The group marched through the dense forest, their path illuminated by scattered patches of sunlight breaking through the canopy above. The air smelled of damp earth and distant blooms, and despite the arduous journey, the atmosphere was lively. Victory from their recent battle had lifted their spirits, and their conversations were punctuated by occasional laughter. However, Jonathan trailed behind, his expression distant, his mind elsewhere. Litia, noticing his silence, slowed her pace to walk beside him.
"You just led us to victory, Jonathan," she said, offering a teasing smile. "The least you could do is smile a little."
Jonathan glanced at her briefly before returning his gaze to the path ahead. "I'm afraid it's not that simple," he replied, his tone somber.
The subtle shift in his voice caught the attention of the others.
"What do you mean?" Litia asked, her playful demeanor giving way to unease.
Jonathan exhaled slowly. "We may have won today's battle, but I don't believe we've truly defeated the Black Tied Sect."
"What are you saying?" asked Paul, a younger member of the group who had been walking just ahead.
Jonathan stopped, turning to face the group. "The Black Tied Sect's influence runs far deeper than what we encountered today. This was only the beginning. What we fought was merely one branch of their operations. An all-out war is on the horizon."
Paul's brows knitted together as he digested Jonathan's words. "Even if that's true, we've surely weakened them significantly," he said, though his voice betrayed uncertainty.
Litia crossed her arms. "Exactly. They were nearly overwhelmed. It's hard to believe they could still mount a strong counterattack."
A voice, sharp and composed, cut through the conversation. "That's where you're wrong," Liriana said, her first words since the group set off. Her tone sent a chill through the air, and all eyes turned toward her.
"If what we faced today was the full extent of their power," Liriana continued, "I wouldn't have sought your help in the first place."
Her words hung heavy in the air. The gravity of her statement was undeniable.
"They almost had us," Litia said, her voice faltering. "If what you're saying is true, then we're in for a much harder fight than we imagined."
Jonathan nodded. "Even so, I felt that none of you went all out in this battle. There's still untapped potential within you, but we need to be strategic moving forward."
Litia blinked at him, surprised. "For someone of a lower rank, you seem to have remarkable insight. How is that possible?"
Jonathan ignored the question and turned to Liriana. "You're right. We need to get back to the spiritual mountain and regroup. We can't afford to be caught off guard if they send reinforcements."
Without another word, Liriana picked up her pace, breaking into a swift run. The others followed, their earlier cheerfulness replaced by grim determination as they raced through the forest.
...
Hours later, the group reached the base of the spiritual mountain, their sanctuary and Jonathan's training ground. They gathered in the central cave, its walls adorned with glowing crystals that pulsed faintly, providing light and warmth.
Paul broke the silence. "If what Liriana says is true, then I suggest we return to our respective realm to cultivate further. The spiritual energy here is lower than what we're used to. We'll only grow stronger by returning home."
The others nodded in agreement, but Jonathan remained still, his expression unchanging.
"You can go," Jonathan said firmly. "But I'll stay behind. Someone needs to monitor the sect's movements."
Liriana stepped forward. "Then I'm staying as well. You'll need someone to watch your back."
Her declaration surprised the group. Her protective stance toward Jonathan was evident, though her reasons remained a mystery.
"You're willing to risk everything for him," Paul muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm staying too," Litia said, stepping beside her sister. "If you're staying, then I'm not leaving either."
Jonathan shook his head. "No. The rest of you must leave. If it comes to a fight, only one person might have the chance to escape. Having both of you here would complicate things."
"But—" Litia began, only for Jonathan to raise a hand, cutting her off.
"Litia, he's right," Paul interjected, though his voice held a hint of jealousy. "The best thing we can do now is grow stronger and return when we're ready."
Litia clenched her fists but eventually nodded. "Fine. But you'd better stay alive, Jonathan. Both of you."
Jonathan and Liriana exchanged a glance, silently agreeing. A beam of light surrounded the departing group, and in an instant, they vanished, leaving Jonathan and Liriana alone in the cave.
"Seems you've earned my sister's trust," Liriana said, her tone light but her gaze intense. "That's no small feat."
Jonathan shrugged. "She's got a good heart. In some ways, she reminds me of you."
Liriana smirked. "So, what's your next move?"
Jonathan's expression turned serious. "I need to grow stronger. The Spirit Wind Strike isn't enough. I need something original, something uniquely mine."
Liriana raised an eyebrow. "Another trump card on top of the Spirit Wind Strike?"
Jonathan nodded. "It's powerful, but relying on it alone won't be enough as I face stronger opponents."
Liriana chuckled. "Fair enough,. Here's a suggestion, your staff has three attributes: ice, wind, and fire. If you can combine them into a series of attacks, it could give you an edge."
Jonathan's eyes lit up. "A series of combined attacks... That sounds promising."
Liriana continued, "With practice, these combined strikes could allow you to fight opponents two ranks above your current level. And as your strength grows, so will the effectiveness of these attacks."
Jonathan clenched his fists, determination surging through him. "Then I'll master all three attributes. I'll create something truly powerful."
...
The days turned into weeks as Jonathan dedicated himself to mastering the elements of his staff. Under Liriana's guidance, he trained relentlessly, his skills improving with each passing day. By the end of the third week, he could wield the attributes individually with ease. Now came the real challenge: combining them.
Liriana watched him from a distance, her pride evident. "Eight-star disciple," she murmured to herself. "He's truly the renowned warrior from our realm."
"Jonathan," she called out, interrupting his practice. "Come with me."
She led him into the depths of the cave, where a glowing orb rested on an altar. Its ethereal blue light filled the chamber, and Jonathan felt an inexplicable pull toward it.
"What is this?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"This," Liriana said with a smile, "is the key to unlocking your full potential."