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

made a lot of progress over the past

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

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

rank is

"Right."

nodded her head, and I

my eyes paused on the flute that was in her

see…so does that mean you're about to unlock the third seal of

"Mhm."

Ava confirmed.

reach rank, I will be able to break the next seal and have the chance to take more beasts

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

I was naturally

keep

I heard someone's voice

see the fortress and castle in

than Ryan who seemed a lot more comfortable walking around. At least compared to when

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

"Call for him."

"Got it."

her face, Angelica closed

***

time, in the

within the castle were currently

the highest ranking members of the

opposite end of the room. The hall was completely or at least partially surrounded by his presence as another, slightly lesser presence

to none other than

room was dead silent.

show as they all focused their attention back on Silug who quietly saw on the throne without saying

"Khrrr…khrrr…"

labored breathing resonated across the space, shaking it

"Prepare yourselves."

his deep and coarse voice to echo throughout the entire

on the side arms of the throne, he slowly stood up from his seat and scanned everyone in the hall

a deep green tint that heightened the tension already present

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

next words stirred the heart

another war. It is time for us to take the initiative

attention toward Omgolung,

will lead the army going forward as its top general. He'll be running the army, and

a figure

lot skinnier and weaker than back then, but the presence he gave out did not

happily accepted Silug's

"Yes."

representatives

left satisfied when