After that, everyone fell asleep. But Arthur and Jing Liu were discussing what ability Jing Liu should choose in the system space for her second spirit ring.
"Hmm, do you think I should strictly follow the existing system? Because it seems like I don't fit well in the attack power system. I've already decided what ability I want to absorb!" said Jing Liu while looking at Arthur.
"I should have told you from the beginning that the system for categorizing you as control type or attack type isn't important! What matters is that the abilities you obtain make you comfortable with your fighting style. So, what ability do you want to add?" Arthur replied.
"That's great then! The ability I want for my second ring is an ice clone ability—like a variant of shadow ice wolf with incredible cloning capabilities!" Jing Liu answered enthusiastically.
"Clones? That's an excellent choice! You might be able to create clones with the same abilities. Then, you probably can't lose in a one-on-one battle against someone of the same level!" Arthur responded after hearing Jing Liu's choice.
After exchanging thoughts and informing Arthur about the ability she wanted to obtain, Jing Liu immediately began condensing her spirit ring. Simultaneously, Lumy, who had entered combat mode, stood guard beside her.
Jing Liu sat cross-legged. Her first spirit ring—pale purple in color—was already shining steadily around her body. Now, before her, the second spirit ring began to form, emitting a deeper, more intense purple light. Particles of ice energy glittered like diamond dust around her, swirling slowly before being absorbed.
Lumy, her spirit beast, was unlike usual. The ice wolf creature wasn't just standing guard; its body seemed coated in dark armor made of pure shadow, making its silhouette appear more fierce and imposing. Its blazing blue eyes scanned the surroundings, alert to any disturbances.
Arthur sat not far away, his eyes closed. He had spent the last six months trying to sense and understand the flow of natural energy around them. Cold sweat dampened his temples. Today, for the first time, he had clearly *felt* that flow—like an invisible river rushing with tremendous, powerful force. He could even draw it in slightly, feeling the waves of pure energy touch his skin, making his hair stand on end!
But that was all. It was like having a key to open a massive dam, but his hands weren't strong enough to turn it. The natural energy swirled around him, brushing against him, yet refusing to enter and be tamed. Arthur's breathing grew heavy, deep frustration evident on his tense face. His "White Hunt Aura" technique continued to operate, forming a silvery-white energy field around him that struggled desperately to force the natural energy to submit, but so far, it was futile.
Time continued to pass. The purple light from Jing Liu's condensation process grew brighter, filling the corner of the cave. A faint hissing sound, like cracking ice, could be heard. Jing Liu remained motionless, her face calm yet intensely focused. Above her body, the form of the second ring became more distinct, and the shadow of the ability she desired—"shadow ice clone"—began to take shape in her mind.
In her thoughts, she already envisioned how the clones would form, possessing thoughts and strength nearly equal to her own, assisting her on the battlefield like perfect hunting wolves. A faint smile graced her lips.
Arthur opened his eyes, watching Jing Liu's process. He saw how Lumy was merging more with the shadows, its dark armor becoming more substantial. He knew his friend was advancing further. It gave him motivation.
He closed his eyes again, this time with burning determination. Instead of trying to "tame" the natural energy, he attempted a different approach: "merging". Rather than pulling it like a rope, he imagined himself as a stone in the middle of that river, letting the energy flow over him, feeling every vibration, every rhythm.
Gradually, his breathing became more regular. His white aura field no longer pressed aggressively but instead seemed to embrace, resonating with the vibrations of the natural energy around him. It still couldn't be absorbed, but now Arthur could feel its flow more harmoniously, like understanding a foreign language that was previously incomprehensible.
Slowly but surely, a small breakthrough began to form. Their struggle that night was still long, but each had found their own path to become stronger!
TO BE CONTINUED....