The Author's POV

If there was anything that changed during the two years I devoted to training, it was my combat approach.

Even while I continued to use the Keiki style as I had in the past, I was able to modify it in my own unique way.

I didn't need to grip my sword and hang on to the sheath like I had in the past.

The only thing I needed to do now was to gently tap my finger in the air.

When I sheathed and unsheathed my sword, the speed at which I could do so increased to the point where those of a high level could no longer see it with their unaided eyes. To those on the outside, it appeared as though I was simply pointing at my enemies and killing them, but in reality, I was actually doing the same movement as in the past, but a lot faster.

But it wasn't just that.

I was also able to tap into a new power.

Mana agglomeration.

Typically, one would form an armor when reaching this level. Sort of like Monica with her shining orange armor.

...I knew this because she tended to show this off quite often. Liam could also somewhat do it, although his armor was a bit strange.

How could I describe it? ...Let's just say that it is severely lacking in the defensive department with gaping holes everywhere.

In any case, it was different for me.

Unlike them, I never created an armor for myself. Rather, I came up with something else.

Mana aggregation functioned by physically bending the mana in the air to your will and controlling it in such a way that you could make it into a tangible material that could be used to cover the human body as armor.

I could now summon actual sword energy out of thin air by bending the mana in the air to my desire.

Due to my two-year research of the psyon composition in the air and the pill I took after returning from the conference, I was able to regulate my psyons to an extreme degree, which was necessary for my new technique.

In a way, I was confident in facing any opponent of the rank range without feeling the littlest of intimidation from them.

"Hm?"

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the presence of several shadows in the air. Squinting my eyes, I casually tapped the air.

Thump! Thump!

The two shadows fell from the sky after I pointed in their direction, revealing the figures of a couple of demons.

They crashed against the hard ground, sending dirt flying in the air.

At the moment, over ten different birds, each with a different size and strength, were circling the skies above us. I glanced at Ava as we walked silently side by side in their direction.

"Quick question Ava, how many beasts can you control at the same time at the moment."

"About forty."

Ava replied, leaving me impressed.

beasts at the same time…that was

a lot of progress over the

only one I hadn't sparred with because she was out searching for monsters to tame, unlike the others who didn't need to

explained why I didn't know how many beasts she could summon at the

rank is ,

"Right."

head, and I fell into

eyes paused on the flute that

you're about to unlock the third seal of

"Mhm."

Ava confirmed.

next seal and have the chance to take more beasts

excitement in her voice when she said the last words. Clearly, she loved the

in my group, I was naturally pleased with this

keep up

even able to finish when I

I can see the fortress and castle in the distance.

who seemed a lot more

coming to a halt, I thought for a moment before shifting my

"Call for him."

"Got it."

look on her face, Angelica

***

same time, in the

grandiose halls within the castle were currently

were the highest ranking members

on a big throne at the opposite end of the room. The hall was completely or at least partially surrounded by his presence as another, slightly lesser presence also filled

none other than Omgolung,

orcen delegates attention was currently fixated on Omgolung, and the entire room was dead silent. The arrival of the former chief caused some people to express

could vividly show as they all focused their attention back on Silug who

"Khrrr…khrrr…"

the space, shaking it along

"Prepare yourselves."

for his deep and coarse

the throne, he slowly stood up

that heightened the tension

of the orcs present dared to move a muscle as they all focused their attention on Silug who was about

the heart of everyone

time for us to take the initiative and recapture some of the territories

toward Omgolung, Silug

He'll be running the army,

as they looked at Omgulong, a figure whom they used to follow in

presence he gave out did not lose out from the one

accepted Silug's

"Yes."

the representatives shouted

left satisfied when he