A loud explosion echoed from within him, then another, and another. The shackles binding his strength shattered one by one. The overwhelming surge of energy coursed through his being, burning, purifying, and remolding him.

Black, foul-smelling impurities oozed from his pores, dripping onto the floor like tar. The stench was unbearable, but Ethan ignored it. He could feel the filth leaving his body, the rot of weakness being purged. The faint glow beneath his skin brightened as his pores tightened and his scars began to fade.

A strange calm followed. His dull eyes turned sharp and alive, their color deepening into something fierce, reflecting both strength and clarity.

Then, suddenly, every hair on his body stood on end. His energy surged uncontrollably as arcs of bluish lightning crackled around him. His entire body glowed faintly, his outline blurring into an almost divine image.

Ethan's soul began to stir.

He felt as if countless invisible chains within him were snapping one after another. A rush of freedom filled him. His soul expanded, growing more distinct and radiant. It no longer felt like a quiet whisper buried in flesh rather it was now a blazing force of will.

He could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat syncing with the pulse of the world itself. Every movement of air, every particle of energy, every faint echo of life in the estate seemed to blend into a single harmony.

Warmth spread through his body. His vision brightened. His senses became incredibly sharp. His thoughts grew still and focused. He could feel his strength rising, higher and higher, with every breath he took.

When the transformation finally began to slow, Ethan stood motionless, his breathing calm and steady. His entire presence felt different strong, grounded, yet radiant. His skin seemed to emit a soft golden glow, and the energy around him rippled like heat waves under the sun.

He had transcended. The very air bent faintly around his presence. The vitality inside him pulsed like the beating heart of a newborn star.

He was no longer an ordinary man.

His body, soul, and essence had stepped onto the first true path of transcendence.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Ethan opened his eyes. They gleamed sharply, like blades reflecting moonlight.

Inside the secluded chamber, a sudden flash of light burst outward. A golden aura barrier flared to life around him, encasing his body in a cocoon of shimmering energy. The air grew thick and heavy, trembling as if bowing under invisible pressure.

BOOM!

The next moment, an explosion of energy erupted—not destructive, but freeing. A massive vortex formed above the chamber, pulling in mana from every direction. The energy outside roared like a storm, swirling toward Ethan in a chaotic dance.

Wind howled and the ground cracked. The sky above the estate flickered as if a divine power had descended upon the land.

It was a sight of pure awe—a phenomenon only the strongest could invoke.

Ethan stood in the center of it all, his body glowing like a sun, his aura roaring like an unleashed beast. Every cell within him seemed alive, resonating with raw power.

He closed his eyes and savored the feeling. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was divine, almost godly, as if the universe itself acknowledged his existence.

"Just reaching Master makes me feel invincible," he whispered with a faint smirk. "I wonder what the next stage would feel like."

He wanted to enjoy the moment longer, but his thoughts halted when he sensed movement. His awareness, now vastly expanded, stretched far beyond the chamber. He could feel the mana signatures across the entire estate, each flicker like a spark in his mind.

Among them was one that stood out,a presence he didn't recognize.

"An Advanced Knight?" he murmured, frowning slightly. "Who is he?"

He let out a breath, realizing the sheer chaos his breakthrough had caused. "The commotion I created this time is a bit huge," he muttered with a dry chuckle. "I'll deal with it later."

As the last remnants of the golden light faded, Ethan stood tall in the silence, his aura calm yet boundless. A faint smile played on his lips as the air around him shimmered, hinting at the new power that now flowed through his veins.

Diana stood tense, her sharp eyes fixed on Blanco. The guards around her still had their weapons drawn, and the air felt heavy with unease. She took a cautious step forward, her voice calm but edged with suspicion.

"Just because you said you're from the Church of Light, how can we believe it?" she asked firmly.

Her words cut through the air, and a moment of silence followed. Everyone looked uncertain.

Ray and Oliver exchanged glances, their expressions twisting in sudden realization. The look they shared clearly said, Shit… we didn't think about that.

Diana continued, her tone growing colder. "Even if you said that, what proof do you have? Your ragged armor and tired look don't exactly reflect the image of a mighty Paladin."

Blanco's lips twitched, a faint look of disbelief crossing his face. "This…" he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temple.

'Ladies… how can you judge a man by appearance alone,' he thought, exhaling in frustration.

The tension only thickened. The guards stood ready, their knuckles white from gripping their weapons. Then suddenly, a calm and commanding voice broke through the standoff.

"Cease all hostility!"

The tone was firm yet soothing, washing over everyone like a gentle breeze.

Before anyone could react, a figure appeared between them in a flash of golden light.

Blanco's eyes widened, his jaw dropping. His breath caught in his throat as he whispered in disbelief, "Master… a Master Knight… holy shit… this is unbelievable."

The aura radiating from the newcomer was immense, pure, and overwhelming. Blanco could feel it pressing down on him, majestic yet warm. If not for the purity of that energy, he might have thought this man had tapped into forbidden power.

"Father!" Ray cried out, his face lighting up with relief.

"Lord!" the soldiers shouted in unison, dropping to one knee.

Ethan stood before them, his body faintly glowing, his presence almost ethereal. He exhaled softly and gave a small cough, breaking the stunned silence.

"Cough… we should take this somewhere else," he said with a calm smile. "And Sir, let's have a chat over a cup of tea."

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