Lena stumbled slightly, catching herself on the table. "Woah. That’s... I feel different. Stronger? I love this feeling."

She grinned, spreading her arms out. "The feeling of growing stronger... isn’t it wonderful? To surpass your previous self?"

Eden had closed his eyes. "I... I agree. It feels... amazing to be more capable. I understand the obsession some people have with power..."

Lumi checked Eden’s status through the system.

[Eden - Level 18]

Impressive. The boy had gained eight levels in one night.

It made sense, of course. Lumi had introduced him to magic properly. And Merath had given him access to various books and spells that Phoenix Master Henry had created. With those resources and Eden’s natural talent, rapid growth was inevitable.

Now, he had just taken a strengthening potion, whose power increase was expressed for Eden through level, too.

Sol had also leveled up.

[Sol - Level 10]

Only one level higher than yesterday. Which made sense. Sol was still a baby phoenix. Growth would come with time and experience, especially once they started fighting evil.

Eden put a hand up in the air, grasping at it. "Everything is... brighter? No, that’s not the right word. I can feel more. The mana in the air, in the walls, in..." He opened his eyes and looked at Sol. "In Sol. It’s so much clearer now."

"That’s the enhancement taking effect." Merath explained. "The sensation will feel natural within a few minutes as your mind adjusts."

Lumi took a moment to assess the change. Any time magic attack and intelligence were given together, they resulted in a massive boost beyond the expected values.

Not to mention, the extremely rare INT%...

It was almost impossible to find this on any equipment below Rank Four. It was only then, at level 100, that equipment would begin to become powerful enough for a new, extremely powerful type of enhancement.

One that would increase your total stats by a percentage.

To have a boost such as this so early... Lumi could only smile. This was excellent. The permanent boost would make a noticeable difference.

"How do you feel?" Merath asked.

"Powerful." Lumi said honestly. "Thank you for this."

"Don’t thank me yet." Merath moved to the second set of potions. "These are the temporary enhancement potions. Also made from the pixie hearts, but with a different formula."

He picked up one of the red vials. "Each of these will last for thirty minutes and provide a temporary boost to your casting capabilities."

"What kind of boost?" Lumi asked.

"Enhanced casting speed and increased magical output." Merath explained. "You’ll find your spells form faster and hit harder while under the effects."

Lumi’s interest sharpened. He hadn’t exactly known what the pixie hearts would turn into. To hear this was a massive relief. Casting speed was incredibly valuable. Any reduction in the time it took to form and release spells could be the difference between winning and losing a fight.

"How many did you make?" Lumi asked. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Forty-three." Merath gestured at the collection of red vials. "More than enough for your needs."

Lena looked over to Lumi. "How many, bossman?"

"Lena, fifteen." Lumi started. As soon as he said so, fifteen indeed disappeared into Lena’s inventory as she siphoned it all.

He then turned to Eden. "Take five for now. Use them in emergencies only. Thirty minutes should be plenty of time for most situations."

Eden looked uncertain. "Are you sure? I’m still learning. Would they even help me that much?"

"Yes." Lumi said firmly. "Faster casting means less time vulnerable while channeling. That could save your life."

Merath nodded in agreement. "Lumi is correct. These potions will benefit you regardless of your current skill level. In fact, they may help you more than the others. The speed may be equally important for everyone, but the increase in damage will be most important for you."

"Huh?" Eden was confused. "But., increasing the... um... could you explain?"

"Which part?" Lumi offered.

"As far as I understand," Eden explained. "This makes you cast stronger and have stronger magic. Then, isn’t it more important to make the strong oneness stronger by, say, ten percent, instead of me by ten percent?"

"That’s not how magic works." Lumi responded, plainly. "For simplicity’s sake, let’s say the damage bonus, without including the speed, is worth 3% for us, and 40% for you."

Eden slowly, but surely nodded. "Percent... percent of a number... this is some advanced math. I think I get it? Then..." Eden carefully took several of the red vials, storing them in his own pouches. "Thank you, Great Merath."

"You’re welcome." Merath said. "Use them wisely."

"Is there anything else we should know about these?" Lumi asked.

"Only that the temporary potions don’t stack." Merath said. "If you drink a second one while the first is still active, it will simply refresh the duration, not double the effect."

"Understood." Lumi said.

Merath looked at the three of them, his expression becoming more serious. "I don’t know what you’re planning today, but you’re preparing like you’re going to war. Be careful out there."

"We will." Lumi promised.

"Will you though?" Merath raised an eyebrow skeptically.

Lumi grinned. "Don’t worry. No matter what happens, we won’t let any harm come to Eden."

Hearing his name, Eden perked up. "Huh? Harm? Me? What?"

"Okay. Eden. First, we need to talk about lives..." Lena came next to Eden, to begin explaining a few things.

Hearing what Lumi said, Merath gave the shortest of grins. "Much better. Now, I did warn you earlier that you might want to check outside?"

Lumi blinked. "Outside?"

Merath’s expression was strange. Almost amused but also concerned. "Yes. There are... a lot of people. And they all seem to want you."

Lumi’s heart sank slightly. "Are they causing a problem?"

Merath gestured toward the window. "Go see for yourself."

Lumi walked over and looked out.

His eyes widened.

In Elenora’s central district, there was a MASSIVE crowd. Thousands of players had gathered. They filled the streets, the platforms, every available space.