The silence after the battle still lingered in the air as the group remained standing behind me. The horde had disappeared, but the feeling was not one of conclusion. It was as if that had only been an opening move, a test. I could feel it clearly, even without concrete proof.
We resumed moving shortly afterward, continuing our advance northward. The terrain gradually began to change, becoming drier, with less vegetation and more open areas. That made visibility easier, but it also left us more exposed.
"If we keep going like this, we'll end up finding another horde," Lyannis said after returning from another scouting run ahead.
"Probably," I replied.
Scarlett walked beside me, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
"And this time?"
I already knew what she meant.
"That depends on what we find," I answered directly.
Elara crossed her arms.
"You intend to do the same thing as before."
"If necessary," I replied.
Liriel let out a small sigh.
"You're taking all the risks yourself."
"I'm reducing risks for everyone else," I corrected.
Rai'kanna said nothing at that moment, but her gaze already said enough. It wasn't doubt.
It was attention.
We continued advancing for some time, maintaining a steady pace. The group remained organized and focused. The fact that we had suffered no casualties so far helped, but it also increased the responsibility.
After about another hour of travel, Vespera appeared again, coming from the front with quick but controlled steps.
"Contact," she said directly. "Larger than the previous one."
"How many?" I asked.
"More than three hundred. Maybe close to four hundred."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow slightly.
"So they're increasing the numbers."
Lyannis appeared right behind her.
"And this time there's more variety. Some seem tougher."
Elara looked at me.
"That changes the situation."
I stopped for a moment, considering the information.
If they were increasing both the numbers and the variety, then this wasn't simple repetition.
It was adjustment.
"And their behavior?" I asked.
"Still no clear formation," Vespera replied. "But their movements are more coordinated."
That confirmed it.
They were watching.
"We approach cautiously," I said.
The group nodded, and we continued forward with even greater vigilance. The tension increased as we drew closer, but there was no hesitation.
When we finally got a clear view of the new horde, the difference was obvious. The number was larger, and the creatures were not as scattered as before. They stood closer together, as if they were beginning to organize themselves.
I remained silent for a few seconds, observing.
Scarlett was the first to speak.
"Now it makes sense to fight together."
Elara nodded.
"This number already requires coordination."
Liriel added,
"And the longer we wait, the greater the risk of spreading the miasma."
Rai'kanna looked directly at me.
"What's the decision?"
I took a deep breath.
The situation had changed.
But not enough.
"You're staying here," I said.
Silence came instantly, heavier than before.
Scarlett stepped forward.
"Again?"
"Yes."
"This isn't the same situation anymore," Elara said firmly.
"I know."
Liriel frowned slightly.
"Then why insist?"
I looked back at the horde.
"Because it's still within what I can control."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"And if it isn't?"
"Then I retreat," I replied. "Simple as that."
Vespera tilted her head slightly.
"You really believe that?"
"Yes."
Scarlett let out a small sigh, clearly displeased.
"You're forcing this."
"No," I replied. "I'm testing limits."
Rai'kanna remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"And if that limit is surpassed?"
I looked at her.
"Then I'll know exactly where it is."
The group fell silent again. It wasn't complete agreement, but neither was it resistance.
They knew.
I wasn't going to change my mind.
Elara looked away for a moment before speaking.
"Then don't take too long."
Liriel nodded.
"And come back in one piece."
Lyannis gave a faint sideways smile.
"If you die, it'll be very inconvenient."
Vespera added,
"So avoid that."
Scarlett simply stared at me for a few seconds before speaking.
"If I think you can't handle it... I'm going in."
"You won't need to."
I took a few steps forward, leaving the group behind once again.
The feeling was different now. There was no hesitation, but there was awareness. I knew exactly what I was doing.
The armor responded to my call, surrounding my body with that familiar presence. The sword in my hand felt more aligned than ever, as if it were a natural extension of myself.
I continued advancing until I was close enough to the horde.
Then I stopped.
Took a deep breath.
And activated the blessing.
The change was immediate. The pressure around me vanished, replaced by absolute clarity. The demons' movements became predictable, almost slow.
I charged forward.
This time, the reaction was faster. Some demons advanced as a group, trying to surround me.
But it wasn't enough.
The first impact carved a path through them, and I kept moving without stopping.
Attacks came from different directions, but none could break through the natural defense created by the blessing. Every strike I made eliminated multiple enemies, creating openings and destroying any attempt at organization.
The terrain began to collapse more intensely this time. Sections of earth shattered, rocks were launched into the air, and the force of the attacks left visible scars.
Even so, I continued advancing.
Without pause.
Without retreat.
The difference in strength was still enormous.
As the seconds passed, the resistance began to fade. The horde, even larger than before, could not sustain the pace.
And then, just like before, silence began to replace the chaos.
The last demons fell.
And it was over.
I stood still for a few seconds, observing the scene around me. More destruction, more scars... but no enemies remained.
I slowly deactivated the blessing.
Took a deep breath.
And turned back.
As I started walking toward the group, I noticed something different in their eyes.
It wasn't surprise.
It was confirmation.
Scarlett was the first to speak when I approached.
"You're pushing past your limits."
"Maybe," I replied.
Elara analyzed the surroundings.
"That wasn't just strength... it was control."
Liriel kept her gaze on me.
"You're not just fighting anymore... you're dominating."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"If you keep this up, there won't be anything left for us to do."
Vespera nodded slightly.
"He's already on another level."
Rai'kanna stepped forward and stopped directly in front of me.
"You're getting stronger far too quickly."
I looked at her for a moment.
"I don't have a choice."
Silence returned, but this time with a different weight.
I knew.
They knew.
This wasn't just growth.
It was preparation.
And what lay ahead...
Would not be like these hordes.
It was something greater.
Much greater.