Ats stood at a det nding spot they’d found—a retively high pteau where the magma wasn’t as intense as in other parts of the isnd. From there, their visibility was somewhat limited due to the thick mist rising around them, obsg much of the view.

  They waited as Kurogasa scouted the surrounding area. Meanwhile, a few members begaing up a temporary camp, arranging cooking gear and preparing areas for rest.

  The Aether team was led by a woman named Zara, an archer. Bze was anded by Kaida, a fire mage. der was led by Garen, a tanker, and Dusk by Ronan, another skilled archer. They would be split into two squads: Aether and Bze would follow Edrik, while der and Dusk would join Karian.

  Ats still needed more key leaders he could rely on to oversee the teams as a whole. He’d briefly sidered bringing Mira, but worried that her presence might distract the troops too mubsp;

  In truth, he hadn’t been keen oing Lyrassa join the huher, as her presence could be just as distrag for many. However, he decided it was necessary. His troops o get used to the alluring aura she gave off and learn to maintain focus, as they’d eventually be fighting in formation together.

  Kurogasa reappeared from the shadows in front of Ats, a slight bow. He informed Ats that the hunting area ahead was clear, not of monsters, but of any other potential Lords who might be hunting nearby.

  “I didn’t spot anyone using the same area we’re about to explore, My Lord,” Kurogasa cluded.

  “Good, thanks for the re,” Ats replied.

  With that, they split into two groups a out, each team ready to begin their hunting routines. Meanwhile, Lyrassa would rotate between Edrik’s and Karian’s groups to ensure no one sustained serious injuries during the hunt.

  Manna, the Vampire Queen, sat he camp area, close to the cooks as they prepared the food. She watched them with a ft, unreadable expression that made the cooks visibly nervous. One of them, a young woman, was so rattled that she dropped a pot onto the ground with a loud g.

  “Ah… sorry… sorry, I didn’t mean to! I’ll it up,” she stammered, clearly flustered.

  Ats stepped forward, pig up the pot to help.

  “My Lord, please, I’ll ha!”

  “It’s okay. Take it easy,” Ats replied, smiling reassuringly.

  Then he pulled two Fming Colrs from his iory. “Here, use these. They’ll help you feel more fortable in this enviro.”

  The two cooks, a young woman in her early twenties and a young man aroueen, looked up at him early.

  “My Lord, it’s okay. We’ll be more careful, and we’re itted to improving our levels too. So, with all due respect, we’ll follow the others’ example and go without the fire resistaems.”

  Ats nodded and stored the items ba his iory. “Alright. I’ll be training nearby. And Manna…” he turo che her, but—

  Manna was already gone. Where oh had she slipped off to? It seemed Ats really did o summon another reliable person for ht.

  “Well, I’ll be right here if you need anything. Just shout, and Master Kurogasa will hear you in no time.”

  “Uood, My Lord,” they replied with a respectful nod.

  Ats moved to a more secluded area with Kurogasa, the Ninja Rat, by his side.

  Bare-chested and barefoot, wearing only minimal gear, he was ready to push his endurance against the intense heat. Standing face-to-face, he waited for the Master’s instrus.

  “My Lord, I’ll start from the basics. Please let me know if any of this is already familiar to you,” Kurogasa began.

  Ats nodded. “I’ll listen to everything, even if it’s a review. Your perspective and experience are valuable. I’m starting from zero.”

  Kurogasa gave a bow, then tinued. “We have the ability to allocate stat points within our bodies, or enhance different parts of ourselves through this magical meism. But remember, it’s not a limitless power we tap into at will. It reflects the maximum potential we currently handle.”

  He paused, letting his words sink in, giving Ats a moment to absorb it fully.

  Kurogasa’s point was clear: even though someone could improve themselves by leveling up and increasing their stats, it didn’t mean they could wield those upgrades to their full potential right away. Reag that point required training, trol, and an uanding of one’s own limits.

  “Most people only mao use about 30% of their potential,” Kurogasa tinued. “The rest goes to waste. Because of this, they ’t deal optimal damage or cast magic with true efficy. They tire easily in battle due to iive movements, lose stamina quickly, and fail to harheir full potential.”

  Ats nodded slowly, realizing the weight of the Ninja Rat’s words.

  “That’s why, My Lord, to unlock our full potential, or to gaialents, enhaing abilities, and acquire unique skills, we must trailessly,” Kurogasa emphasized.

  “We o uand ourselves pletely: our strengths, our weaknesses, inside and out. Sharpen our instincts, refine our skills, and expand our knowledge. Only through hard, tinuous training oruly push beyond ordinary limits, or even reaew heights that no one has achieved before.”

  With the right training and focus, a person could develop alents or even upgrade and evolve their existing ones.

  Ats currently had only one bat talent: Measured Strikes. He had also acquired a valuable support talent, Bloodbound Vigor, though it was desigo buff his eeam rather than enhance his individual abilities.

  He knew he o evolve further—upgrade his bat talent or even unlock a new one. His goal was to prepare himself for his advanced css, ensuring it would bring him a powerful upgrade.

  But whatever y ahead, his Unbreakable Routialent, an S-rated skill he’d had from the beginning, was already kig in. Once he established a routine, he could focus with sutensity that nothing could disturb his determination.

  “Your first training is to build physical endurance,” Kurogasa tinued. “To optimize your awareness of your body’s limits and weaknesses. Knowing this is a wisdom every warrior must possess.”

  “We will run ps around this area for four hours, My Lord,” he added. “Barefoot. And without using any healing potions or buff spells.”

  Ats couldn’t help but smile. Kurogasa certainly knew how to make training rigorous.

  “Please, don’t hold back, Master Kurogasa. I’m ready.”

  Kurogasa gave a respectful bow. “I am here to guide you to your best, My Lord.”

  ***

  (Author’s Note:)

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