Lyrus stepped again, experimenting. The Million Steps System responded with subtle shifts in sensation. He felt energy swirl in his core, not just amplifying his muscles or sharpening his reflexes, but forming a well of potency he could direct outward. It reminded him of how a general coordinated squads, but now he was doing it with raw strength and insight.
He focused on Captain Eydon, training far across the field. Lyrus imagined sending a gentle thread of this stored strength toward him, not to overpower his will, but to offer a steadying presence. As he willed it, a soft warmth flowed away from him, guided by intent alone. Eydon paused mid-strike, a curious gleam in his eyes, as if he felt an invisible hand supporting his blade's balance. He smiled, unaware of the source, but grateful for the surge of calm and precision that washed over him.
Next, Lyrus tried the same with Captain Senna's Wings. They perched on high branches, studying wind patterns. Through the system, Lyrus sent a hint of agility and heightened perception. Senna twitched an ear, as if hearing a faint chord. Her scouts leapt more gracefully, landing without even a whisper. The Wings found their senses more attuned, reacting to subtle creaks in the wood and distant rustles.
Encouraged, Lyrus extended this influence to Captain Huron's Shields. He imagined their formation as a tapestry and pulled a single thread to tighten it. The Shields, mid-drill, suddenly felt their collective stance steady as if anchored by an unseen pillar. Their shields locked together more seamlessly, their morale lifting beyond normal bounds.
Though he did not reveal this new ability openly, Lyrus was thrilled. He had unlocked a function of the system that allowed him to share fragments of his enhanced perception, balance, and focus. He could not grant raw strength or skill directly, but he could smooth rough edges, amplify unity, and restore confidence.
The Ember Circle already stood strong, but this subtle bond might prove decisive. In battles or negotiations, a quiet nudge could help an ally deflect a crucial blow or find the right words. As Lyrus relaxed his control, he considered the possibilities. The system had evolved from a personal gift to a communal boon, and that transformation mirrored the Ember Circle's journey from a single leader's hope to a collective aspiration made real.