They traveled northward, forests giving way to rolling hills. While Kael offered general cultivation tips and Alyra trained her archery, Lyrus focused inward, carefully hiding the truth. When Kael mentioned distributing one's energy evenly, Lyrus listened politely. In truth, he channeled the system's surges into controlled bursts as he walked.
He found that if he stepped lightly, strength accumulated subtly, allowing him to store reserves of power without appearing obvious. If he stepped forcefully, he triggered massive spikes in might, suitable for sudden attacks. The system responded instantly to his intent, but mastering that response required discipline.
After setting camp, Lyrus excused himself, claiming he wished to gather firewood. Alone beneath twilight skies, he took measured steps around a clearing, feeling the system's energy swirl within him. He practiced pausing mid-stride, holding the power inside, then releasing it slowly, like pouring water from a jug. Each attempt taught him more about regulating the flow.
By nightfall, he could summon strength with a near-invisible shift of his stance. Alyra and Kael noticed his improving grace, but assumed it was natural progress. Lyrus kept his secret close, determined to refine the system's gifts until he could wield them flawlessly.