The Advanced Thunder Breathing

BOOM!

As soon as Ethan activated the Advanced Thunder Breathing, it felt like a bolt of lightning exploded inside him. His mind buzzed as raw energy coursed through his veins, electrifying every nerve and cell in his body. It was both overwhelming and exhilarating—a surge of power unlike anything he had ever experienced.

For a moment, the world around him seemed to blur. His senses sharpened to the extreme. He could hear distant conversations, smell the faint scent of rain in the air, and see every tiny detail around him, down to the faintest grain of dust in the sunlight.

"Holy... This is insane," Ethan muttered, flexing his fingers as arcs of electricity crackled across his skin. His body felt lighter, stronger—as if gravity itself had loosened its hold on him.

"No wonder it's called Advanced Thunder Breathing. This isn't just a power boost; it's a full transformation," Ethan thought, grinning. He could feel the energy resonating with the Thunderstrike Bow, practically begging for a test shot.

Without hesitation, Ethan darted outside. His speed had increased dramatically—he moved so fast that the world around him blurred. Within seconds, he arrived at an open field near his apartment.

"Alright, let's see what I can do now."

He faced a massive boulder, raised his fist, and punched forward.

CRACK!

The boulder shattered instantly, crumbling into dust. Ethan stared at the destruction, momentarily stunned.

"Did I... barely even try?" he muttered, glancing at his hand. He hadn't even used his full strength, and yet the boulder was reduced to rubble.

"Alright, time for round two," he said, pulling out the Thunderstrike Bow. Previously, he had struggled to draw the bow to its full capacity, but now...

THRUM!

With ease, he pulled the bowstring to its limit. Lightning arced across the bow, casting a dazzling glow even in broad daylight.

"Damn. This is next level," Ethan whispered, admiring the electric currents dancing along the string.

He aimed skyward, not wanting to risk accidentally hurting anyone, and released the shot.

WHOOSH!

A crackling, violet arrow shot into the sky, leaving a trail of thunder and lightning in its wake. The air trembled with the power of the release, and a deafening boom echoed as thunder clouds formed out of nowhere.

Ethan grinned. "Yup. Definitely terrifying. If I shot that at anything on the ground, it'd be obliterated."

He lowered the bow, feeling a rush of excitement and confidence. "Ged won't know what hit him," he muttered.

But as he prepared to head back inside, Ethan's enhanced senses picked up something unusual. His ears twitched as distant voices drifted toward him—voices he recognized.

"...Ged's enforcer," Ethan muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes. He focused, tuning into their conversation from several kilometers away.

"Is it really smart to go after Ethan? I've heard he's stronger than we thought," one of the men said nervously.

"Shut up, Perry," another voice growled. "He's just some cocky kid who got lucky. Once we surround him, he won't stand a chance."

Ethan recognized the leader's voice immediately—it was Terry, the bearded enforcer he had seen with Ged earlier. Terry was notorious for being a ruthless killer, someone who thrived on intimidation and violence.

"So, they're already coming after me," Ethan muttered, his expression darkening. "Didn't think Ged would move this fast."

But instead of fear, Ethan felt a surge of anticipation. He wasn't the same person they had seen at the hotel. With his newfound power, he was eager to see how he measured up.

"Let's test just how 'unlucky' I can make you guys," he whispered, vanishing from the spot in a flash of lightning.

On a deserted street near Ethan's apartment, Terry and his crew advanced cautiously. The area was eerily quiet, and even the wind seemed to hold its breath.

"Stay alert," Terry warned. "We hit him hard and fast. No hesitation."

His men nodded, their powers flickering to life—steel-like claws, shadow manipulation, and toxic energy surrounded them. They were ready for a fight.

"Man, this kid's place is out in the middle of nowhere," one of the awakened muttered. "No one will even hear him scream."

"Perfect," another sneered. "Let's make this quick."

But before they could take another step, a voice spoke from behind them.

"Is that the plan? Jump me in the dark and hope I won't fight back?"

The men spun around, their eyes widening in shock. Ethan stood there, his figure illuminated by faint arcs of lightning crackling across his body. His gaze was cold and unflinching.

"Y-you... How did you get behind us?" Perry stammered.

Terry's expression hardened. "Doesn't matter. Kill him now!"

Three of the men lunged at Ethan, their attacks synchronized. Blades, claws, and shadow tendrils converged on him in an instant.

But Ethan didn't move—at least, not in a way they could follow.

In the blink of an eye, he sidestepped the first attack, deflected the second with his forearm, and delivered a lightning-fast punch to the third man's gut.

WHAM!

The man flew backward, slamming into a brick wall with a sickening crunch.

"Damn it!" Terry roared, charging forward with his steel claws raised. He slashed at Ethan with brutal force.

CLANG!

Ethan caught the claws with one hand, his grip like a vice. Terry's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Nice try," Ethan said, his voice cold and mocking. "But you're out of your league."

With a flick of his wrist, Ethan twisted Terry's arm, forcing him to his knees. Lightning surged through his body, sending painful jolts through his nerves.

"AHHHH!" Terry screamed, writhing in agony.

Ethan leaned in close, his voice a deadly whisper. "You came here to kill me, right? So tell me... Who's going to save you now?"

The other enforcers hesitated, fear etched into their faces. They had come expecting an easy kill, but this... this was a nightmare.

"Run," Ethan commanded softly.

They didn't need to be told twice. The remaining men scattered, leaving Terry behind, still convulsing from the electric shock.

Ethan released him, letting his unconscious body slump to the ground.

"Ged's going to regret this," Ethan muttered, dusting off his hands. "Let's see who's really in charge now."