The room felt unusually silent as I prepared for my first major breakthrough. I took a long look around, straightening up the last few things and settling myself in the center, ensuring there was ample space to avoid anything catching fire or, heaven forbid, shattering. The air was thick with anticipation, almost electric, as though the room itself sensed that something monumental was about to happen.
Settling down, I couldn't help but recall the elder's words: "Condense the Qi… transform it into liquid essence." I smirked to myself. "Mystical juice box, here I come," I muttered, shaking my head.
The smirk faded as I closed my eyes, focusing. This wasn't a joke. I'd spent an intense month reaching the peak of Qi Condensation, and the moment had finally come to push beyond. Each step up was one that brought me deeper into this world—one that made my role as "prince" a little more real.
I focused on the Qi around me, drawing in the energy from the atmosphere and feeling it rush into my body like a cool stream, saturating my core. The familiar, gaseous Qi filled me, light and expansive, but that wouldn't be enough now. Now, I had to condense it. I had to transform it into something denser, more potent. Alright, Michael, time to make it rain.
With a deep breath, I started the process. Visualizing the Qi, I willed each particle to compress, thickening and coalescing. It resisted, pushing back, and the strain was real—like trying to compress a thundercloud into a single raindrop. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I focused, guiding every strand of Qi, compressing it until it grew heavier, thicker. It was like condensing air into water, each fiber of my being fighting against the transformation.
I gritted my teeth, pushing back the creeping doubt. Come on, Michael. No screwing this up. Slowly, the resistance lessened, and I could feel the energy within me pooling, turning denser, each pulse sending a new wave of strength through me. The shift was almost tangible, like an invisible barrier finally shattering.
And then came the familiar chime.
"Congratulations, Host, on reaching Foundation Establishment Realm."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. A flood of new energy pulsed through me, and a fresh sense of awareness settled in as my body adjusted to the new power. I'd done it. The first real milestone had been crossed.
Just as I began to bask in the accomplishment, another notification appeared.
"You have gained the skill, 'Heavenly Dragon's Eternal Stand."
Heavenly Dragon's Eternal Stand? I raised an eyebrow, reading the name twice just to be sure. It sounded dramatic and a little over the top—exactly the kind of thing my inner thirteen-year-old self would've named a superpower but it did sound fucking dope. I could barely suppress a grin.
"This killer move grants a massive surge in battle strength, proportionate to the user's remaining lifespan. With each second, power increases, and the transformation takes on draconic characteristics, burning through vitality."
My excitement dimmed. Burns lifespan… transforms into a dragon? So, I'd get a major power boost at the cost of burning through my life? No biggie, I'll just age a century in a fight.
Out of sheer curiosity, I tried saying, "Heavenly Dragon's Last Stand," testing if I'd feel a response. Instead, the system immediately chimed with a new notification.
"Warning: It is advised to save the skill 'Heavenly Dragon's Last Stand' for situations of genuine peril, as it requires significant recovery time. Cooldown: three days."
"Okay, okay, point taken," I muttered. "Guess I'll save my draconic rampage for special occasions."
The weight of the new skill settled in. This wasn't just another flashy move; this was a last-resort trump card. In the right moment, it could mean the difference between survival and defeat. I felt a rush of excitement but knew it was best kept in reserve. Just knowing I had something like that made me feel… prepared, somehow.
As the thrill of the breakthrough faded, my mind drifted to Kael and Lina. I grinned, picturing the looks on their faces when they saw me at Foundation Establishment, complete with a killer new move. Kael would probably act all unimpressed, but I'd catch that smirk, and Lina… she'd probably have her jaw on the floor.
Yet, even as I anticipated the reveal, a darker thought lingered. The elder who'd been executed because he dared to speak to me without reverence… it haunted me. I couldn't just brush it off. His life had been extinguished because of me—because of this title I'd gained by chance.
Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. With each step further into this world, the stakes grew higher, the responsibilities heavier. Playing the role of prince had seemed almost like a joke at first, but now it felt… permanent. Like I was becoming part of the very fabric of this place.
Finally, I stood, stretching. My body felt more alive than ever, every nerve humming with power. My time in seclusion was over, and I felt ready to face the world.
Just as I stepped toward the door, a familiar ding echoed in my mind—another system notification.
"Warning to Host: Due to the unique nature of the skill 'Everlasting Renewal,' Host possesses an effectively infinite lifespan. 'Heavenly Dragon's Last Stand' may be too powerful. Please exercise caution."
Infinite lifespan? I'd nearly forgotten the perks of my regeneration skill. Guess I won't be burning through any lifespans soon, I thought, chuckling. It seemed my breakthrough was even more powerful than I'd realized.
Whatever, I'll worry about that later. First, time to see some shocked faces.