Fenric held the core carefully.
It was warm.
It pulsed slowly, like a heart.
He could feel energy inside it—calm, flowing, and heavy at the same time.
Seraphina stood up and looked around the camp.
"We won't refine it here," she said. "This place still smells of blood and mana. It's not safe."
Fenric nodded. "So… what's next?"
"We return to the village," Seraphina replied. "Aura Circle Refinement requires a stable place and full focus. One mistake near the heart can kill you."
Fenric stiffened. "…That serious?"
"Yes," she said plainly. "That's why most people fear refining Aura early."
They left the camp quietly.
No orcs followed.
None were left alive.
Back at the training grounds, Seraphina cleared the area and drew a simple circle on the ground.
"Sit," she ordered.
Fenric sat cross-legged inside the circle.
She placed the High-grade Water Core in front of him.
"Listen carefully," Seraphina said. "I will explain once. If you don't focus, stop me and ask."
