## Chapter 17: The Aftermath of Triumph
### Chapter 17: The Aftermath of Triumph
The return journey to the academy was a blur of fatigue and elation. The Celestial Relic, now safely in my possession, had given me a renewed sense of purpose and strength. As I neared the academy gates, I felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension about how my newfound power would be received.
**Back at the Academy**
I arrived at the academy in the early evening, the sun casting long shadows across the campus. The usual bustle of students preparing for the evening's activities was evident, but my focus was solely on my training and the implications of the Celestial Relic.
I made my way to my dorm room, eager to inspect the artifact and assess its effects in more detail. With the door securely closed, I took out the Celestial Relic and examined it closely. Its runes glowed softly, a testament to its immense power.
**Celestial Relic:**
- **Elemental Mastery Boost (S+ Rank)**
- **Mana Regeneration +50%**
The artifact's effects were already noticeable. My mana felt more robust, and I could sense an enhancement in my elemental control. I couldn't wait to test these improvements in training and combat.
**System Update:**
As I relaxed and recovered, I accessed my Demon King System to check my current status and rank progression:
**Alex Whitaker:**
- **Current Rank:** E+
- **Status:**
- **Strength:** 25
- **Agility:** 22
- **Endurance:** 24
- **Intelligence:** 26
- **Mana:** 30
- **Elemental Mastery:**
- **Fire:** 80%
- **Earth:** 55%
- **Water:** 65%
- **Air:** 50%
- **Abilities:**
- **Demonic Barrier (New)**
- **Elemental Fusion (Enhanced)**
- **Celestial Relic Effects Active**
**Rank Progression:**
- **Elemental Mastery:** Increased to S+ Rank (Fire), others remain unchanged
- **Mana Regeneration:** Boosted by 50%
I noticed a significant boost in my physical stats, reflecting the impact of the Celestial Relic. My elemental abilities and mana regeneration were notably improved, giving me an edge in future confrontations.
With the Celestial Relic enhancing my abilities, I felt more confident than ever about my potential. The challenges ahead seemed more manageable with this powerful artifact in my possession. My focus now was on how to integrate these new abilities into my training regimen and prepare for upcoming trials.
The academy was abuzz with rumors about the legendary artifact and my recent achievements. I overheard students discussing my victory over the Dire Bear and speculating about the artifact's origins and power. It was clear that my recent exploits had drawn considerable attention.
**System Update:**
- **Celestial Relic Effects in Full Activation**
- **Rank Progression: Ongoing**
As the evening wore on, I prepared for the next day's training. The academy's challenges were far from over, and I was determined to make the most of the Celestial Relic's power. The path to greatness was long and filled with obstacles, but with each step forward, I was closer to achieving my goals.
---
**Alex's Status and Rank Progression:**
- **Current Rank:** E+
- **Strength:** 25
- **Agility:** 22
- **Endurance:** 24
- **Intelligence:** 26
- **Mana:** 30
- **Elemental Mastery:**
- **Fire:** 80%
- **Earth:** 55%
- **Water:** 65%
- **Air:** 50%
- **Abilities:**
- **Demonic Barrier (New)**
- **Elemental Fusion (Enhanced)**
- **Celestial Relic Effects Active**