To Put Power On Display

A few minutes earlier...

Back with Alister, Cinder was blazing through the horde of monsters, her fiery breath incinerating dozens at a time.

Her massive tail swung, smashing enemies into the ground. Each strike and swing was accompanied by a satisfying crunch or thud as she made short work of the beasts.

Alister watched her calmly. "Good work, Cinder. At this pace, we should be meeting up with Ren and the others soon."

"I am most grateful for your praise," she replied.

Despite their progress, Alister couldn't shake the feeling that things were a little too easy. His instincts told him something was off.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, the system notification pinged.

[Level up.]

[Congratulations! The player's level has surpassed 30!]

[Current level 32!]

[It is now time for the player's next awakening.]

[Would the player wish to proceed with the awakening?]