As they emerged from the Thundra forest and made their way back home, Cedric rode Blackcomet, contemplating the experiences and growth they had achieved in the depths of the wilderness. He couldn't help but think of the possibilities that awaited them on the surface.
Upon reaching the house, Cedric inquired about the elves' plans. Raya responded, "Our immediate plan is to return to our home before the year's end. Afterward, we'll head to the Caliope Academy." Cedric, intrigued, asked, "You're attending the academy as well? We'll cross paths there next year, then."
Amelia, still processing Cedric's age, questioned him, "Are you really seven years old? You appear much older, at least thirteen." The concept of a seven-year-old traversing the Thundra forest and training for a year astonished her. Cedric chuckled, replying, "Well, appearances can be deceiving. You all might look my age, but I assume you're at least 30 years old." He understood that certain races with longer lifespans joined the academy when their age equated to eight human years.
As the elves prepared to depart, Cedric bid them farewell, "Safe travels back home, and I look forward to meeting you at the academy." The elves expressed their gratitude for the shared adventure and insights gained during their time together.
Cedric, now alone, contemplated his next steps. He knew that the Caliope Academy held the promise of further growth and challenges. The prospect of meeting individuals from various races and backgrounds excited him.
Days passed as Cedric resumed his routine, exploring the forest and honing his newfound abilities. Blackcomet, the loyal fawl, accompanied him, and the bond between them grew stronger. Cedric eagerly awaited the time when Blackcomet could undergo the breakthrough process at the stele.
In the meantime, Cedric continued to marvel at the unique aspects he had gained during his breakthrough to Gold rank. The Dragon Vitality enhanced his healing and mana replenishment by 50%, ensuring he recovered swiftly from exertions. The Conqueror's Tenacity granted him a 20% boost in combat power when facing opponents of higher rank, an invaluable asset in challenging situations.
Cedric, now armed with his Gold-ranked abilities, shifted his focus to honing these newfound powers. His training regimen consisted of engaging the various beasts in the forest, where he would put his enhanced combat skills to the test. With the ability to infuse mana into his blade, he discovered a potent technique – coating the weapon with extreme heat using his Sun attribute. Amplifying this with ambient mana and infusing intent into the blade, Cedric could deliver devastating strikes with unparalleled precision.
In this phase of training, most encounters with beasts in the forest ended swiftly with a single, precisely executed strike. Cedric's proficiency in utilizing intent and his Sun attribute became apparent as he effortlessly dispatched adversaries. The once formidable Thundra forest now served as a proving ground for his mastery over these Gold-ranked abilities.
Eager to face more challenging opponents, Cedric sought out higher-ranked beasts within the depths of the forest. Accompanied by Goldenfist, the two explored territories that had previously been avoided due to the potential dangers lurking within.
Their journey became a collaborative effort, with Goldenfist displaying newfound strength, likely stemming from the mysterious ability he gained during their time in the underground dungeon. Cedric and Goldenfist expanded their territory, marking their presence in areas that had been untouched for years.
Cedric's Sun attribute not only provided a lethal edge in combat but also proved useful in various situations. The extreme heat emitted could be harnessed for survival in the wilderness – from preparing food to warding off hostile creatures. As he continued to explore the forest, Cedric found a deeper connection with nature, tapping into the primal forces around him.
During these excursions, Cedric refrained from using Blackcomet in battles, allowing the fawl to witness the extent of his strength and the capabilities acquired during the breakthrough to Gold rank. Their bond strengthened further as they faced the challenges of the Thundra forest together.
As the days passed, Cedric's confidence in his abilities grew. The fluidity with which he could combine intent, mana manipulation, and his Sun attribute became second nature. Each encounter in the forest became a lesson, a step closer to mastering the intricate dance between his martial prowess and the forces of nature.
Cedric's training in the Thundra forest had evolved from survival to dominance. The once-daunting wilderness now recognized him as a force to be reckoned with. His Gold-ranked abilities had transformed him into a formidable presence, and Cedric Northstar embraced the responsibility that came with such power. The Thundra forest, once a realm of uncertainty, had become his domain, and he stood ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Cedric, now confident in his ability to thrive in the outer zones of the Thundra forest, decided to venture into the more perilous inner layers where Golden-ranked beasts roamed. Accompanied by Blackcomet and Goldenfist, the trio penetrated deeper into the heart of the wilderness. Their goal was to establish a foothold in the inner layer, where challenges awaited, and Cedric hoped to face adversaries of increasing strength without encountering foes that surpassed his capabilities.
Upon reaching the desired location in the inner layer, Cedric and Goldenfist set to work constructing a small house. It would serve as a base for their exploration and a place to regroup between encounters. The Thundra forest's inner layer held the promise of more formidable opponents, and Cedric was eager to put his Gold-ranked abilities to the test.
As they settled in, Cedric noticed the presence of a Crystalback Lizard, a creature of Gold rank 2. Viewing it as an opportunity to gauge his newfound powers, Cedric decided to confront the beast. In a flash of inspiration, he employed a technique he had recently devised: the Northstar Sword Art – Solar Flare. This formidable technique harnessed the power of his Sun attribute mana, amplifying it with ambient mana and intent before releasing it in a high-speed burst. The devastating attack not only incinerated everything in its path but also melted the high-melting-point crystals on the lizard's back.
Satisfied with the effectiveness of his new firepower, Cedric continued honing his techniques and adapting to the challenges presented by Golden-ranked opponents. The Thundra forest became his training ground, each encounter refining his combat skills and further solidifying his dominance over the environment.
The training persisted, with Cedric pushing himself to the limits to explore the full extent of his Gold-ranked capabilities. He faced various opponents, each presenting unique challenges that allowed him to refine his techniques and deepen his understanding of intent, Sun attribute manipulation, and overall martial prowess.
As the year neared its end, Cedric reflected on the progress made. The small house they had built served as a testament to their presence in the inner layer, and the challenges faced had forged Cedric into a true force of nature. The Thundra forest, once an unpredictable wilderness, now bowed to the mastery of the Gold-ranked warrior and his companions. With the new year on the horizon, Cedric Northstar stood ready for whatever awaited him in the Caliope Academy