The monster's massive body began to dissolve before my eyes, breaking apart into a storm of glowing Essence particles that rushed toward me.
It was the same feeling as when I absorbed Essence after a kill during leveling but this time, I didn't level up. Still, I could feel the surge, the subtle pressure building just below the threshold. I was close.
I turned my head and saw similar lights flowing into the others. Their faces mirrored my surprise. My gaze met Steve's, and he gave a small nod before muttering, "I leveled up."
I froze for a second, my eyes widening. That shouldn't have been possible. Steve had already hit the limit for the Master rank, and this was the first time I'd ever seen someone grow stronger without a proper advancement.
Even North, standing further down her path, confirmed in disbelief that she'd leveled up too. Whatever this trial was, it was breaking the System laid down rules now.
