Lumberling let out a slow breath and leaned back in his chair.

Now that things had finally calmed down, he allowed himself a moment of quiet. Closing his eyes, he focused inward.

There it was again, the faint, steady pulse deep within him. It wasn't his heartbeat. It was the seed, the strange, living thing that had formed inside him, like a small world hidden within his heart.

He could sense it clearly now. Different kinds of energy flowed within that space, threads linking to every skill and every path he had ever walked. Even the faint traces of divine blessings glimmered there, like distant stars.

'This seed… born from a divine blessing, fused with my power and my paths,' he thought, curiosity stirring. 'There might be hidden effects tied to my other blessings too. I'll have to study it carefully.'

Opening his eyes, he finally brought up the notifications he had been ignoring since waking up. One by one, glowing words appeared before him in the air.

(Active skill: Spear Domain - Circle of Eternity Lv.0 (1/1000) has been learned.)

(Low-Level Spearheart Doctrine Lv.2 → Lv.6 | Power +1175)

(Beginner Shadow Glide Lv.8 → Lv.10 | Power +945)

(Beginner Flowing Edge Lv.5 → Lv.8 | Power +358)

(Beginner Shield Bash Lv.3 → Lv.5 | Power +586)

(Beginner Bowmanship Lv.2 → Lv.3 | Power +144)

(Beginner Bonecrush Method Lv.2 → Lv.3 | Power +144)

(Beginner Dual Wielding Axe Lv.1 → Lv.2 | Power +120)

(Beginner Dagger Fang Lv.1 | Power +100)

(Beginner Sprint Lv.2 → Lv.3 | Power +144)

(Beginner Spearheart Thrust Lv.1 → Lv.2 | Power +120)

(Beginner Thundering Lunge Lv.1 | Power +100)

(Beginner Triple Fang Lv.1 | Power +100)

Before, he could match an early-stage Knight Two Stage through sheer strength alone. But now, he felt he could stand against a mid-rank, maybe even brush the level of a Peak Knight.

'Centuries' worth of experience and essence had merged within me. Most of my skills advanced… some even jumped by two levels at once.'

"Absorbing the Legate really was the right choice," Lumberling murmured under his breath.

"Did you gain a lot?" Thessalia asked from beside him, curiosity bright in her eyes.

He grinned. "More than a lot. We'll find out once we spar."

Aurelya crossed her arms, her tone sharp but caring. "Don't even think about it, battle maniac. You just recovered."

Lumberling chuckled. "What about you all? You've clearly gotten stronger since the last time we met. What have you been up to?"

Aurelya's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "We trained a little."

"And battled a lot," Vaenyra added smoothly, earning a knowing look from Lumberling.

He raised a brow. "Battled a lot, huh?"

Thessalia let out a quiet sigh. "They went wild after returning, challenging anyone they could find back in the empire. Looks like your madness rubbed off on them."

"Shut up," Aurelya shot back, glaring lightly. "You talk like you didn't join us."

Lumberling laughed softly, watching them banter. It was one of those rare, peaceful moments he genuinely enjoyed. "I'm proud of you all," he said warmly. "You've done well."

The three elves smiled faintly, a quiet sense of pride in their eyes.

"Let's go check on my captains," Lumberling said, pushing himself up from his seat. "I want to see them now."

"You'll see another surprise," Liraeth said with a small smirk as she fell in beside him.

"Oh?" Lumberling raised a brow, the corner of his lips curving into a grin. "Now you've got me curious."

...

The camp was lively when they arrived. Soldiers moved busily around, some cleaning their weapons, others tending to their wounds or sharing quiet laughter near the fires. But the moment Lumberling appeared, the noise faded.

One man and four striking women walked side by side, and all eyes naturally followed them. Heads turned, whispers spread like ripples through the camp.

"Is that… Lord Lumberling? Whoa, he's got four women with him now!"

"Wait, those women… they're elves!"

"Don't stare too much, idiot!"

The soldiers quickly straightened, stepping aside to clear the path. Their eyes held respect, and a bit of awe.

Lumberling's group stopped in front of one of the larger tents. Waiting outside were Skitz and his captains, already lined up neatly in formation.

The goblin's grin stretched from ear to ear the moment he saw him. "It seems you're doing just fine, my Lord," Skitz said giving a sharp salute, "and enjoying the best time of your life too!"

Further back stood Shade and Lunira, flanked by the wolves and the lizardmen. Not far from them were familiar faces, Uncle Drake, Jen, and another elf, Sylra, all watching with smiles filled with relief and pride.

The moment Lumberling stepped closer, Jen was already running toward him. She threw her arms around him in a light hug, her grin as bright as ever.

"Brother, you're finally awake," she said playfully. "Looks like those elf sisters took really good care of you, huh?"

Lumberling chuckled, shaking his head. "You haven't changed at all."

"Of course not," Jen said proudly, hands on her hips before stepping aside with a satisfied smirk.

Sylra followed behind Jen, her steps graceful and calm. She stopped a few paces away and gave a small, respectful bow. "Lord Lumberling," she greeted softly.

Lumberling's eyes lingered on her. The gloom that once surrounded her was gone. Her silver hair shimmered faintly under the light, and her violet eyes now held warmth instead of sorrow. She felt different, steadier and stronger, as if she had finally found her footing again.

"You look better than the last time I saw you," Lumberling said with a faint smile.

"I do," Sylra replied gently. "Thanks to my sisters." Her gaze shifted to the three elves standing behind him, a soft smile forming on her lips. "And… thank you, for saving me that day. If you hadn't come, I might have faced a far worse fate."

Lumberling nodded slightly, his tone calm but sincere. "Mm. What matters is that you're alright now."

As his gaze moved past Sylra, it fell on his captains lined up ahead. At the front stood Krivex, Aren, and Skarn, each one radiating the grounded strength of a True Knight. But among them, another figure quietly drew his attention.

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