Eternal Realm of Enlightenment (2)

In the blink of an eye, just as Nolan prepared to launch another attack, an unseen force surged toward Luke at an astonishing speed. Even with his heightened senses, he failed to notice it until the system's abrupt notification echoed in his mind.

[Ding!]

[The host has used a technique crystal and learned the technique: ★Iron Crushing Fist (Entry Level).]

[Ding!]

[The system has detected a new 1-Star technique!]

[★ Basic Level Cost: 190 GP]

[Would the host like to advance Iron Crushing Fist to the Basic Level?]

[Yes/No]

Without hesitation, Luke gave his answer.

'Yes, do it!'

The moment his decision was made, time came to a halt.

The world around him faded, swallowed by an endless void. Sound, motion—everything ceased to exist. It was as if reality itself had been stripped away, leaving behind only his consciousness.

Then, a sudden shift.

Luke found himself standing in a vast, boundless space. There were no horizons, no sky, no ground—only an endless expanse of white.

"Where... am I?"

His voice echoed into the emptiness.

Before he could make sense of his surroundings, a soft light flickered ahead. The glow condensed, taking on a familiar form—

"That's... me?"

A perfect replica of himself stood before him, its ethereal body radiating a gentle luminescence. Though it mirrored his every movement, there was something unsettling about its presence.

[Congratulations, host. You have entered the "Eternal Realm of Enlightenment"]

[This is a special space where the host can learn and master techniques without limitations. In this realm, stamina is infinite, and death is impossible. The host may train here without consequence.

Time spent in this realm is negligible in the outside world, for only one second will pass outside, however long the host spends here. The host will also not age here.]

Luke's eyes widened.

"You've got to be kidding me... Doesn't that mean I can train here forever? That's completely broken!"

The system remained silent, as if indifferent to his outburst.

Just as he was about to process the absurdity of it all, his clone stepped forward, its gaze locked onto his.

[Ding!]

[Training for the 1-Star technique: Iron Crushing Fist (Basic Level) will now commence.]

[Estimated time until mastery: 3 hours.]

[Would the host like to modify the environment before beginning training?]

Luke smirked.

"Make it a dense forest."

The white void trembled, shifting and morphing in response to his words. In an instant, towering trees emerged from the nothingness, their lush canopies swaying gently. Birds chirped in the distance, and a cool breeze swept past him. The transformation was seamless, as if he had stepped into a real forest.

Luke took a deep breath, relishing the sensation. This place... it's unreal. He could shape it however he wanted—a tropical beach, a snowy mountain, anything. The possibilities were endless.

Now this technique will take him only 3 hours, but what about later techniques?

How long does it take to complete higher techniques? It was good to have the ability to change the environment.

With a grin, he clenched his fists and turned to his clone.

"Let's see what this technique is all about."

The moment those words left his mouth—

BOOM!

A fist blurred toward his chest.

Luke barely had time to react—

BANG!

The impact sent him flying, his body crashing into the ground. His vision wavered.

"What the—?!"

Groaning, he pushed himself up and glared at his clone. The expressionless figure stood exactly where it had been, yet its presence felt overwhelming.

Luke exhaled sharply. "That punch... It was stronger than Nolan's."

The clone moved again!

Luke's instincts screamed. He stepped to the side—

BOOM!

A fist tore through the air, narrowly missing his ribs. Instead of meeting the full force, he twisted his torso, letting the attack graze past him harmlessly.

[Ding!]

[Comprehension increased by 5%.]

Luke's lips curled into a smirk. So that's how it works...

The clone attacked again, relentless.

But this time, Luke didn't just evade—he moved with the attack. Instead of resisting, he allowed the force to flow past him like water over a stone.

Then—

BOOM!

Luke countered with his own strike.

His fist slammed into the clone's chest, sending it stumbling backward.

[Ding!]

[Comprehension increased by 20%.]

Luke's heartbeat quickened. This is insane...

"Hahaha~~!!"

Luke couldn't help but laugh with exhilaration as he realized what this place could do.

Any normal warrior would take months to at least advance a few levels, but here he was, gaining comprehension and improving his skills in a matter of minutes.

Luke was curious to see how far he could go in this strange, thrilling place, but he had no idea how he had picked up the techniques or how he skipped the Entry level.

But Luke didn't care. His resolve was strengthened by the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Time lost all meaning.

He trained relentlessly, his body adapting with each exchange. Every dodge, every impact refined his control. His movements became sharper, his strikes more precise. He could feel it—

The energy coursed through his body, guiding each motion.

Then—

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully learned Iron Crushing Fist (Basic Level).]

[Basic Level achieved.]

[★Iron Crushing Fist: Fist power increased by 15%.]

Luke exhaled slowly, feeling the surge of newfound strength within him. His clone dissolved into streaks of light, vanishing into the void.

[The host will now exit the Eternal Realm of Enlightenment.]

Before he could even react, the space shattered—

And in an instant, he was back.

Nolan's attack was still mid-swing, frozen in time.

Luke's eyes sharpened.

The moment Nolan's fist descended—

Luke clenched his own fist and stepped forward.

Cosmic energy surged within him, flowing seamlessly as he unleashed his Iron Crushing Fist.

The air trembled.

BOOM!

"Ahh!!"

Their fists collided, and a deafening shockwave erupted. Nolan was sent skidding backward, his arms even bleeding from the impact of Luke's powerful blow.

"What?!" Nolan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Luke rolled his shoulders, a confident grin spreading across his face.

"You're too weak."

Nolan barely had time to react before Luke advanced again, his fists carrying the weight of his newfound power.

BOOM!

Luke's strike landed squarely on Nolan's chest, sending him hurtling through the air. He crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact, coughing up blood as he struggled to rise.

"Damn... you...!" Nolan growled, his body shaking from the force of the blow.

But Luke wasn't done.

He stepped forward, his presence suffocating, his aura like an unstoppable tide. "This is just the beginning."

Nolan's eyes flickered with fear as Luke loomed over him.

"W-What a…re you d-o-ing!!!"

Luke's lips curled into a sinister grin as he raised his hand, pressing it firmly against Nolan's face. With a swift and powerful motion, Luke drove Nolan's head into the wall with a sickening crunch.

The impact reverberated through the place, leaving a shattered imprint on the cracked surface. Blood trickled down Nolan's face as he slumped to the ground.

Clearly, he lost consciousness as Luke stood over him, his eyes filled with coldness.

"I hope this teaches him a good lesson about messing with me," Luke muttered.

"Brother!"

Leila cried out as she rushed next to Luke, worry etched on her face. Luke turned to her, his expression softening slightly as he saw the concern in her eyes.

"Don't worry, Leila," he said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Brother, you looked so cool taking down Nolan like that," Leila said, a mixture of admiration and concern in her voice.

She was scared when she watched her brother get punched by Nolan, but her brother suddenly turned the tables and emerged victorious. She couldn't help but admire his strength.

"Come, Mom should be home early today; we shouldn't make her worry," Luke said, giving Leila a small smile.

"Hm, let's go, brother."