Time passed steadily, without interruptions, but filled with results. When I realized it, it was no longer just a sequence of isolated days — it was a complete cycle.
One month.
There were no breaks. No distractions. Everything continued within the same rhythm: training, missions, administration, rest. Every part contributing toward the same objective.
And the difference… was visible.
That morning, I returned to the same training area in the elven forest. The environment was quieter than usual, as if the place itself had already become accustomed to my presence. The marks across the terrain were clear evidence of everything that had been happening there.
Lyannis appeared shortly after. "You didn't even change locations."
"There was no need."
Rai'kanna came next. "It's basically your territory now."
Scarlett observed the marked ground. "Accumulated impact."
Elara added: "Frequent usage."
Vespera said: "Environment adapted."
Liriel arrived last, as usual, looking around. "It's different."
"It is."
I stood in the center of the area, taking a deep breath. There was no rush. No need to prove anything at that moment.
It was simply… a test.
I raised my hand, feeling the energy respond immediately. The sword no longer needed to be summoned with effort. It was simply there, present.
Connected.
"Let's see."
I moved.
The first strike came out clean, direct, without excess. The pressure advanced through the air with precision, striking a rock in the distance. The impact was sharp.
The rock didn't just break.
It disintegrated.
Lyannis whistled softly. "That… was stronger."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "And you didn't even force it."
"No."
Scarlett analyzed. "High power output."
Elara stated: "Control maintained."
Vespera added: "Total efficiency."
Liriel watched carefully. "You didn't lose energy in the movement."
"That was the goal."
I took another deep breath.
Now there was no doubt.
The difference between before and now was clear.
But there was still more.
I closed my eyes for a moment, deepening the connection. The energy inside me responded more steadily than ever.
Then… I activated it.
The golden armor appeared around my body, not abruptly, but fluidly. As if it had already become part of me.
I opened my eyes.
And maintained it.
Lyannis tilted her head. "You activated it instantly."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna observed carefully. "And it doesn't look heavy."
"It isn't."
Scarlett analyzed: "Consumption reduced significantly."
Elara stated: "Complete adaptation approaching."
Vespera added: "High stability."
Liriel stepped a little closer. "How long can you maintain it now?"
I thought for a second.
"Longer than before."
I kept the form active.
Seconds passed.
Then a few more.
And more.
There was no immediate exhaustion.
No instability.
The energy remained.
Controlled.
"This is new."
Lyannis commented: "Before, you would've already deactivated it."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna said: "Now you can endure it."
Scarlett stated: "Evolution confirmed."
Elara added: "Increased endurance."
Vespera said: "Near absolute control."
Liriel smiled softly. "You did it."
I calmly dismissed the armor, without rushing.
I took a deep breath.
My body responded well.
No overload.
No collapse.
That was important.
Very important.
I stayed silent for a few seconds, simply feeling it.
"One month."
Lyannis crossed her arms. "And you changed a lot."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna nodded. "And not just you."
I looked around.
She was right.
"Come on."
I stepped back a little, giving space.
"I want to see you all."
Lyannis went first.
Her movement was faster than before. She advanced in sequence, creating a chain of attacks that were not only quick, but also difficult to predict.
"You improved."
She smiled. "Obviously."
Rai'kanna entered right after. Her strikes were heavier, more direct, and the impact she generated in the environment was greater than before.
"You're stronger."
"I trained."
Scarlett and Elara came next. The coordination between the two was more evident now. Synchronized movements, calculated attacks, precise spatial awareness.
"You're both better."
Scarlett replied: "Necessary evolution."
Elara added: "Continuous adjustment."
Vespera showed her own evolution. Less movement, more efficiency. Every action had a clear purpose, without waste.
"Total control."
She nodded. "That was always the focus."
Liriel was the last.
She raised her hand, channeling magic.
This time… without hesitation.
The light formed in a more concentrated, more stable manner. When she released it, the impact was direct, without dispersion.
"You improved a lot."
She lowered her hand, slightly embarrassed. "I practiced."
I stayed silent for a moment.
Observing everyone.
"So this is it."
Lyannis tilted her head. "What?"
"This is our level now."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "For now."
"Yes."
Scarlett said: "Current foundation."
Elara stated: "Reference point."
Vespera added: "Still capable of evolving."
Liriel smiled softly. "But it's already different."
"Yes."
I looked ahead.
At the open space.
At the path that still remained.
One month wasn't a long time.
But it was enough to change everything.
Sword control.
Mastery of the armor.
Group coordination.
Combat efficiency.
Everything… advanced.
I took a deep breath.
"But it's still not over."
Lyannis smiled. "Of course it isn't."
Rai'kanna said: "Not even close."
Scarlett stated: "There's still room."
Elara added: "Continuous evolution."
Vespera said: "No defined limit."
Liriel looked at me. "You're already thinking about the next step."
"Yes."
Because I knew.
All of this…
Was preparation.
For something greater.
Much greater.
And when it arrived…
There would be no room for mistakes.
I adjusted my stance once more, feeling the energy respond again.
Now more stable.
More present.
More controlled.
And I said calmly:
"Let's continue."