(Extra chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao," 11/20)
"Ah..."
A low groan came from inside the tent. After a full day unconscious, Maxim finally opened his eyes as the interweaving nightmares faded away.
The loyal servant was drenched in sweat, even his linen underclothes soaked through. But as his consciousness returned, the wounds he should have had were already mostly healed.
At least they no longer impeded his movements.
This abnormal self-healing came from the subtle control he had gained over his body after completing the Trial of Strength. His body had begun to release its hidden potential, allowing his battle-hardened frame to truly shed its mediocrity and step into the ranks of the supernatural.
For a warrior, this was merely the most insignificant change.
The entire Black Iron stage of training concerned the release of an individual's potential. Once every latent ability had been unearthed, they would naturally move on to the Trial of Strength for the Silver Body.
The next stage naturally had new and more difficult goals to accomplish, but those were not problems a Black Iron warrior needed to consider.
The system of power the elves had summarized wasn't just a handful of cool-sounding, melodramatic names. Each stage had its own necessary tasks.
"Looks like you've recovered well."
Just as Maxim sat up in bed, Murphy's voice suddenly came from the shadows of the tent, and the loyal servant immediately rose to his feet.
But as a blade cut through the air, a finely crafted, sturdy black ceremonial blade for a Tomb Guard—tempered by psionic energy and adorned with ebony flowers—was held out before him.
Maxim's eyes narrowed.
He recognized it at once as Jade's sword. Jade's personal crest was on the hilt, so he could call it "Jade's Blade," for lack of a better name.