The decision was swift, driven by the cold logic of survival. Decision made: head to Northern Empire.
"We will not stop for the two months," Kai added. "We will use the remaining weeks for a final, intense surge of power. But first: one month intensive training."
The final month in Crimson Valley was a period of near-inhuman exertion. Knowing that Morana was coming forced the trio to treat every minute as sacred. The training regimen Kai designed was brutal, designed to force breakthroughs under controlled, high-stress conditions.
All three pushed their limits.
Kai focused on working toward the 5th Core Stage. His martial arts core was ripe, but lacked the raw, forceful kinetic shock needed for condensation. He spent hours striking reinforced earth barriers with only his palm, utilizin
