Winter had passed, leaving behind frozen rivers and brittle air. Jonathan retreated briefly to train, understanding that raw strength would not win this war. Intelligence, cunning, and strategy were now as vital as Hamon itself.
He spent weeks poring over maps, tracing supply routes, and uncovering weak points in the enemy's operations. Reports of spies and double agents confirmed his suspicions: the enemy was no longer one individual but a network, sprawling and precise.
An ambush in the eastern district tested Jonathan's new strategies. This time, he set traps, leading his foes into narrow alleys and pre-laid Hamon traps. When they struck, they were met with overwhelming precision. Each movement Jonathan made was calculated, a perfect balance of force and subtlety.
The enemy's leader appeared briefly, observing from afar, recognizing Jonathan's growth. "Clever… but you cannot outwit destiny," the voice echoed across the city, chilling the bones of even the bravest soldiers. Jonathan knew the confrontation was only delayed, not avoided.
By the end of the day, victory belonged to him, but the war had become more cerebral, more dangerous. Every decision carried consequences, and Jonathan understood that the enemy would not make mistakes—he could not either.