The training ground fell completely silent, as if the ancient stones themselves were holding their breath. Nicholas adjusted his stance, dropping lower until his crystal sword nearly touched the ground. Then light blue aura began flowing along the blade's length like liquid electricity.
Klaus felt a flicker of disappointment. "Swordmaster level? I was hoping for something more—"
"Don't look disappointed," Nicholas interrupted with a knowing smile. "I'm just getting started."
The aura around his sword suddenly exploded outward, covering his entire body in crackling energy. But instead of stabilizing, it pulsed—surging out from his core then snapping back like a cosmic heartbeat.
Zoom... zoom... zoom...
Each pulse grew stronger, the sound echoing off the reinforced walls with increasing intensity. The light show was impressive, but Klaus had seen plenty of enhanced aura techniques during his time with the White Lion.
Then Nicholas spoke two words that changed everything.
