Nathan gave him a sideways glance. "Meaning?"
"Meaning you don't need to prove anything to anyone. Just focus. The power's there."
Nathan held his gaze for a moment longer, then nodded.
A small silence passed between them.
Sweat dripped from Merlin's chin. The air was hot, buzzing faintly with the aftershock of mana use. Some birds chirped in the background like they hadn't just watched two teenagers try to kill each other.
[Warning: Physical Output Capped to Protect Vessel Integrity]
[Rathan's Combat Memories: Lock Status – 74% Sealed]
[Estimated Unlock Progression: Based on System Tolerance Growth]
'Seventy-four percent still sealed. And I already feel like I could crush a boulder bare-handed. How much stronger was Rathan?'
He didn't let it show.
Nathan stretched his shoulders. "Alright. Five-minute break, then we go again."
"You're serious?" Merlin asked.
Nathan nodded. "Yeah. I'm gonna land at least one hit on you today."
