----

Lucian's abrupt display of nonsensical archery left everyone nonplussed. The sharp glint in his eyes as he eliminated the wolves with a single shot never faltered, causing them to question his current Mana Quotient.

"Shouldn't a single shot be on par with the consumption of our abilities? How is he able to reproduce the same shot consistently without signs of fatigue? It doesn't make any sense to me," Aeran wondered while sheathing his sword.

At this point, there was no reason for him to be on high alert. Each of the incoming enemies was sniped by Lucian within two seconds of their initial appearance. What's more, is that Lucian advanced one or two steps with each pluck of his bowstring.

After releasing 15 consecutive shots, he now stood at the front of the team. However, these movements weren't done without purpose. After his next volley of arrows, Lucian reclaimed the arrows from earlier.

Since he used a large portion of his Merge Tokens for the masteries, he didn't have the luxury to squander these arrows. Not to mention, his application of Mana Reinforcing rectified the integral issue of the issues.

Although the state of the arrows deteriorated due to the temporary effects of Mana Reinforcing, it wasn't extreme and allowed him to reuse the arrows. Besides, Lucian didn't expect to use these arrows without ever changing them. Sooner or later, the material would lose the ability to contain the injected mana and shatter.

After all, when it came to vessel quality, these crude arrows weren't even worth mentioning. However, if he could get his hands on arrows forged from exquisite material, then that was another story.

"Perhaps what we're seeing isn't the truth. Think about it. Maybe his endurance is just rather high, allowing him to conceal the signs of strain. Coupled with a large MQ, it should be possible to postpone the symptoms of exhaustion. Also, the strength of his attacks isn't very overwhelming, it's the precision that enables him to produce these feats," Ahri answered.

Based on Ahri's observations, she was right.

Lucian's breaths were growing uneven compared to the beginning of his actions, while beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Simultaneously wielding two separately flowing streams of Mana was harder than it seemed.

This task consumed 80% of his focus, leaving the remaining 20% for his archery. Fortunately, he possessed the masterful skill provided by the acquired knowledge. If this was the previous Lucian, then this would be impossible to accomplish.

Forget 20%, even 100% of his prior archery ability couldn't bridge the needed skill to annihilate these wolves. Thus, Lucian was gratified by his choice to sacrifice the tokens to hone his techniques.

Granted, Lucian also noticed some oddities with the skill.

'It feels as if there's some type of periodic disturbance. Perhaps this is because my body registers it as an artificially acquired skill. I guess even skills granted by the shop require familiarization. Luckily, I never intended to leave these skills alone,' Lucian inwardly thought.

Finally, with another arrow, Lucian dealt with the remaining wolf. Since he couldn't keep the points acquired from the kill due to the teaming agreeing to label this as a trial run, Lucian dismissed all the alerts without glancing at the point quantity.

"I don't know how to say this because, well...it sounds insensitive. But, you really are something. I think there's a chance of us clearing this floor," Aeran commented while staring directly at Lucian.

Subconsciously, he made a comparison between Jonas and Lucian's power. Their efficiency was leagues apart! Despite the words sounding a little jarring to them, the team couldn't help but nod along with the Aeran's remark.

After all, their previous assaulter didn't possess the strength required to subdue the enemy while also remaining safe. Hence, their untimely demise.

"As harsh as it may sound, you're right. While we may not be the closest, it's still a human life nonetheless. So, I suggest we always keep his memory in mind while moving forward. This is best I can advise," Ahri nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Lucian merely observed silently. Apart from evaluating their morals, Lucian was also wondering if his mindset was too immature. 'The owner of this stone mentioned it before. Sometimes sacrifices are inevitable. Will a time come when I have to make such a decision? If so, will I be ruthless enough to follow through with it?'

While questioning himself, Lucian also took note of the rate his body replenished his Mana. It was over three times greater than his previous rate. Although his reserves were nearly ten times more than before, this new absorption rate felt pleasant.

"G-guys, I don't think it's right to talk about the dead like that. I mean, he sacrificed himself for us. I know you don't mean any disrespect but...how about we just not mention him altogether?" Quinn muttered in a tiny voice.

Everyone was aware of his timid personality, so they could only do so much to appease his shaky nerves.

"I understand how you feel. We'll refrain from mentioning him," Desmond stated in a consoling tone. He then looked amongst the others. Although they didn't all answer, they gave nods to symbolize their shared agreement.

Eventually, the looming question was asked. "So um, do we advance, or do we just wait here?" Sylvia, the girl with permission hair flowing to her hips asked. On top of her charming appearance, her attire was topped with stylish bangles dangling and clinking together around her wrist.

"Remaining here would be an ill-advised choice. We have already to determined to scour as much of this map as possible. There are still a few more minutes, so I say we take advantage of every last second," Lucian interjected.

"Then, should we monitor our Mana consumption?" Aeran asked. Although Ahri was the party leader, Aeran instinctively looked to Lucian for answers. From his faint smile, it seemed Lucian's aim was being met. His earlier actions seemed to have left a deep impression on the team.

"No, there's no need for it. Go wild; I'll ensure your safety with my arrows. However, there'll be something we need to revisit once we return," Lucian answered before performing a deep inhale.

At the same time, he also made a gesture for Ahri to come close. Since no one present seemed to possess evolved hearing, Lucian pulled her to the side and requested something of her.

"You're the leader, so I need you to do something," Lucian whispered in a tone only Ahri could hear.

"What is it? As long as it's nothing atrocious, it should be accomplishable."

"It's not. It's actually quite simple. Allow some of the team members to become wounded. However, there won't be any real danger. We just need them to understand a few things," Lucian answered.

Ahri couldn't help but spare a bewildered look. At first, she couldn't understand why Lucian would want to create this scenario. Although the Echelon Lounge produced a healing effect, was it beneficial to employ this type of plan?

"Ah, I know how it may seem, but it's for a good reason. If we're to clear this run on our next try, it'll require them to possess a certain understanding as well as come to grips with the reality of the current situation," Lucian stated.

After a moment of silence, Ahri finally squeezed out her rendition of Lucian's words, "Could it be you want to...test them?"

"In a way, yes. They'll have to want to succeed more than anything. Only then will it be possible to attempt the side tasks."

When Ahri heard Lucian's desire, her eyes nearly popped out of her head! Although Lucian was strong, he was only one person; one with limits. He had yet to become a full-fledged monstrosity, so she failed to pin the possibilities together.

However, Lucian also didn't reveal all of his intentions. This wasn't the sole reason for his request. Lucian's instinct told him Quinn wasn't ready to shoulder this burden, so he needed to intervene and supplement the inadequacies.

In other words, Lucian was curious about the specifics of Quinn's ability! Upon his first usage, Lucian felt a stir when Quinn used his ability. But, it was evident his perception wasn't strong enough to duplicate a viewed ability instantaneously.

It required time. Hence, why Lucian requested for Ahri to allow some injuries. It would mandate Quinn to heal them, which in turn provided Lucian with ample time to complete the process.

"Okay, but just guarantee me no mishaps."

Lucian smiled, "I can guarantee that."

With another glance, Ahri soon moved to the front before instructing everyone to follow her lead.

During that time, Lucian resumed his watch over the fidgety Quinn. 'I understand how it feels to be meager and feel as if you're less of a person, therefore, I will help you as best as I can.'