Potential

Alden leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me more about the fight with Seraphine and her followers."

Lyssandra, with a hint of frustration in her voice, responded, "Father, you wouldn't believe the disparity in strength. It felt like a child trying to fend off a giant. Seraphine's power was overwhelmingly superior."

Arlan chimed in, "It's true. Her very presence exerted an intimidating pressure, and every move she made was calculated and powerful. She toyed with us."

Alden's brow furrowed in concern. "A stage difference in cultivation does present a formidable challenge. Even a slight elevation in one's stage can make a vast difference in combat capabilities."

Lyssandra, still in her childlike tone of complaint, continued, "And her followers weren't any easier. They were skilled, strategic, and relentless."