Intrigued by the energy he had absorbed from the beetles, William raised his hand and conjured a fireball. The explosion was as potent as ever, though its impact radius notably expanded, a clear reflection of his recent ascent to a Level 2 Mage Apprentice.
Wanting to experiment, he prepared the same spell again, but this time attempting to use the energy stored in his heart. With his hand extended, he remained silent, concentrating for nearly an hour. He made no sound, not even a sigh, as if he had become part of the somber landscape surrounding him.
Finally, he succeeded.
A dark current, deep gray in color, surged from his chest and coursed through his body, combining with the usual mana circulating through his internal channels. When this energy reached his hand, the flame-shaped ring began to glow with increasing intensity. Something was happening.
Without losing focus, William maintained the spell.
