The ground didn't just shake.It convulsed.A deep, bone rattling pulse tore through the ground beneath their feet, sending leaves spiraling upward like startled birds, and Yukio nearly lost his footing. The once colossal Troll Hunter could only let out a gut shredding roar that cracked through the clearing like thunder.Its hide, dark and leathery but a moment before, began to writhe and pulse as bright crimson veins crawled across its skin like living magma. The monster's frame thickened, bones snapping and reforming beneath its flesh, and it slammed into trees, ripping them from their roots as the evolution twisted it further.The shockwaves didn't just shake the trio; they traveled far beyond the forest.Somewhere towards the village, voices gasped and scattered; animals ran away in instinctive terror. The world itself seemed to be receding from whatever this creature was becoming.Michibiki did not waste a second.She pressed one glowing hand to Yukio's shoulder, the other to Kae

The walk back to Primordia should've felt victorious.After all, they'd survived a mutated Troll Hunter, unleashed a fraction of divine power, and lived to tell the tale.But instead, the forest was too calm… almost mockingly peaceful. Sunlight dripped through the leaves in warm, speckled gold, birds chirped overhead and a lazy breeze rustled the branches as if the world had already moved on while Yukio's body still felt like it was halfway in the grave.Kaede trudged ahead, swinging her hammer across her shoulder as she replayed the battle in her head. Every so often she would look back at Michibiki… and the unconscious boy slumped on her back.Michibiki carried Yukio with the grace of someone holding a sleeping cat rather than a grown adventurer. Her expression was calm, but any person who paid enough attention would have noticed the hints of worry in her eyes every time his breathing hitched.After almost ten minutes, Kaede finally cracked."Alright, Michibiki,"She said, stepping

The heat of Kaede's smithy clung to them long after the roaring furnace had died down, leaving the air warm and metallic. Yukio rolled his shoulders, testing the feel of his brand-new armor. Every movement felt smooth almost effortless as if the Verdant Aegis responded to him like a second skin rather than heavy plate.The short sword slid neatly into the back mounted sheath with a clean click. His twin daggers fit comfortably against his hips. Everything felt balanced.Kaede stretched her arms and exhaled, sweeping tools and Mythril shavings off her workspace."Alright! Phase one of Project 'Make Yukio Not Die in One Hit' is complete."She dusted her gloves with drama."I will upgrade your weapons later. I need to study how that Mythril reacted first."Her eyes flicked suspiciously at Yukio,"Gave me a lot to think about. Anyway, we're heading to the marketplace. I need to pick up some materials."Michibiki smoothed the sleeves of her robe, nodding."Good. I had been wanting to map t

The three of them separated at the town gates in Primordia. Kaede marched the bound bandits straight through the streets, their ankles clanking as townsfolk stared. Some people whispered to each other; others pointed. Kaede just smirked proudly all the way to the Town Guard Office. Meanwhile, Yukio and Michibiki went to Candessa's shop to report back. The moment they stepped into the elegant sitting room, Candessa stood from her couch, eyes wide. "You… already tracked them down? And captured them? This quickly?" He shrugged nonchalantly, dropping onto the couch. "Yup. Turns out they were all planning to regroup at the same campsite. Made our job way easier." Michibiki folded her arms, looking just a little smug. "Honestly, me and Kaede didn't even have to help. Someone," She tilted her head toward Yukio, "handled it solo." Candessa's gaze shifted toward him, her expression softening into surprise. "…You're actually stronger than you look." Yukio blinked, then frowned.

At Candessa's shop, the trio gathered in the sitting room, all squished on the large red couch.On the coffee table in front of them were five empty potion bottles, all neatly lined up like defeated soldiers.Yukio exhaled dramatically and leaned back."Whew. Thanks. I feel like myself again."Kaede crossed her arms, smirking."Don't mention it. You looked like a zombie earlier."Michibiki pointed at the pile of bottles with disbelief."I still can't believe you actually drank five advanced mental recovery potions. That would knock out half the adventurers in this city."Candessa's brows lifted slightly."If I may ask… what exactly put you in such a state?"Yukio rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly."My ability. It's strong, crazy strong, but I still can't control it properly. It has… a few massive drawbacks."Candessa leaned forward, interest sparkling in her eyes."Oh? And what is the name of this ability? Or perhaps you could demonstrate"She didn't even finish.Yukio immediatel