Serpentine dragons and giant predatory birds formed of dense, luminous aura materialized above Advisor Silvi. These energy beasts hovered in mid-air, bristling with power as they awaited their master's command.

Gayatri readied herself, channeling internal energy into both hands. Seeing her posture, Silvi noticed that Gayatri was not attempting to forge energy weapons to counter the constructs, as she had in their previous duel.

These constructs functioned like living entities, capable of seeking out and striking down a target under the caster's guidance. Formed entirely of compressed mana, they could disintegrate if the caster lost concentration, operating similarly to a necromancer's summons or elemental thralls.

"Attack!"

With a sharp command from Advisor Silvi, six massive energy beasts—including dragons, birds, and bears—launched themselves across the courtyard, closing in on Gayatri simultaneously.

Silvi felt a sudden pang of concern. Gayatri had not drawn a defensive blade; instead, she held a shimmering thread of energy suspended between her palms like a whip. Is this too much? Should I abort the attack?

The energy constructs were inches away, yet Gayatri had still not deployed a shield.

Did I push her too hard? Silvi worried. But before she could recall her magic...

Gayatri offered a subtle smile. Planting her boots into the earth, she leaped directly into the path of the six incoming beasts. Moving with the fluid grace of a dancer, she flicked her right wrist, hurling a long energy whip that coiled through the air.

SPLASH! CRAAAACK!

With breathtaking speed, the snapping energy whip shattered the incoming beasts moments before they could reach her. Gliding through the air, Gayatri wove past the six constructs, her whip severing their core energy lines in a single breath.

The shattered constructs dissolved into a gentle shower of sparkling aura, drifting down like soft snow.

Advisor Silvi stood frozen, realizing she had completely underestimated Gayatri's current capabilities. Gayatri's strength had transcended their previous benchmark. These constructs were not easily destroyed, designed to reform under proper control, yet before Silvi could reconnect her mana threads, Gayatri had severed the link entirely.

"Very well! That is enough, my child!" Silvi called out, satisfied that the brief demonstration had adequately revealed Gayatri's growth.

Gayatri landed softly, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you for the guidance, Grandmother Silvi."

"Jinho would be immensely proud of you—and your elder brother as well!" Silvi added, smiling warmly.

"Thank you, Grandmother!"

Following the duel, Lord Ronald invited the Sky Squad to a formal luncheon before they initiated their field deployment.

Perched high in the canopy of a distant tree, Grandmaster Jinho observed the scene, marveling at how his pupil's combat parameters had elevated to a point where she could soon match his own.

"She was always a genius," Jinho murmured softly to himself, a proud smile touching his lips as he watched from afar. He chuckled quietly, knowing Silvi had just been thoroughly astonished by his favorite disciple.

"You are an extraordinary mentor to them as well, Master Jinho."

The quiet voice behind him made Jinho flinch in absolute shock. Who could approach without triggering my senses?! He whirled around, stepping back onto a branch in a defensive guard.

"Who are you, young man? How did you..."

The youth standing on the branch was Aji, who offered a calm smile as he looked down toward the courtyard.

"The view from up here is quite pleasant," Aji said casually. "I happened to leap up here to watch their duel. Allow me to introduce myself—I am a member of the Sky Squad and a comrade to your disciples, Master Jinho."

Jinho studied the youth intently. Though renowned throughout the martial world, Jinho was stunned that a mere teenager had bypassed his acute awareness without leaving a trace.

"Are you truly an operative of the Sky Squad?"

"Indeed, Master Jinho. My name is Aji."

The youth spoke the truth; his uniform matched the distinct attire worn by the rest of the vanguard. Yet Jiro could sense a profound, unfathomable reservoir of internal aura dormant within the young man's frame.

"Wouldn't it be better to step down and greet your two disciples, Master?" Aji suggested smoothly. "They would be thrilled to see you. Soon, they will confront Lord Demon Shura's forces to secure the Moon Flower. Wouldn't you like to offer them your encouragement?"

Aji's words struck a chord. Jinho repeated the name silently. Aji...

"You are right," Jinho conceded. "The least I can do is offer them my blessings."

"Wonderful!" Aji smiled. "Furthermore, having resided on the Frost Line continent for so long, your spatial awareness of this region is second to none. That means you likely hold vital clues regarding the exact coordinates where the Moon Flower will bloom, don't you?"

Jinho's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Though the youth spoke in a casual, almost playful tone, his words carried undeniable weight. A master who had lived in seclusion on the Frost Line continent for decades would naturally possess deep knowledge of its geography and subtle elemental shifts.

Ancient texts outlined specific environmental conditions required for the fourth celestial artifact to manifest. By bringing this up, Aji was cleverly nudging Jinho to provide the Sky Squad with a definitive search radius, saving them from sweeping the entire continent blind.

What an extraordinary young man!

"Am I wrong, Master Jinho?" Aji asked, his expression calm and unreadable.

Jinho let out a soft sigh. "You are correct, young man. Perhaps this is my chance to redeem myself for failing to join the war twenty years ago. I have always regretted going into hiding instead of answering Saint Yonan's summons to halt the Demon Lord."

Recognizing his duty, Jinho resolved to contribute to the coming battle. Accepting Aji's suggestion, he prepared to descend and meet his disciples and the rest of the Sky Squad. Offering a brief nod, Jinho leaped down from the canopy, with Aji following close behind.

Watching the old master's back, Aji thought quietly, Indeed. Stand with them this time, Master Jinho. Together, the united strength of these guardians will open Shura's eyes—proving that the resolve of righteous martial artists is not to be underestimated!

Aji descended alongside Jinho, heading toward the grand hall where Lord Ronald was hosting the Sky Squad.