna entered right after, striking directly at one of the plates we had already weakened.
The sound was sharper.
Deeper.
Scarlett spoke immediately. "Effective."
Elara confirmed: "Accumulated damage."
Vespera added: "Continuous pressure."
I didn't advance this time.
I observed.
Every movement.
Every reaction.
Something was different.
It wasn't just me who had evolved.
It was the group.
Lyannis no longer attacked only on instinct. Her movements had clear intention, preparing the field for the others. Rai'kanna didn't just pressure — she forced mistakes. Scarlett and Elara coordinated the pace of the battle, adjusting every detail. Vespera ensured no opening was left exposed. Liriel… was waiting for the exact moment.
Everything was connected.
"Now."
I spoke quietly, but everyone heard.
Liriel raised her hand.
The light formed quickly, concentrated, without dispersion. Unlike before, it wasn't a wide-area spell. It was focused.
Directed.
The beam struck directly at the creature's weakened area.
The impact was immediate.
The plate shattered.
The Behemoth stepped back with a more intense roar, clearly affected.
Lyannis smiled. "Nice."
Rai'kanna wasted no time. "We opened it up."
Scarlett analyzed: "Critical point exposed."
Elara stated: "Attack priority."
Vespera said: "Finishing possible."
I looked directly at the opening.
This was it.
Without hesitation, I advanced.
The sword's energy responded instantly, aligning with my intention. There was no doubt. No hesitation.
Only execution.
I struck.
This time, with complete precision.
The energy pierced through the exposed point without resistance.
The creature's body reacted.
First the impact.
Then the silence.
The Behemoth stopped.
For a moment… everything became still.
Then it fell.
The sound was heavy, but not chaotic.
The fight… was over.
I remained silent for a few seconds, observing.
Confirming.
Lyannis slowly let out a breath. "We finished it."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Took a while, but it was clean."
Scarlett analyzed the creature's body. "Efficient execution."
Elara added: "No critical deviations."
Vespera stated: "Control maintained."
Liriel lowered her hand, breathing a little deeper. "It worked."
I looked at everyone.
And for the first time in a while…
I didn't think about the next strike.
I thought about what we had just done.
"That was teamwork."
Lyannis gave a faint smile. "Finally acknowledging it."
Rai'kanna said: "It was obvious."
Scarlett commented: "High synchronization."
Elara stated: "Efficient coordination."
Vespera added: "Collective result."
Liriel smiled softly. "We improved."
"Yes."
I walked toward the creature's body, analyzing it closely. Its resistance was truly high. If we had been at our previous level…
It would have taken much longer.
Or maybe it wouldn't even have been possible.
"We're stronger."
Lyannis approached. "And not just you."
"I know."
Rai'kanna nodded. "Finally noticed."
Scarlett said: "Distributed evolution."
Elara stated: "Collective growth."
Vespera added: "Group balance."
Liriel stood beside me, looking at the creature. "This was only the beginning, wasn't it?"
I stayed silent for a moment.
Then answered.
"Yes."
It wasn't the end.
It was an indicator.
If we could handle something at this level with this degree of control…
Then we were ready for even greater challenges.
But that also meant something else.
The enemies ahead… would not be simple.
I took a deep breath.
"Let's collect what we need."
Lyannis was already moving. "Finally, rewards."
Rai'kanna said: "Let's finish this."
Scarlett began analyzing the useful parts of the creature. Elara assisted. Vespera organized the process. Liriel helped carefully.
I observed for one more moment before starting as well.
The battle was over.
But the result…
Was more than a victory.
It was proof.
Proof that we were no longer at the same level as before.
When we finished, we left the cave without rushing. The air outside felt lighter after all of that.
Lyannis looked at the sky. "So this is our level now."
"For now."
Rai'kanna smiled faintly. "Then let's climb higher."
Scarlett commented: "Continuous progression."
Elara stated: "No stagnation."
Vespera added: "Always forward."
Liriel walked beside me. "Are you satisfied?"
I thought for a second.
"No."
She smiled.
"I figured."
I kept walking.
The path ahead was still long.
But now…
We were no longer at the beginning.