The silence in the throne chamber felt different now that Fenix had achieved his breakthrough. Where before it had been oppressive, weighted with ancient mysteries and impossible trials, now it carried the expectant quality of a space waiting for its transformed occupant to claim whatever destiny his advancement had earned.
Fenix rose from his meditative position with movements that carried fluid grace enhanced by the fundamental improvements to his physical capabilities. His Intermediate mana cultivation had integrated seamlessly with his existing aura systems, creating synergies that made even basic actions feel more precise and controlled than ever before.
But his teammates were waiting somewhere in this labyrinth, possibly facing dangers that his previous capabilities would have been insufficient to overcome. The urgency of reunion overrode any desire to explore his newfound power in greater detail.
