The Next Level

The sun had gotten low. For hours now, Rune had been in the same position, pushing himself to break into level 6. His previously clean figure was now sticky and glistening with sweat, and more and more beads continues to roll down his forehead and muscles.

He began to waver and lurched slightly to the side, and Stella quickly slapped her palms on his back sending a blast of mana deep into his core. It struck his soul directly, giving it a light jolt and bringing Rune back to reality before his mind was lost forever.

"Haah...Haah...Haah..."

Rune opened his eyes and collapsed to one knee while panting heavily. His eyelids drooped from exhuastion. Not only was pushing his mind and body activation techniques to the limits dangerous but it was also incredibly taxing.

Stella put a hand on his sweaty shoulder and said, "I think it's time for a break..." She had never seen him push himself this hard, and she was begging to get concerned.