Freedom

The wolves were faster than him, even with the injuries he caused them. But Klein had a solution for that as well. He didn't kill them outright, but pierced their legs with [essence bolt] to slow them down on their chase. He needed to leave a long trail for the elves to waste time on if they chose to follow.

[Essence Harvested.]

Klein dismissed the notification in his peripheral vision and realized he had unintentionally taken down one of the wolves. Five more remained, trailing closely—near enough for him to unleash his spell and secure a critical hit.

With his physical strength skyrocketing to double his initial capabilities, he had no problem covering a large distance within a few minutes. The sheer increase in his strength was more than just impressive. It hadn't even been a full week, and all he did was hunt monsters and push his body to the limit through rigorous exercise. Most Body Enforcers would cough out blood if they heard him.

Klein dispatched the wolves one by one, covering a couple of kilometres. He had his spells ready from a minute ago while he was moving. He unleashed them upon reaching an open grassland.

[Essence Harvested.] 

[Essence Harvested.] 

[Essence Harvested.] 

[...]

The notifications reappeared as his body absorbed the energy from the slain beasts. The swirling power within him exceeded his expectations, almost reaching the threshold of another breakthrough. The dark sphere swirled in his core, providing the momentum the energy needed.

After assessing his surroundings, he sat down and directed his energy to attack the wall again. Breakthroughs seem to occur naturally after overcoming challenging situations, as long as you have accumulated enough energy. While the wolves weren't challenging alone, Klein challenged his body by sprinting to his limits. He even multitasked to cast those spells on them, while scanning his surroundings.

All of that together seemed to meet the requirement for the breakthrough.

A familiar restlessness grew within him. Sweat poured from every pore, and his body warmed to an unprecedented level, the violent energy coursing through him like tidal waves. This had occurred twice before, but Klein couldn't say he was completely composed. He performed the ritual of gritting his teeth, clenching his jaw, and urging the surge of energy to break through.

Patience was most important. Even though breakthroughs happen in minutes, the splitting pain tends to extend the time.

[Essence assimilated.]

The energy subsided after the breakthrough, pouring him with the familiar and intoxicating sensation of invincibility. Klein wiped the sweat from his face and adjusted his posture when more notifications appeared.

[Congratulations! You have reached Initiate - Level 4.] 

[+4 to all attributes, +4 Unused points.]

[Essence Manipulation F+ --> E-]

[You have learned the skill, Empower (F)]

[Empower (F): Empower is the elementary art of strengthening oneself. It isn't limited to body strength, a master cultivator can empower their eyesight, sensory ability, and even their willpower and soul force.]

_____________

[Status Window]

Klein Frost

Human - [Initiate - Level 4]

Physique: Integrating (29%)

Law: Seed of Force (Middle)

Attributes:

[Strength: 29 + 5%]

[Speed: 29 +5%] 

[Mind: 29 +5% 

[Spirit: 29 +20%]

[Will: 29 + 30%]

[Recovery: 29 + 5%]

Unused Points: 9

Skills:

- Essence Manipulation (E-) 

- Empower (F)

Title: Child of Law, Overachiever

___________________

Klein raised an eyebrow, and deemed Empower (F) was likely the skill which let Elowen and other elves strengthen their bodies. Well, he was feeling the same effect, though rudimentary for some time now. Looks like it has turned into a skill now. Also, his Essence Weaving raised to E-. So he was likely getting a hang of it by now.

He crept away, seeking another creature to test out his skills. Of course, he didn't forget to claim the beast cores and take a more stealthy approach in his movement.

Killing small bugs and insects didn't seem to warrant any essence. Thus, he sought after a more formidable foe. Fortunately, the task proved effortless as a group of rabid hyenas presented themselves.

There were nine of them, each as formidable as the first creature he had slain upon arriving in this world. The first encounter had been challenging with all his powers restricted. However, since then he reclaimed a portion of his strength and even cultivated his physical prowess. The hyenas stood no chance.

Klein erected a corporeal shield of energy and thrust it at the savage creatures. It was sent flying metres away, giving the others a view of what they were up against. The hyenas had no change in their demeanour though, much to his delight.

With a sick smile on his lips, he unleashed a barrage of [Essence Bolt], each no longer than a nail, but they infested completely once stuck their mark. Composed entirely of energy, they vanished upon penetrating their targets, leaving blood splattered on the grass. In no time, Klein took care of them all.

[Essence Harvested.] 

[Essence Harvested.] 

[Essence Harvested.] 

[...]

A cascade of notifications flooded Klein's sight.

He would have wanted to meditate more to incorporate the harvested essence, however, the howls of wild beasts made him hesitate to stay in the open. Clicking his tongue, he got up and decided to leave the place. The others might be looking for him.

Klein moved through the forest, killing ferocious beasts here and there. He avoided them if he could, as he wouldn't like to leave his trail for the elves to follow. Not to mention, he was far from being the apex predator this wilderness had to offer. That white tiger, or the humongous wolf, was probably a rank higher than copper. He didn't have a clue how strong they might be.

Klein had fought [Catagory-1] danger in his times and even had to dance with those a step higher in his misfortune. If he was at his peak, he might give them a run for their money.

Unfortunately, he was far from his peak now, even though he had some physical capabilities now. He estimated that his magical power at its peak was about four to five times greater than what it was now.

Of course, the amount of magic hardly matters if your control is shit, but Klein was a master of spellcasting. He dabbled into too many principles to make it into archmage, but he wasn't far from it in Sealing magic.

Now if he could only incorporate how Sealing magic worked with essence, he was good.

After a couple of hours of relative peace, Klein figured he finally managed to free himself from them. But the question was, who would lead him to civilization now?