"Meow~!" Scarlet let out a joyful cry as the effects of her breakthrough became apparent.
Her mana became denser, allowing her a greater output for her abilities. I could feel her flames becoming more potent than before.
That was just the start. Advancing to tier four would strengthen Scarlet's body drastically. In the following days, her now denser mana would nurture her body, making it stronger in every way and increasing its mana affinity.
Eventually, when the effects of her breakthrough settle down, she will be twice as strong as when she was at tier three, and her strength will continue increasing as her mana continues to accumulate until she reaches the peak of tier four.
Once Scarlet was done with her breakthrough, she meowed happily and rubbed her body against my legs.
I chuckled and stroked her head.
Just at that moment, the feedback of Scarlet's breakthrough came.
An abundant amount of mana entered my body, stimulating my almost still mana and making it grow crazily.
My mana, which had shown almost no signs of growth lately, started to rise, showing faint signs of advancing to tier four!
I was excited.
[Boy, focus. Take advantage of this opportunity!]
I hurriedly calmed down and focused on my mana, using my soul power to guide it toward the next tier.
Noticing my situation, Scarlet jumped on my thigh and sent her mana into my body. At the same time, Saphire also sent me her mana to help with my advancement.
The help of Saphire and Scarlet was timely. My mana, on the verge of reaching tier four, was boosted greatly, impacting against the barrier of tier four.
*Bam!*
I felt an impact on my body as my mana tried to surge up to the next level.
However, the barrier to tier four was stronger than I expected. It endured stubbornly, denying me the advancement to the next level.
I did not give up and rallied my mana again, controlling it to impact the barrier once more.
*Bam!*
This time, the impact was even stronger. I felt my body shake, and a faint taste of blood filled my mouth.
But the barrier still continued enduring.
Gritting my teeth, I tried for the third time.
On a whim, I called upon my lightning seed, mixing my mana with lightning as my soul power guided it to break the barrier to the next tier.
This seemed to be effective. The barrier finally seemed to give in, becoming weaker and weaker as my mana continued to increase.
'Just a bit more… Just a bit more…!'
I could feel that I was just one step away from the next tier. Just a bit more and I could break through.
But just then, the feedback from Scarlet's advancement came to an end.
At the same time, my mana startled to settle down.
I bit my lips and used my soul power to try to rally it once more, but the effect was not good.
Although it hit the barrier, the effect was much poorer than the previous three attempts.
I immediately realized that my opportunity to advance had come to an end.
I opened my eyes with a disappointed expression.
"I failed."
[… Honestly, I don't know what to say. Advancing to tier four is not supposed to be this hard.]
I smiled bitterly.
"Meow~"
Scarlett rubbed her body against mine to console me.
I stroked her chin gently and examined my mana.
Although I had failed to break through to tier four, it was not without gains.
My mana had grown a lot for the first time in a while. Almost fifty percent more than before.
Furthermore, I could feel that I just needed a push to advance.
[You are right. There is no need to feel disappointed. In the current situation breaking through is just a matter of time.]
'Do you know when it could happen?'
[It could be as early as tomorrow, or it could take you months. Honestly, considering your crappy talent, it's impossible to know.]
I let out a wry chuckle.
[Don't worry, I'll think of a way. I also should find a way to deal with your crappy talent. It's not much of a problem yet, but eventually, it may halt your progress entirely.]
I nodded while sighing.
I guess I can do nothing for now.
What can I do when my talent is this bad?
"Meow~"
Scarlet purred softly to comfort me, and I could feel Saphire trying to animate me too.
I chuckled softly and settled down my feelings.
Now is not the time to feel down.
At that moment, Hela, who had been observing the situation nearby, approached.
"Done?" She asked while holding the corner of my clothes.
"Yeah, I did not manage to break through, but my cat succeeded."
Hela nodded and looked at Scarlett. She tried to touch her, but Scarlett bristled her fur and hissed fiercely.
"Hey girl, calm down." I hurriedly held her down and rubbed her fur. "What happened?"
Scarlet meowed softly.
Thanks to our connection, I got the gist of what she wanted to say.
"It seems like she feels uncomfortable around you."
Hela lowered her head downcast.
"… I see. Sorry."
"Don't worry, I'll try to help you with your curse after we get out of here."
Hela's expression improved a little bit, but she was still depressed.
I let out a wry smile and recalled Scarlet into my body.
Then, I decided to meditate so I could be in top condition once the rescue mission started.
A couple of hours later, I feel someone approaching us.
When I opened my eyes, Jazmine was in front of me.
"It's time." She said.
Hela and I nodded.