Each time Kyrian acted, the group's respect grew.
No one spoke openly, especially in front of the elder, who was already showing jealousy at the attention Kyrian received, but the looks said everything. The disciples exchanged meaningful glances among themselves, small nods, and discreet smiles.
'If Kyrian were in command, maybe it would be easier.'
The elder continued fighting with full strength against the more dangerous beasts. A Magmatic Stone Golem nearly five meters tall demanded almost ten minutes of intense combat from him, blows that made the ground tremble, and fire techniques exploding against the creature's stone shell.
When it ended, the man was panting.
He tried to hide it, straightening his shoulders and forcing an expression of indifference. But Kyrian saw the heavy breathing, the sweat running down his neck, and the slight tremor in his hands.
The elder was not weak. But he was at his limit.
...
