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.

at the same time…that

she has made a lot of progress over the

I hadn't sparred with because she was out searching for

also explained why I didn't know how many

rank is

"Right."

and I fell into

on the flute that was in

that mean you're about to unlock the third

"Mhm."

Ava confirmed.

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

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

being in my group, I was naturally pleased

good, keep up

to finish when I heard someone's

the fortress and castle in the distance. What should we

who seemed a lot more

I thought for a

"Call for him."

"Got it."

her face, Angelica closed her

***

same time, in the said

halls within the castle were currently filled

ranking members of the

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

belonged to none other than Omgolung, the previous

was currently fixated on Omgolung, and the entire room was dead silent. The arrival of the former chief caused some

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

"Khrrr…khrrr…"

breathing resonated across the space, shaking it

"Prepare yourselves."

and coarse

hands on the side arms of the throne, he slowly stood up from his

green tint that heightened the

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

the heart

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

attention toward Omgolung, Silug

forward as its top general. He'll be running the army, and his words will count just

entire hall stirred as they looked at Omgulong, a figure

presence he gave out did not lose out from the one Silug gave

accepted Silug's

"Yes."

the representatives shouted

was left satisfied when