Energy surged through every cell of my body as the advancement took hold. My muscles restructured to handle greater power output. My mana channels expanded to accommodate increased flow. My very essence condensed and refined to peak-Elite density.
The transformation lasted perhaps thirty seconds, but when it completed, I felt fundamentally stronger than moments before.
I stood there breathing heavily, my body covered in sweat and minor injuries from the intense fight, but victorious and measurably stronger.
Behind me, I heard Changing Star's excited chirping and Kael's amazed exclamation.
"You actually killed a mid-tier Transcendent!" Kael said with obvious awe. "And you just advanced rank right here!"
I smiled tiredly, sheathing my blade and allowing the various enhancement aspects to deactivate. "That's what we came here for."
Kojiro approached with professional assessment. "Excellent combat execution, Master. The final strike combination was perfectly timed."
