The moment the text faded, a deeper, more fundamental change quietly took root within Roland.
This feeling was neither the fullness from a surge in Power, nor the nimble quickness from an increase in Agility.
What [Lonely Barrier] brought was, first and foremost, a tempered, reserved toughness, like metal after Quenching.
He felt as if his muscle fibers, his bone structure, and even his will itself had been placed on an invisible anvil by an invisible hammer, enduring repeated blows of immense force.
Each strike brought searing pain and heat; each blow brought compression and density, making them more compact, like a refined alloy, better able to withstand impact and tearing.
This was a pure enhancement of his physical and spiritual defenses, like an indestructible dam being poured deep within his soul.
Roland subconsciously raised his arm, assuming a basic blocking stance.
