Cain didn't notice the expressions on people's faces as he used every ounce of strength and focus on his body and energy, preventing it from spiraling out of control. He endured the pressure that assaulted him from every direction.
His Astral Wave, which usually flowed with the vigor of a racehorse, now moved sluggishly. It took all his strength to push it forward. He chose not to sit, fearing that if he did, he wouldn't be able to rise again and keep moving the Astral Wave through his meridians, compelling his Rebirth Heart to beat with increasing intensity.
While he adjusted to the ninth step in an hour, the tenth step took him nearly six. However, the color eventually returned to Cain's face, and his Astral Wave flowed powerfully through his meridians.
With determination in his eyes, he looked at the eleventh step. Taking a deep breath, he jumped onto it. Immediately, his knees buckled, and his entire body began to shake. A metallic taste filled his mouth.
