Those Carriers who wanted to progress faster sought out energy-rich resources, as this was the best way to speed up the filling of the Rings. In terms of efficiency, this surpassed the usual Revolve or energy absorption in high-density areas.

Obviously, the more energy a resource had, the better it was. Among the many things in this world, the Essence was undoubtedly one of the best options.

Ethan and Menir understood this as well.

The Essence of Rotten Forest split in two before them, each part actively trembling.

They exchanged glances. Everything was ready, all that remained was to make the final rotation.

Then, the two green crystals turned into flashes, flying straight into their chests. Each part floated in front of the Circle, and a dense stream of energy resembling a tunnel formed between the crystal and the Circle.

With each rotation, the Circle absorbed energy from the crystal, but even under these conditions, the speed was limited.

[The energy was directed to fill the First Ring.]

[First Ring: 0.01% -> 0.3% -> 1.2% -> 1.3%.]

With each passing minute, the speed gradually decreased until it reached a stable value.

Initially, Ethan needed to absorb energy for three years to fill the First Ring, and that was under perfect conditions. But now the situation was completely different.

[Construct

Stage: First Circle

First Catalyst: Triumvirate Path (Patterns 3/3)

Connected Artifact: Blood Seeker (Projection: Crimson Cut)

Revolve: First Ring (1.7%)

First Ring: 1.7%. Estimated time to full completion: 3 days.]

The time required was reduced from three years to just three days. Basically, due to the absorption of the Essence of Rotten Forest, Ethan accelerated the filling of the First Ring more than 300 times.

It would be impossible to achieve a more impressive result. Even if they had found the Essence with more energy or another resource, the speed would not have changed much.

The speed limitations of the Circle came into play. No matter how fast the river flows, if the mouth remains narrow, there will always be a limit that cannot be overcome.

Sure, three days was much longer than a moment or a few minutes, but compared to three years, it was no longer than a deep breath.

Ethan's eyes lit up as he smiled broadly, watching the energy gradually fill the First Ring.

Due to the series of events and his focus on his goals, he did not realize that many True Carriers, even those from very wealthy families, would envy him now. The Essence of this kind could not be bought for any amount of money, at least not in Orsire City.

However, in this world, there were treasures before which the Essence of Rotten Forest was just a drop lost in the sea.

A few minutes later, Ethan turned around as he was about to exclaim, but stopped himself at the last moment.

Menir's calm, barely audible breath filled the room as she was deep in sleep. She only had enough strength to move the crystal into her inner space and leave all the work to her Circle, then darkness fell.

"Hah..." Ethan smiled bitterly. "For some reason, I feel like I should be in her place."

Covering her with a blanket, Ethan headed for the shower. For some reason, he didn't feel a strong desire to sleep.

He was very tired, but the excitement inside him simply wouldn't let him stop. He sincerely enjoyed becoming stronger, developing his abilities, and overcoming difficult trials.

This was much better than his previous life, where he didn't live, but merely survived, all to get to this moment.

Under the hot stream of water, surrounded by steam, Ethan reflected on what had happened to him over the past few months.

'The old man was right, when you become a Carrier, your life changes immediately. One thing happens after another, and training takes time, but that's not a problem.'

Then, Ethan's gaze darkened.

'Tsk. You just disappeared in one moment. Maybe it was an order from the army? No one in this area could have hurt you.'

Ethan clenched his fists tightly as swollen veins ran across his wrists.

'You're probably already dead, but I at least have to see it with my own eyes. After all, you're my only family.'

The only place Ethan could learn more about his grandfather's fate was in the army. His grandfather held a high position in the Exalted Claws despite being a Broken Carrier. At his age, it was not his strength that was valued, but his experience and knowledge.

In a way, Ethan's grandfather was one of the reasons why many Broken Carriers joined the army. Unlike other factions, where strong individuals always held positions of power, in the army, even a Broken Carrier could be a strategic leader.

True, Ethan expected nothing more than his grandfather's grave in some field, but that would be enough, as it would answer his question.

Crack.

Ethan stepped out of the shower and looked at his reflection in the mirror.

"I'll find you, and then... what then, old man? I know how to run, but what should I do when it's time to stop?"

...

Five days later.

Ethan and Menir sat facing each other. It took longer to absorb the energy because they couldn't use Revolve constantly, they needed to sleep, eat, and rest.

But they were both close to completion.

[First Ring: 99.7%.]

"Hey, I'm almost ready."

Menir nodded.

"Me too. I think it'll be done in a few minutes."

"Do you know what will happen next?"

In response, she shook her head.

"No. I may have a little more knowledge about the True Carriers than you, but we've reached an area that lies beyond. Everything will be new and unexpected for me, just as it is for you."

"Hah, that's too bad. It's always good to get advice rather than wander around in the dark."

"Sorry."

Three minutes later, without their awareness, their auras released from their bodies. The crimson energy condensed around Menir's small frame while gray-purple flames billowed from Ethan.

The parts of the Essence shattered into pieces, disappearing from this world as they gave up all their energy.

At the same time, Ethan's First Ring glowed brightly. It was ready to be completed, with only one last step remaining.

[First Ring: 99.9%.]

[To complete, the tips must be connected.]

[Find the Element Spark to connect the edges and form the First Ring.]

Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief. Menir was in the same situation.

[The Element Spark will awaken when you kill a creature with an element that matches yours: chaos or darkness.]