Kael took the thirty-first step.
CRACK-BOOM!
The lightning struck with increased ferocity. His Transcendent Core absorbed the energy—hummm—but something was wrong. The absorption rate had outpaced his core's ability to refine the lightning mana. The electrical energy was accumulating—fzzzt—not dispersing. His mana circulation became erratic.
Hhhh...
He took the thirty-second step. CRACK! Another strike. His core shuddered. The lightning mana inside him crackled—sizzle—bumping against his other mana types, creating friction. If this continued, the pressure would shatter his core.
Kael stopped. He floated cross-legged on the lake's surface—hummm—and deactivated Lightning Body. The electrical armor around his form vanished, leaving him exposed. Lightning immediately gathered above him—crackle—but Kael ignored it, focusing entirely on his internal circulation.
Calming the erratic lightning mana. Compressing it. Refining it. Forcing it to integrate with his core's natural rhythm.
