In the past day, a number of dragons had left the second trial region while new arrivals replaced them.

But no matter how long they had stayed in the second stage, they all gradually became conscious of Vaan's presence and refused to leave in accordance with their usual training schedule.

Vaan's presence naturally attracted their attention, while his diligence awakened their competitive spirits.

They did not want to lose to a human.

(Dammit, that human has been here for a whole day! You guys can leave, but I won't be! Not before he does!)

(Leave? Hmph! Who said anything about leaving? There's no way I'm going to quit before a human! How can a dragon like me lose to a human in terms of fire resistance? I'd be too ashamed to show my face outside!)

(Hey, are you guys competing? That sounds like fun! Count me in!)

(However, it's boring if everyone only competes against a single human. Let me make this more interesting; the first one to leave has a small PP!)

(..)

(Bloody hell! Grow up, Zodreg! You're already 312 years old! I'm not interested in entertaining your immature ideas! The Trial by Fire is no playground!)

(So you're just going to leave, Small Dick? I might be 312 years old, but I am still the youngest one around here. So what if I am a little immature? I chose to be! Is it too much excitement for you, Eimbess? Well, they say dragons with small PPs are all edgy!)

(Goddamit—!!! How am I supposed to leave after hearing that?!! You're dead once we leave, Zodreg! You hear me? You're dead!)

..

Ding!

<+574 proficiency in the dragon language>

<Your understanding of the Dragon Tongue has increased>

<You have learned the Dragon Tongue (Low-rank)>

..

=====

[Dragon Tongue (Low-rank) (Upgradeable)]

Overview: You can speak and understand the language of dragons at a basic level. You can have casual conversations with dragons. Even if you don't know a word, dragons will understand what you want to convey by reading your expressions.

Specialty: Curse words – You have mastered the art of cussing in the Dragon Tongue.

Proficiency: Low-rank (732/5000)

=====

Vaan significantly increased his understanding of the Dragon Tongue over the course of thirty hours simply by eavesdropping on the dragons' active conversations.

Being able to learn the dragon's language and temper his body at the same time was like killing two birds with one stone.

Vaan had no complaints, even though the dragons were quite rowdy.

Nevertheless, three days quickly went by before all the dragons left, one after the other.

Surprisingly, Zodreg, the youngest dragon of that group, was the last of the group to leave the second stage.

However, Zodreg didn't leave the Trial by Fire. On the contrary, he descended to the third stage.

The fiery flames of the second stage were a bit too hot for most Rank 4 dragons besides those that stand at the peak of the rank.

That said, there wasn't a single Peak-level Rank 4 to be seen in the second stage, except from time to time for a brief moment.

Zodreg was the only exception. He was a genius among the dragons, no doubt.

Most Peak-level Rank 4 dragons were only interested in staying on the third stage, even if they couldn't last long there.

The third stage's benefits were on a different level compared to the second stage.

Nevertheless, Vaan was patient and didn't rush ahead like every other dragon. He had yet to temper his body to the limit permissible by the current stage.

That said, it didn't take him as long as the first stage. By the time the fourth day came, he had already achieved his goal.

Ding!

<Your body has been tempered by fire>

<You have gained four points in defense>

<You have gained eight points in strength>

<Your fire affinity has increased>

..

<Your fire affinity has reached 70%>

<Your Fire Spirit Body (Low-rank) has improved to the next rank>

historical

<Fire Spirit Body (Low-rank) → Fire Spirit Body (Mid-rank)

..

<The purity of your Fire Dragon God Bloodline (Divine-rank) has increased>

<Your Fire Dragon Physique (Low-rank) has improved>

<Your Dragon Force has been strengthened>

..

=====

[Dragon Force (Low-rank) (Upgradeable)]

Effect: Passively increase your base strength by 14% (↑2%) and base defense by 7% (↑1%).

=====

[Fire Spirit Body (Mid-rank)]

Overview: the Fire Spirit Body is a special physique blessed by fire and loved by the Fire Spirits. By possessing the Fire Spirit Body, you have become an existence closer to the source of true fire.

Effect 1: When Mid-rank Fire Spirits or lower are nearby, they will immediately notice your existence.

Sub-effect 1.1: There is a chance that Mid-rank Fire Spirits or lower will actively communicate with you.

Sub-effect 1.2: There is a slight chance that Mid-rank Fire Spirits or lower will willingly establish a contract with you.

Effect 2: When you are in contact with natural flames, your base strength can increase up to 60%, while stamina and vitality can recover up to 60% faster.

Note: the effect is subject to change depending on the quality of the natural flames and your body's condition.

Effect 3: Fire-attribute medicine has up to 60% increase in effectiveness when consumed.

Effect 4 (New): Fire Authority.

=====

[Fire Authority (Law) (Low-rank) (Upgradeable)]

Overview: The ability to perceive, interfere, and manipulate all fire-related objects, magic, and law present in the area with just your will. It does not consume mana or mental power.

Restriction: The effects are severely limited due to your low level of authority.

Note: Comprehending the Fire Law or blessings of a Fire Spirit King or higher can raise your level of authority.

=====

Ding!

<You have tempered your body to the absolute limit in the present environment>

<The present environment will no longer affect your body>

..

Upon achieving 70% fire affinity, Vaan's body underwent a significant transformation. Although nothing seemingly changed, he felt vastly different.

However, it wasn't just his body that felt vastly different, but also the world around him.

He sensed something different about all the flames and fire-attribute mana around him. It was like they were connected to him, like they were his hands, feet, and eyes.

Even Earth Manipulation didn't give him such an intimate feeling with the earth.

'This must be Fire Authority..' Vaan's eyes flickered.