Kwon Oh-Jin arrived at his private training facility in Mapo. Once a stadium, the building had been completely remodeled into a training ground. It was one of the few places where someone of Kwon Oh-Jin’s level, far beyond an ordinary Awakener, could freely move and train.

It looked almost embarrassingly large for just one person and was conveniently located not far from Hapjeong Station, where he lived. Cutting-edge equipment could be seen everywhere. Only the Colgrande Family’s astronomical wealth could make this dream facility possible.

Though the stadium had fallen into disuse after the sports market collapsed due to the first rift, it had once been a massive arena capable of seating over sixty thousand people.

Repurposing such a huge structure into a personal training ground would’ve been nearly impossible even for a Seven Star member, especially Kwon Oh-Jin, who held no real power despite the title. He could’ve never imagined this kind of luxury.

This is why people say it’s important to meet the right woman.

The facility’s overwhelming scale made him clear his throat awkwardly every time he came. He kind of felt like a leech sucking his partner’s wealth dry.

Well, it’s not a feeling. That’s exactly what it looks like from the outside.

“Ugh... It’s not like I can’t earn money.”

After all, who said no amount of wages could ever outpace capital income? Despite receiving a staggering salary from the Association every month, it didn’t even come close to Isabella’s fortune.

“Why the sudden talk about money?” Isabella cocked her head from beside him.

“It’s nothing, really. I just wonder if it’s too much every time I see this place.”

“Oh, but it’s a facility for you, Mr. Oh-Jin. Of course, it has to be at least this big.” She shrugged casually. “Actually, I wanted to buy up the surrounding lots to build something even bigger, but Roberto strongly objected.”

Thank you, Mr. Roberto.

“In any case, you don’t need to feel burdened. Even if you quit working, I’ll financially support you for the rest of your life.”

“I’m not unemployed...”

A pro baseball star’s wealthy father-in-law once said, “Our son-in-law may not earn money, but he’s such a kind soul.” This suddenly flashed through Kwon Oh-Jin’s mind. Bitter as it was, reality had a way of making him succumb to it. How did money have the power to make people feel so miserable?

“Hmph. Typical Colgrande move to try and win a man over with money because you’ve got nothing else to offer.”

“You’re a Colgrande too, Cassia.”

“Oh? Weren’t you the one who had me cast out of the family, Bella?”

“T-That was Father’s decision...!”

The sisters began arguing. By now, the daily sight had grown familiar like background noise.

“Wow. Those two never get tired of bickering, do they?” Song Ha-Eun asked.

“Well, they do say sisters grow up by fighting,” Vega said.

Though they both seemed plenty grown already.

“You guys really didn’t all need to tag along,” Kwon Oh-Jin said.

“I wanted to see with my own eyes how much you’ve grown after gaining the Stigma of Ursa Minor,” Vega replied.

“Besides, it’s not like there’s much else to do at home,” Song Ha-Eun said.

What began as a plan to quietly test out his new powers at the facility had turned into a small entourage.

Kwon Oh-Jin sighed and stepped onto the training grounds.

Thanks to the Colgrande Family’s staff maintaining it daily, not a speck of dust could be seen. After changing into comfortable sportswear, he stood in the middle of the vast field that had once been a soccer field.

“I feel exhausted, and I haven’t even started training.”

Cassia had barged into the locker room and insisted on helping him change, causing quite the commotion.

With a sigh, Kwon Oh-Jin quickly finished warming up and closed his eyes. He focused on the Stigma engraved on his chest.

Rumble, rumble.

First, he called upon the Black Heaven that had just undergone its twelfth enlightenment. Even if the Stigma of Lyra couldn’t yet handle its full strength, the partial output alone felt overwhelming compared to before.

Thick black clouds poured out of his pores and blanketed the air like fog. Parts of his body flickered, dissolving into black clouds before reforming again.

A shiver of exhilaration ran down his spine.

“Haaa.”

The intoxicating omnipotence he had only felt while using Open Heaven now seared through him. The massive training ground suddenly looked as fragile as a sandcastle that could be swept away with a flick of his finger.

This is the power of the twelfth enlightenment.

He had predicted correctly. The gap between the eleventh and twelfth enlightenment was immeasurable.

Rumble!

Kwon Oh-Jin launched a strike into the air using only the Black Heaven, just as the Heavenly Demon once had. The heavy black clouds gathered into a towering wave and tore through the sky.

A sonic boom split the air like thunder and shook the massive facility even though the blow had landed on empty space.

Kwaboom!

The shockwaves alone rattled everything.

It’s definitely stronger.

He could hardly believe that this was the Black Heaven still being restricted. In terms of sheer power, it matched his attacks when using Lightning Form. Unlike that technique, which required significant preparation, the Black Heaven’s clouds unleashed destructive force almost instantly.

But...

Kwon Oh-Jin frowned at the Black Heaven’s clouds shifting and writhing like a living creature.

It’s too inefficient.

It felt like swinging a raw hunk of metal. Yes, it was powerful, but also clumsy and unrefined. The straightforward attacks lacked precision and variety.

Worst of all...

Rumble, rumble!

He could see the clouds seeping across the floor and lashing against the walls, slipping beyond his control.

Even if it’s strong, it doesn’t mean anything if I can’t control it.

He recalled the clouds back into him and summoned the Stigma of Lyra.

Woong!

The Stigma on his chest glowed brightly as blue lightning enveloped him.

“Yes, this feels right.”

Like gulping down a refreshing soda after greasy food, he smiled as he felt the mana moving freely under his control as if it were his own hands.

As expected, I can control the Stigma of Lyra the best.

Lastly, he infused the Stigma of Lyra with the Black Heaven’s power.

Crackle!

The lightning turned black and sparkled viciously.

After testing each power, Kwon Oh-Jin exhaled and drew all the mana back into his heart.

“Haaa...”

“Impressive,” Vega said in awe after witnessing everything. “Only a few Celestials would dare to face you without using their Sacred Ground.”

“Well, I did completely absorb Polaris.”

It would’ve been a waste if he hadn’t gained anything after swallowing such a Celestial.

“Still, I’m far from perfect.”

Kwon Oh-Jin had only just ascended to ten stars before leaping to eleven. Even with his natural gift for handling his Stigma’s mana, he still had a long way to go before fully mastering it.

That’ll come with time.

For now, he couldn’t help but marvel at his sheer growth. The Black Heaven and the Stigma of Lyra had both advanced beyond recognition.

“All that’s left is this new trait, Foresight...”

However, Kwon Oh-Jin had no idea how to use it. Normally, a new trait’s use became instinctively clear after acquiring it.

While he was lost in thought, Cassia strolled over with a sly smile. “Why not test it out with some movement?”

“Movement?”

“Of course...” Her lips curved up, and her eyes glinted mischievously. “I mean, with a little physical conversation.”

Pressing her chest close to his arm, Cassia flicked her tongue teasingly.

“Cassia!” Isabella instantly yanked her back by the collar. “H-How can you say something like that in front of everyone?!”

“Oh my, so it would’ve been fine if it were just the two of us?”

“No!” Isabella stomped, her cheeks puffed in anger. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

“Hehe, don’t get so worked up. I only meant a light sparring match.”

“S-Sparring?”

“My, Bella, what were you imagining to get so flustered?” Cassia poked Isabella’s side with a sly grin.

Her serpent-like smile widened as Isabella’s cheeks turned bright red.

“Y-You really...!”

“Hahaha, I’m just kidding.” Cassia giggled and turned back to Kwon Oh-Jin. “What do you say, Lord Oh-Jin? Shall we have a little physical conversation?”

“Hm.”

A spar with Cassia.

It’ll be nothing like that fight back in the abandoned building.

At the time, she had been severely injured from her fight against Mobius and could barely stand. Now, fully healed, she would be far stronger.

It’ll be perfect for testing how much I’ve grown.

Kwon Oh-Jin had also grown significantly since his last fight against Caissa. There was no better way to gauge how powerful he had become than going head-to-head against her.

Maybe I’ll also find a clue on how to use Foresight just like she said.

With that thought, Kwon Oh-Jin nodded. “Alright.”

Cassia’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as she nodded back. “Perfect.”

“I’ll contact the administrator and raise the protective barrier to the maximum.” Isabella pulled out her phone to make a call.

The training facility’s floor and walls lit up as a powerful shield spread out.

“Does anyone have popcorn?” Song Ha-Eun asked.

“Remember, this is only a sparring match,” Vega said.

Song Ha-Eun bounced excitedly at the chance to watch them spar while Vega remained cautious and worried.

Kwon Oh-Jin created some distance from Cassia and drew Dantalian from his waist.

Shhh! Click!

In an instant, Dantalian transformed into a spear and eagerly vibrated for battle.

“Well then...” Kwon Oh-Jin leveled his spear at Cassia and drew on the Stigma of Lyra.

Blue lightning enveloped him and crackled fiercely.

“Shall we begin this little physical conversation of ours?” Cassia gave him a sultry smile and snapped her fingers.

The black dress she wore dissolved and slipped to the ground. Her pale, naked figure revealed itself as she stood on the wide training grounds.

“Wait a second.”

Ma’am, you said that’s not what you meant by physical conversation.