The next day…
Ethan sat down cross-legged, his body still sore but refreshed after the strenuous session.
He reached into his pouch and pulled out several mana stones. The soft glow from the stones bathed the room in a pale blue light. He closed his eyes, steadying his breathing, and placed the first stone in his palm.
Slowly, he guided the flow of energy into his body. The dense mana within the stone pulsed like a heartbeat and then rushed into his veins, spreading warmth through his limbs.
The stone, once shining with brilliance, gradually dimmed and turned into a dull, transparent gem.
Its surface shimmered faintly, like a piece of polished crystal with diamond-like cuts. One by one, the stones lost their color and turned into clear opulent stones as Ethan continued to absorb them.
Sweat formed on his forehead as his aura flickered around him. A faint glow covered his body, growing brighter with each breath.
His muscles tightened, and his senses sharpened as if the world itself became clearer.
With the final stone in his hand, Ethan felt a sudden surge of power rush through his chest. His aura trembled, then exploded outward in a wave that rippled across the room.
"Aaa…" Ethan let out a deep heavy breath. His whole body shook for a moment before calming down. He slowly opened his eyes, which now carried a sharper light within them.
"It's a small breakthrough, but the harvest is quite good," he said to himself, a faint smile curling his lips. "I can feel a sharp rise in my instincts and agility. My eyesight has improved by leaps and bounds."
He clenched his fist, testing the strength in his arms, then exhaled slowly to steady his excitement. After adjusting his mindset, Ethan reached into his pouch once more. This time he pulled out a small glass vial filled with a bright liquid,the Breakthrough potion.
The liquid shimmered faintly, filled with untold power.
He held it in his hand and stared at it for a long while. Yet he did not drink it. Instead, he fell into deep thought.
"I should have this over to Sophia."
He put it down and pulled out the card.
"Should I break through now…" he murmured.
The question lingered in the air, heavy and unresolved.
He leaned back slightly, his brows furrowed. In their region, there were several Barons under Duke Salvos, but not a single one had reached the Advanced stage. If he used this now and pushed himself further, the rise in strength would no doubt attract attention. It might even draw the eyes of the Royals.
That could bring both benefits and trouble.
He tapped the card with his finger, lost in thought. "If I use it now, I can gain quite a lot of attention… but at the same time, it may be too fast.
"However,I can't lay low for long, especially in a fight but will using Advanced Realm at this stage become overkill?"
After weighing everything in his mind, he slowly shook his head. He placed the vial back into his pouch with care.
"Let's just fight at this level for now," he whispered to himself. "After returning, I'll break through in secret. I'll keep it hidden until I find the right time to reveal it."
With that decision, Ethan closed his eyes again, calming his heart. The room was filled only with his steady breathing, and the faint glimmer of the transparent stones scattered around him.
...…
Days later, what Ethan had been waiting for finally arrived.
Oliver entered the room with a serious face and held out a sealed letter. "A letter has come from the Duchy," he said.
Ethan broke the seal and read it quietly. His eyes narrowed, but his expression did not change much. "As expected, the greedy bastard accepted it. As for who will challenge me, we will find out only after we reach the Duchy."
Oliver looked at him with respect. "My Lord, when do you plan to depart?"
"Tomorrow," Ethan replied without hesitation.
After saying this, he walked to the storage room. Inside, a massive casket was placed against the wall. He opened it, and within lay a sword wrapped in thick sheets. Carefully, Ethan tore the coverings and revealed the weapon.
It was a great sword, massive and heavy, but in his hands, it felt almost natural. Its blade gleamed faintly under the light, etched with lines that seemed to ripple like waves. The hilt was carved from black steel, sturdy and cold, while the guard stretched wide like outspread wings. On its edge, faint traces of storm-like patterns shimmered, almost as if the blade held the breath of thunder itself.
Its name was Storm Strider.
This sword was not ordinary. It carried a hidden ability. Mana could be stored within the blade and, when released, it would unleash a violent storm strike, strong enough to tear through enemies in a flash.
Ethan held the sword firmly and let out a quiet breath. "What a marvelous thing…" His heart swelled with gratitude toward those who had helped him gain it.
He thought for a moment, then smiled. "I should repay them well. A coupon at my shops would do nicely."
The next day came sooner than he expected. Ethan gathered his family in the courtyard before departure. Miranda clung to his arm, tears streaming down her face. "I want to go with you, father," she cried.
Ethan gently wiped her cheeks and coaxed her softly. "No, Miranda. You must stay here. I will return soon. Trust me."
Ray stood a little apart, his small fists clenched. He looked at his father with steady eyes. "Father, please come back safely," he said quietly.
Ethan smiled warmly at him and rubbed his son's head. "Ray, you are so mature already."
Ray only nodded with a blank face, but inside, his heart leapt with joy at his father's words.
The two younger children were too small to understand. They only cried, reaching out for their father. Ethan hugged them one by one, his chest heavy with emotion.
"Ethan, take care," Sophia whispered. She hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek before stepping back with a sad smile.
"Oliver is with me. You can rest assured," Ethan said with a reassuring smile. Then he turned to Randall, who stood straight with loyalty burning in his eyes.
"Protect the estate well, Randall."
"Yes, My Lord. You can leave in peace. I will give my all if the time comes," Randall answered firmly.
Ethan gave him a satisfied nod. With one last look at his family, he mounted the carriage.
His heart was heavy, but his steps did not falter.
Soon, he departed for the Duchy, carrying both his sword and the weight of his family's hopes.