Two Weeks Later
The sun hung high over the Kaelthorne estate, casting long shadows over the training grounds. Two weeks had passed since Azrael's duel with Lyra. In that time, he had trained relentlessly, completing every grueling daily quest the System had given him.
Stats Update:
Strength: 40
Agility: 41
Endurance: 42
Mana: 39 (+250 still locked)
Spirit Energy: 3
Senses: 40
Aura: Level 3
Mana Cycle: 3
Each day was an endless cycle of training—1,000 slashes, 20 km runs, meditation in freezing water, countless push-ups and sit-ups. The pain from his curse's aftereffects had dulled somewhat, but only because his endurance had skyrocketed.
Azrael's rapid growth didn't go unnoticed. The servants whispered. The knights watched in silence. Even his siblings, who had long treated him as an insect, were beginning to see him in a different light.
And his father?
Lord Vael Kaelthorne simply observed, an amused glint in his cold eyes.
But Azrael didn't care about them.
His true goal was ahead.
---
The Plan – The Old Cave
The engagement banquet was set in ten days—a grand event where nobles from across the empire would gather to witness the official union between Azrael Kaelthorne and Elaris Velmira.
But before that, Azrael had something far more important to do.
The Old Cave.
It was a forgotten ruin mentioned briefly in the original story—a place of death. Those who entered never returned. But hidden deep inside, beyond the monsters and ancient traps, was the Elixir of Life.
An elixir that, when consumed, would unlock his sealed mana and push him beyond his limits.
The System had confirmed it.
[ Side Quest: Trial of the Old Cave ]
Objective: Obtain the Elixir of Life.
Reward: +250 Mana Unlocked, Instant Mana Cycle 6 Advancement.
Warning: The cave is classified as High-Risk. Death is possible.
Azrael clenched his fists.
This was his chance.
If he succeeded, he wouldn't just match Elaris Velmira's growth. He would surpass her.
But if he failed…
No. Failure wasn't an option.
He was going to survive.