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

made a lot

was 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 do

know how many beasts

rank is

"Right."

her head, and I fell

the flute that was in

to unlock the

"Mhm."

Ava confirmed.

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

were hints of visible excitement in her voice when she said the last

I was naturally pleased with this

good, keep

when I heard someone's voice coming

the fortress and castle in the distance. What

voice belonged to none other than Ryan who seemed a lot more comfortable walking around. At least compared to when

my feet coming to a halt, I thought for a

"Call for him."

"Got it."

a solemn look on her face, Angelica closed her

***

same time,

empty, yet grandiose halls within the castle were currently filled with

the highest ranking members of the orcen race left

throne at the opposite end of the room. The hall was completely or at least partially surrounded

none other than Omgolung,

was dead silent. The arrival of the former chief caused some people to express obvious happiness,

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

"Khrrr…khrrr…"

labored breathing resonated across the space, shaking it along

"Prepare yourselves."

for his deep and coarse voice to echo throughout the

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

physique exuded a deep green tint that heightened the tension already present in

they all focused their attention on Silug who

the heart of everyone

another war. It is time for us to take

his attention toward

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

hall stirred as they looked at Omgulong, a figure whom

a lot skinnier and weaker than back then, but the presence he gave out did not lose out from the one Silug

accepted Silug's

"Yes."

the representatives

satisfied when he