Ang did not rush to speak again. He merely looked quietly at Aida, then reached into his Magic Waist Pouch and took something out.
A Molten Core the size of a human head appeared in his hand.
It was crimson and scorching hot, throbbing faintly like a real heart. Golden, molten firelight flowed continuously through vein-like patterns.
The air was instantly steamed by the searing heat, and the surrounding temperature seemed to rise severalfold.
"What is that?" Aida stared blankly at it, his eyes full of shock and suspicion.
The Molten Core seemed alive, making him feel as though it were watching him.
"This is the Molten Core of a fourth-tier Flame Demon." Ang spoke slowly, his gaze profound. "As long as you break through and become a Great Warrior, you can use its power to advance directly into a Legendary Warrior."
Aida froze, his heart suddenly racing and his breathing growing hurried. "Directly... become a Legendary Warrior?"
"Mm." Ang nodded, though his tone remained especially steady.
"But it is not a perfect path. The price of using the Molten Core is that you will never have a chance to enter the fourth tier afterward. In other words, you will never become an Epic Warrior."
As his words fell, the air seemed to fall silent for a moment.
Aida's eyes widened as he stared at his elder brother in disbelief, his voice trembling slightly. "Big Brother, you... prepared this for me?"
Ang smiled, but his eyes were exceptionally serious. "Of course. But you cannot use this thing yet."
"You must truly become a Great Warrior and gain insight into the power of the fire element through battle and training before you can endure it. Otherwise, this core will only burn you to ashes."
Hearing that, Aida could no longer suppress