Extra Survival Guide to Overpowering Hero and Villain-Chapter 246: Rank 2 III
Fenric stayed seated for several minutes.
He did not move right away.
He checked his breathing.
Slow.
Steady.
Then he checked his Aura.
It flowed smoothly through his channels.
No blockages.
No sharp pain.
That was important.
He carefully shut down the refinement circle.
The chalk lines faded.
The stabilizing crystals cracked and turned dull.
Fenric picked up the refined core and held it in his hand.
It felt heavier than before.
Denser.
When he sent a thin thread of Aura into it, the response was immediate.
Sharp.
Clean.
Controlled.
No resistance.
No backlash.
"Good," Fenric said quietly.
He placed the core back into its container and stood up slowly.
His legs were weak, but they held.
He drank some water and sat on the bed.
That night, he did not cultivate.
He let his body rest.
The next three days were the same.
No missions.
No training.
Only light Aura circulation to help his body adjust.
On the fourth day, Fenric returned to the guild.
He submitted the refined core for inspection.
The guild examiner studied it for a long time.
He ran tools over it.
Injected test Aura.
Checked the poison trace.
Finally, he looked up.
"High-grade refinement," the examiner said. "Clean structure. Good balance."
Fenric nodded.
"This core can support a Silver-tier Aura upgrade," the examiner continued. "You are cleared to proceed when ready."
Liana smiled when they stepped outside.
"That went well," she said.
Fenric nodded. "Better than expected."
"So," Liana asked, "what’s next?"
Fenric lowered his hands.
"I’ll wait until my Aura quality reaches Silver grade," he said. "Then I’ll level up."
Liana nodded. "That’s the right order."
They walked slowly through the guild hall.
"You don’t want unstable growth," she continued. "If you level first, the Aura will lock in its current quality."
Fenric understood that.
"I’ll spend the next few weeks consolidating," he said. "No hunting. No arena."
"Just circulation and adjustment," Liana said.
"Yes," Fenric replied. "Let the metal settle into the gold. Let the flow stabilize."
Liana smiled slightly. "Most people don’t have the patience for that."
Fenric shrugged. "I don’t want shortcuts."
They stepped outside into the street.
The city was busy, but Fenric felt calm.
"I’ll start with controlled circulation tonight," he said. "Short sessions. Multiple times a day."
"And when your Aura turns fully silver?" Liana asked.
Fenric looked ahead. "Then I level. And this time, the increase will be clean."
Liana nodded. "Good. I’ll help you monitor the changes."
Fenric gave a small smile. "I’d appreciate that."
They headed back toward the inn.
The path forward was clear.
Slow.
Stable.
And finally, ready for the next stage.
They returned to the inn and went to their separate rooms.
That night, Fenric sat on his bed and began his first proper circulation.
He did not use the refinement circle.
He did not push power.
He only guided his Aura.
Golden Aura moved first, calm and steady.
The metal aspect followed, thin and sharp, but not aggressive.
The water flow wrapped around both, keeping everything smooth.
He stopped after ten minutes.
No strain.
No pain.
That was enough.
Over the next days, Fenric kept the same routine.
Morning.
Afternoon.
Night.
Short sessions.
Careful control.
Each time, his Aura felt a little clearer.
The golden color slowly changed.
Not bright.
Not flashy.
Just cleaner.
On the sixth day, Liana checked him.
She placed her hand near his shoulder and released a small pulse of her own Aura.
Fenric did not resist.
She frowned slightly, then nodded.
"The structure is settling," she said. "The metal is no longer fighting the flow."
Fenric felt it too.
His Aura no longer felt soft.
It also did not feel stiff.
It felt precise.
By the end of the second week, the change became obvious.
When Fenric circulated his Aura, a faint silver tint appeared within the gold.
Not fully silver.
But close.
His movements felt lighter.
His balance improved.
Even simple actions felt more controlled.
"This is Silver-grade quality," Liana said after another check. "Early stage, but stable."
Fenric let out a slow breath.
"So now," he said, "I can level."
"Yes," Liana replied. "Now it will be worth it."
Fenric did not rush.
He waited one more day.
Then, that night, he sat down, closed his eyes, and finally allowed his Aura to expand.
This time, it flowed freely.
The silver-tinted Aura filled his channels.
The refined core resonated.
The pressure that once blocked him was gone.
A clear sensation passed through his body.
Level 101.
No pain.
No backlash.
Just growth.
Fenric opened his eyes and looked at his hands.
Stronger.
Sharper.
Still controlled.
He smiled quietly.
This was the foundation he wanted.
The next morning, Fenric woke up feeling light.
His body felt balanced.
His Aura moved easily, even without focus.
When he opened the door, Liana was already standing in the hallway.
She looked him over once.
"Level 101," she said. "Clean."
Fenric nodded. "No issues."
"Good," Liana replied. "Then we can move again."
Fenric stretched his shoulders once. "I’m ready for the next quest."
They went downstairs and ate a quick breakfast.
After that, they headed straight to the guild.
Inside, the quest hall was busy as usual.
Fenric and Liana walked to the request board and checked the available missions.
Most high-risk hunts were still locked behind higher rank clearance.
But one request stood out.
Escort Mission
Client: Silverleaf Trade Company
Route: Myser City to Rivergate Town
Duration: Five days
Threat Level: Medium
Reward: High pay + bonus for completion
"A rich merchant company," Liana said. "They don’t skimp on rewards."
"And escorts mean steady combat, not reckless fights," Fenric replied.
They took the notice to the counter.
The guild agent checked their badges and records.
"Fenric. Liana," he said. "You’re assigned as primary guards. Departure is this afternoon."
"Any details?" Fenric asked.
"Caravan of six wagons," the agent replied. "Luxury goods, rare materials. Targeted before by bandits and beasts."
Liana nodded. "Standard escort rules?"
"Yes," the agent said. "Protect the cargo. Protect the client. Avoid unnecessary damage."
Fenric signed the contract.
"We understand," he said.
They left the counter and headed outside.
"So," Liana said, adjusting her gear, "first mission after refinement."
Fenric nodded. "Good way to test stability."
They returned to the inn to pack.
