Evelyn's POV
After reaching Stage Four, I expected my cultivation to continue progressing naturally. Yet no matter how hard I tried—no matter how much mana I poured into my body—nothing worked. It felt like I was slamming against an invisible wall.
In my past life as the Hero, I had also only reached Stage Four. I thought with this second chance, I could finally surpass that point. But even with all my training, knowledge, and stubbornness, I was stuck.
For months, I tried everything I could think of. More meditation, harsher training, longer sessions in the mana fields. Nothing worked.
Finally, after nearly driving myself mad with frustration, I swallowed my pride and went to my mother.
"Mother… why can't I reach Stage Five?" I asked one evening, my voice heavier than I intended. "Am I going to be stuck at Stage Four forever?"
She looked at me calmly, as though she had been waiting for this question. Then she smiled softly and brushed my hair back from my face.
"Evelyn, your body simply isn't ready yet," she explained. "Cultivation isn't just about mana—it's also about the vessel that carries it. Your body hasn't fully developed. You'll only be able to progress again once you're older. Around fifteen, you'll start to notice the change."
Her words hit me like a splash of cold water. So simple. So obvious. And yet I hadn't seen it.
I almost laughed. "So I've been banging my head against a wall that isn't even there yet."
Mother chuckled. "Something like that. Be patient. Use this time wisely. Stage Four is already an incredible achievement for someone your age."
Although part of me felt disappointed, I wasn't discouraged. If anything, her words lifted a weight from my shoulders. I still had years before fifteen—but years I could use to sharpen myself in other ways.
---
Training the village children kept me busy. With Marcus and Lina helping, our small training group was thriving. I also took up practicing with the bow. Now that I was Stage Four, the bow and arrows I created with mana were far stronger than before. So strong, in fact, that only a Stage Three cultivator could even pull the bowstring.
One afternoon, I demonstrated the bow to Marcus and Lina.
Marcus grinned as he struggled to draw it. "By the gods, Evelyn… this thing's insane. Are you sure you didn't just make a siege weapon?"
Lina tried as well but gave up with a huff, rubbing her arm. "Stage Two isn't enough. I can't even budge the string."
"Exactly," I said, smiling despite myself. "That's how much my mana control has improved. Even if I can't reach Stage Five yet, I can still refine what I have."
Later, I confessed my predicament to them—how my body wasn't ready for the next stage yet.
Instead of pity, both Marcus and Lina looked… relieved.
"That's perfect, actually," Marcus said, laughing. "It means we've got time to catch up! You've been running so far ahead we could barely see your shadow."
Lina nodded eagerly. "Yes! You've already inspired the others. If you're waiting at Stage Four, it gives all of us a chance to stand beside you, not just behind you."
I looked at the two of them, then at the group of children training nearby. Some had already reached Stage Two, while most stood at the peak of Stage One. Their determination shone brighter than their sweat-soaked faces.
For a moment, I felt a swell of pride.
Even if Marcus, Lina, and I weren't here one day, these children could carry on. They could train the next generation, just as we were training them now.
And with that thought, I realized something important:
Being stuck at Stage Four wasn't