As I made my way back to E-Rantel, the weight of my earlier battle with the goblins and ogres still lingered in my mind. I had used Elemental Breathing multiple times, cutting through enemies with precise and devastating strikes. And yet… something felt off.
Lifting my sword slightly, I examined the blade, turning it under the faint glow of the setting sun.
"Death," I muttered, my voice carrying through the empty path. "I've used Elemental Breathing twice since arriving in this world, but I don't feel any increase in strength. It's like I'm just swinging a flashy sword instead of actually improving."
A soft chuckle echoed in my mind, sultry and ever-amused.
"That would be because you are already strong, dear," Death's voice whispered. "You stand at the peak, beyond what most could ever dream of. A giant like you cannot expect leaps in growth so easily. You can only advance little by little."
I clicked my tongue, understanding her words but not fully satisfied by them.
"But if that's the case, then what's the point of refining Elemental Breathing?" I asked, feeling the edge of frustration. "If I can't grow stronger through it, then it's nothing more than a technique that makes my attacks look more dramatic."
Death's presence in my mind grew heavier, as if she were leaning in closer.
"That is because you're missing something," she purred. "Right now, you use Elemental Breathing with the overwhelming strength of a being beyond human limits. But you have never truly tested it under constraints. If you wish to refine your technique, you must fight using only the strength of a human—no enhancements, no cheats, just raw skill."
I frowned. "Then why don't I just suppress my own power and train like that?"
A delighted laugh rang through my mind, playful yet knowing.
"Oh, my dear, you could try, but it would be… imperfect," she explained. "Self-suppression is flawed. Your instincts, your very soul, resist limitation. If you want true refinement, true mastery, I will do it for you. The next time you choose to travel to another world, I will suppress your strength to that of a human. That way, you can wield Elemental Breathing properly, refining it to its absolute peak."
That made me pause. It was a tempting idea, one that carried weight. To truly develop a technique, I had to rely on skill rather than raw strength.
Still, it wouldn't be easy.
"Fine," I said after a moment. "I'll polish my technique. But if you're going to limit me in the next world, I need to make sure I can use Elemental Breathing at its highest level beforehand."
"Of course," Death replied. "And lucky for you, an opportunity is already presenting itself."
Her tone shifted slightly, as though she were smirking.
"That little necromancer, Khajit, is about to raise the dead in E-Rantel. His lackeys are already moving to capture Nfirea Bareare. And you know what that means, don't you?"
I narrowed my eyes.
"A horde of undead," I said, already understanding her implication.
"Exactly," Death confirmed. "A perfect training ground. The undead are resilient, relentless, and incapable of fear. They will keep coming no matter how many times you cut them down. If you wish to refine your technique, what better way than fighting an endless wave of foes?"
I smirked. "I see… not only can I train my Elemental Breathing against durable opponents, but by taking them down, I'll increase my adventurer rank and make a name for myself."
"Yes," Death cooed. "You have strength, Alex, but reputation is power in its own right. You need to meet Renner, right?"
I exhaled, already making plans in my head.
"So, Nfirea's capture… when's it happening?" I asked.
"Soon," Death replied. "If you hurry, you can set the stage for your entrance. Be the hero or the nightmare—the choice is yours."
I rolled my shoulders, feeling the anticipation rising within me.
~~~
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