Wystan, representative of House Drake, replied grimly, "At best, seven days, Your Highness. The first wave of lower-rank beasts may begin in four. Based on portal size, the Dungeon Overlord will likely be seven-star."
Magnus Phoenix's gaze hardened.
"Seven-star."
The word lingered heavy in the heated air as distant lakes continued to evaporate under the red sky.
*
It was almost noon when the familiar rhythm of clashing steel once again echoed across the training grounds of Storm Manor.
Lucian Storm moved like a streak of lightning drawn across stone, his blade crackling faintly as ether energy coursed through her limbs with greater stability than before.
Compared to two weeks ago, he had transformed visibly.
The increase in ether particles within his body had pushed him into the four-star rank, a breakthrough achieved purely through relentless refinement rather than external absorption.
Stephen watched from the sidelines with narrowed eyes.
