章 135: A Short Wintery Visit 3

"You sure have changed, son… in a good way, of course," the Duke said with a broad smile, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.

His right hand rested thoughtfully under his chin as he circled around me, nodding with approval. His gaze was both appraising and proud.

"Thanks, I guess?" I responded, a touch of awkwardness in my voice.

Ever since I entered the academy and was thrust into a series of unexpected events due to my own recklessness, I had made significant strides in my development.

Discovering how to level up had been a pivotal moment.

It wasn't surprising that I had become stronger over the months, especially considering the academy's reputation as one of the finest institutions on the continent.

Reflecting on it, I realized that the concept of leveling up through combat should have been obvious to me from the start.