I touched down gently on the new continent, Eryndra, its landmass stretching far and wide, lush with forests, mountains, and scattered cities, yet relatively untamed by civilization. The air here hummed differently — denser circuits, untapped energies, and subtle leyline flows that almost whispered in resonance with my own Soul Circuit.
I adjusted my cloak, boots brushing the rich soil. Unlike Arkion or Karveth, here I would remain a background figure. Observing. Calculating. Growing. Invisible to most, anonymous, but all the while building a power that no one could see — not yet.
I had created a new ability during transit, a subtle yet fundamental enhancement to my being: Circuit Resonance Acceleration. The logic behind it was simple yet profound. I imagined my circuits as threads of potential energy across the world — my body merely a node capable of harmonizing them. By focusing my imagination on the cumulative growth of these threads daily, I could accelerate my own evolution, manifesting tangible power increases without actually acting, training, or fighting in any conventional sense.
Every thought, every calculation, every observation of the world fed into this ability. I visualized the currents of energy flowing through Eryndra, the potential of every human, every creature, every circuit user, and I allowed my Soul Circuit, Koketsu, to synchronize with them in minor increments.
"Growth is inevitable," I murmured softly, golden light flickering faintly in my eye. "Every day, my potential manifests itself, even if the world never notices. Strength is not just gained… it is imagined, refined, and brought into existence."
I let my gaze wander over the continent, over rivers, mountain passes, and cityscapes. From here, I could sense subtle fluctuations in circuits — potential latent awakeners, hidden talents, and even pockets of corrupted energy. All were variables in a calculation that spanned beyond this world.
Meanwhile, far above Karveth, John Merciless finished his duel against the Sin assigned to him. The battle had been precise and brutal, a masterclass in control. His black-silver sword flicked through the air, leaving trails of shadow energy that immobilized and struck with equal measure. The Sin had been no match for his overwhelming foresight, instantaneous movements, and perfect anticipation of every strike.
Finally, John landed on the central plaza of the city, posture relaxed, one hand on his sword, the other casually in his pocket. The demon's energy dissipated into nothing, neutralized without collateral harm. He surveyed the city below, the elite guardians who had come to intervene looking at him in awe and suspicion.
John's voice, smooth, aristocratic, cut the tension. "Consider your lesson… concluded. Your attempts to control chaos are admirable, but predictable. Now leave. Preserve what you can."
And with that, he vanished into the shadows, a ghost once again, leaving Karveth intact, streets repaired by minor energy manipulations he had left in place.
In Arkion, Alzwalt Light stood amid the remains of the battlefield. His golden wings shimmered faintly as he swept his light sword across the streets, cleansing residual demonic energy and purifying structures, rubble, and even the faintest taint left in the air.
He walked among survivors, healing minor injuries with the merest touch, his aura of divine light radiating calm and security. The boy he had taken, now slightly steadier on his feet, watched him in awe, learning even without words.
Alzwalt spoke softly to himself as he moved through the city. "Power must protect, not dominate. Strength must be responsible. The world will bend if unchecked, but here… here, it serves."
Every minor building repair, every healed person, every cleansing of residual demonic energy reinforced the balance he intended to maintain. The Circuit Guardians arrived, initially wary, to survey the city and its restored defenses. Observing Alzwalt's work, they hesitated — he had not destroyed for the sake of destruction; he had saved, cleansed, and protected.
Their discussions in hushed tones revolved around whether they should approach him, challenge him, or simply cooperate. Some were suspicious; some were inspired. But Alzwalt, as always, remained an imposing presence, yet distant, untouchable, regal.
Back in Eryndra, I observed the cities below me, the scattered villages, and the human circuits weaving through the land. While John had resolved Karveth and Alzwalt Arkion, the rest of the world remained untamed, fertile for experimentation, observation, and subtle interference.
I allowed my mind to stretch, imagining threads of potential, flows of circuit energy, the hidden strength of humans and awakeners alike. Circuit Resonance Acceleration continued to integrate with the world itself, amplifying my latent power in imperceptible increments. By the time anyone truly noticed me, I would have already surpassed them.
I did not rush. I did not interfere. I watched. I imagined. And with each passing day, I grew stronger — not through training, not through combat, but through the manifestation of potential itself.
"This continent," I murmured, voice low and analytical, "is ideal. Far enough from previous conflicts, yet rich with latent circuits. My growth will be uninterrupted. And when the time comes, no one will stand in my way."
From my vantage point, I could see distant horizons, cities, and mountains, and I imagined the currents of potential swirling invisibly, waiting to be harnessed. Slowly, methodically, I calculated, observed, and allowed the natural flow of the world to integrate with my Soul Circuit.
Even from this distance, I could feel the ripple effects of John's and Alzwalt's actions. Battles had concluded, cities were healed, lives preserved, and the world's energy flows remained intact. Perfect conditions for long-term observation and quiet accumulation.
And so, far from the chaos of Arkion and Karveth, I began the next chapter of my journey: a background character in appearance, a master of potential in essence.
Every day, every breath, every thought contributed to my growth. Every calculation, every observation became part of my being.
And when the world finally realized what had occurred… it would already be too late.