The palace stood quiet beneath the fading evening light.
Luxe walked calmly through the corridor, his steps measured and silent.
"…Your Highness, your movements have become significantly more refined compared to previous days," Lumi said softly. "Even your breathing pattern has stabilized to a level that is difficult to detect."
Luxe didn't slow down.
"…That is because I am correcting every unnecessary motion and reducing wasted energy," he replied calmly. "Efficiency will determine survival more than raw strength in future battles."
Lumi observed him closely.
"…You are training not just your body, but your habits and instincts simultaneously," she said. "That approach will make your foundation far more stable than most individuals at your level."
"…It has to be," Luxe replied quietly. "If my foundation is flawed, everything built on it will eventually collapse."
Later that night—
The forest once again became his training ground.
Cold wind brushed against his face.
"…We will begin with mana circulation and stabilization before attempting further advancement," Luxe said calmly. "Rushing the process now will only create instability in future growth."
Lumi stood nearby, her presence calm yet vigilant.
"…Your current mana flow is stable, but the density is still insufficient for forming a second circle," she said. "You should increase circulation speed gradually rather than forcing expansion too quickly."
Luxe nodded slightly.
"…Exactly," he replied. "The second circle must form naturally, otherwise it will become unstable and inefficient."
He closed his eyes.
Mana began to circulate.
Slow.
Controlled.
"…Guide it, don't force it," he murmured. "Let it expand while maintaining structural stability."
The first circle rotated steadily.
Faster.
Denser.
"…Good," Luxe whispered. "The structure is strengthening without destabilizing the core."
He raised his hand.
"Thunder Bolt."
CRACK—!!
The lightning struck forward—
Sharper.
More controlled.
"…The output increased while consumption slightly decreased," Luxe observed. "This confirms that my mana efficiency is improving gradually."
Lumi nodded faintly.
"…Your control has improved significantly compared to yesterday, but your body still struggles to keep up," she said. "You should now focus on synchronizing your physical movements with your mana output."
"…Then we move to sword training," Luxe replied.
He picked up his sword.
Lightning flickered faintly around the blade.
"…Stabilize the flow first," he muttered. "Do not allow the mana to disperse before contact."
He stepped forward.
"Flash Step."
His body moved—
Faster than before.
Slash.
A sharper lightning trail followed the strike.
"…Better," Luxe said. "But still lacking penetration and impact during the final motion."
He adjusted his stance.
"…Focus on precision first, then increase output gradually," he said quietly. "There is no need to rush the power increase at this stage."
He moved again.
"Flash Step."
Slash.
Again.
"Flash Step."
Slash.
Each strike—
More refined.
More controlled.
"…Your movements are becoming more efficient, but your reaction timing still needs improvement," Lumi said calmly. "You are relying on prediction rather than instinct in close combat situations."
Luxe paused.
"…You're right," he admitted. "My mind is faster than my body, so I need to train my instincts to react naturally."
He exhaled slowly.
"…Then we will increase difficulty."
He stepped deeper into the forest.
"…Find me something faster," he said calmly. "I need opponents that can push my reaction speed beyond its current limits."
Lumi disappeared instantly into the shadows.
"…Understood. I will locate targets that match your current capability without overwhelming you," she replied.
Moments later—
Three figures emerged from the darkness.
Faster than goblins.
More aggressive.
"…Good," Luxe whispered. "This is exactly what I needed."
The creatures rushed forward.
"…Focus."
"Flash Step."
He moved—
Slash.
Barely avoided the first attack.
"…Faster than expected," he muttered. "I need to adjust immediately or I will fall behind."
Another attack came from the side.
Luxe twisted his body.
"…Now."
"Thunder Lance."
CRACK—!!
The lightning pierced forward—
Stronger than before.
The creature collapsed instantly.
"…The compression improved, but the casting time is still slightly slow," Luxe observed. "I need to shorten the preparation phase significantly."
The remaining two attacked together.
"…Good."
"Flash Step."
Slash.
He moved behind one—
"Phantom Slash."
The blade passed—
A moment later—
The creature collapsed.
"…The delayed effect is working," Luxe said. "This technique will be useful against stronger opponents later."
The final creature lunged forward.
"…Finish it."
"Thunder Lance."
CRACK—!!
Silence returned.
Lumi reappeared beside him.
"…Your performance has improved significantly within a short period of time," she said. "However, your mana reserves have decreased to nearly half after those techniques."
Luxe exhaled slowly.
"…That is the current limitation," he replied. "My efficiency has improved, but my capacity is still too low."
Lumi looked at him carefully.
"…Then your next step should focus on increasing your mana capacity rather than output," she said. "Otherwise, you will struggle in prolonged battles against stronger opponents."
Luxe nodded slightly.
"…Agreed," he said. "The second circle must be formed soon if I want to continue progressing."
Meanwhile—
Inside a noble carriage—
Christy sat quietly, looking out the window.
"…Father," she said softly. "Do you truly believe that the Crown Prince was simply training alone in that forest?"
Her father remained silent for a moment.
"…No," he replied. "That child is preparing for something far beyond ordinary training, and his actions suggest awareness of future events."
Christy lowered her gaze slightly.
"…Then should we align ourselves with him early, or observe him further before making any decisions?" she asked.
Her father thought carefully.
"…For now, we observe," he said. "But if his growth continues at that pace, he may become the most important figure in the kingdom."
Christy nodded slowly.
"…Then I will remember his words carefully," she said. "Because I feel that our next meeting will not be a coincidence."
Back in the forest—
Luxe looked toward the sky.
"…Everything is progressing according to plan," he said quietly. "Now I just need to grow faster than the threats that are approaching."
Lumi stood beside him.
"…Then I will ensure that nothing interrupts your growth until that point is reached," she said softly. "No matter what stands in your way moving forward."
Luxe gave a faint nod.
"…Good."
The night deepened.
And with it—
His power continued to grow.