Chapter 34 - 33: Steel and Resolve
[20ps]
The morning sun cast golden light through the broken stained-glass windows of the old church, now much more alive than it had been a few weeks ago. The wooden floor had been swept clean, the altar polished, and even the walls showed signs of patchwork repairs. A new energy filled the place—faint but growing stronger with each day.
Inside, Ethan stood in front of a training dummy made from straw and wood, shirtless, his body glistening with sweat as he moved through a rapid sequence of strikes. Each blow was precise—controlled, deliberate, sharp like a blade forged through hardship.
Lili watched nearby, polishing their gear, occasionally peeking up to study his form. His movements weren’t flashy, but they radiated efficiency. She had seen him fight in the Dungeon—and she could tell.
He was getting faster. Stronger. Sharper.
"You’re going to break that dummy again," Lili called out.
"I’ll fix it," Ethan said between breaths. "Again."
He stepped back, exhaling deeply, rolling his shoulders.
"You’re obsessed with pushing yourself," she said, setting down a newly sharpened dagger.
"I’m not strong enough yet," he replied simply.
Lili frowned, standing. "You’re nearly at the top of Level 1, Ethan-sama. No one pushes their stats this far before leveling."