The next morning, Vargan called Ace aside.
"You've learned the basics," Vargan said calmly. "But Shark's Fin wasn't meant to be half‑understood. If you want to master it properly, return to Eldoria."
Ace nodded without hesitation.
That same day, he wrote a short letter to Amagi, informing him of his decision to return and formally learn Shark's Fin. The reply came quickly.
You are welcome anytime.
Amagi seemed pleased.
However, he chose not to inform Isami.
---
The following afternoon, Ace arrived at Eldoria's gates once again. The guards recognized him immediately and allowed him passage.
When he stepped into the private training grounds, he froze.
Isami was already there.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Isami's eyes widened in shock, then softened into quiet happiness. "You came back…" she said gently.
"I did," Ace replied, equally surprised. "You're training too?"
Before either could continue, Amagi entered the grounds.
"Isami," he said firmly, though not unkindly, "Ace is here to properly learn Shark's Fin."
She straightened instantly. "I understand."
Training began at once.
Amagi's movements were sharper this time—faster, more demanding. He corrected Ace's foot placement, forced him to repeat transitions again and again, and emphasized breath control between movements.
"Shark's Fin is not speed," Amagi said. "It is flow. If you hesitate, you lose rhythm."
Ace practiced from sunrise until the sky turned orange. By the end of the day, his body felt heavier—but his movements were smoother.
Because he had already studied the basics, he improved quickly.
And thanks to his mastery control over spell percentages, he practiced enhancing small bursts of movement with only 5–10% output, preserving stamina while increasing speed.
Amagi noticed.
"You adapt well," he admitted.
When training ended, Ace didn't rest immediately. Instead, he spent time in the city—helping merchants carry supplies, assisting with deliveries, and moving heavy cargo near the docks. It wasn't training, but it strengthened his body and earned quiet respect from the citizens.
That night, under glowing lanterns, Ace walked through Eldoria with Isami and Amagi.
The kingdom shimmered beautifully against the dark sky.
For once, there was no battle. No cursed mage. No tension.
Just calm.
But deep inside, Ace knew something—
Growth never comes without a test.
And soon, Shark's Fin would be tested beyond training.