The early morning sun hadn’t even broken the horizon when Kazuki was already out in the clearing, shirt off, muscles tensed, and sweat pouring down like rain. He moved like a machine—unfeeling, relentless. Pushups became one-arm pushups. Sit-ups evolved into hanging crunches while gripping a thick tree branch. He created weights from condensed earth magic, strapping them to his body and sprinting full speed across the forest, leaping from tree to tree without rest.

  His expression remained unchanged—blank, cold, emotionless. But inside, a storm was raging.

  Kazuki wasn’t just training. He was evolving.

  “Fifty more,” he whispered to himself as he dropped into a perfect handstand, holding it with one arm while casting elemental pulses with the other. Each movement was fluid, controlled, like he had done it a thousand times before. His body glowed faintly with overcharged mana.

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  From afar, Elara watched, hugging her staff. “What… is he doing to himself?”

  “He’s going to burn out at this rate,” Garron muttered, wiping sweat off his brow. “That’s not training. That’s punishment.”

  Rinara narrowed her eyes. “No… it's preparation. He knows something is coming. He’s pushing himself so he’s ready.”

  Kazuki leapt high—higher than anyone expected. So high, he nearly pierced the edge of the clouds. Time slowed in that moment, the wind roaring around him. As he fell, he activated a spell mid-air, condensing gravity beneath his feet to launch himself even higher. His silhouette blurred near the atmospheric limit before descending with a boom that cracked the earth beneath.

  When he landed, a system alert pinged before his eyes:

  [Physical Stats Increased by +230]

  [Magic Capacity Increased by +180]

  [Agility Increased by +170]

  [Combat Power: 1732]

  He stood motionless, gaze toward the sky, breath even. His body was different now—heavier, stronger, more responsive.

  But it still wasn’t enough.

  He glanced at his hand, clenching it tight.

  “Kairyuuha… I’ll surpass you,” he muttered.

  Just then, the Duke arrived, having sensed the massive energy surge. “Kazuki… what is it you’re preparing for?”

  Kazuki didn’t reply. He simply walked past him.