Outside the barren training chamber, the land shook faintly. It was subtle, yet heavy enough to be felt. The air rippled as if something massive had just awakened beneath the surface. The mana in the surroundings surged violently and then suddenly collapsed inward, like a powerful tide being swallowed by a deep and endless abyss. For a brief moment, everything outside felt unnaturally still, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
Inside the chamber, the raging flames slowly began to fade.
Cracks spread across the walls, glowing red like molten lines before gradually cooling into dark black scars. The ground had melted in several places, hardened lava clinging to the stone floor. The air was thick and heavy, filled with the sharp smell of scorched stone and burnt metal that stung the nose.
At the center of it all, Ethan sat quietly.
