Mana and blood, flowing as one. A perfect system. A perfect rhythm. A perfect storm waiting to be unleashed.
Ethan exhaled slowly, eyes closed, letting himself sink deeper into the sensation.
Most Rank 2 beasts wouldn't survive a single strike from him—not now.
And he was still Rank 1. If he was this strong now how strong will he be in the future.
The thought stirred something in his chest. A thrill. A hunger. If he could grow this powerful now… what would he become when he advanced further? When his bloodline matured? When Kaeryx stood beside him not just as a summon, but as an extension of his will?
He couldn't imagine it.
And that was what made it so exhilarating.
The cocoon trembled slightly.
Then again.
His breath sharpened.
He opened his eyes.
The heat began to rise—quiet at first, then suddenly swelling with fury.
The cocoon around him pulsed as cracks began to web across its surface. The heat inside surged, fire licking through the gaps, desperate to escape.
