I stared at my hand in the morning light streaming through the window, flexing my fingers with a sense of wonder. The golden glow had faded hours ago, but my skin still retained a subtle luster that wasn't there before. My breakthrough had been more than just advancing to the second level of Foundation Establishment—something fundamental had changed in my body.
"Let's test this," I muttered to myself, reaching for a small knife on the bedside table.
Without hesitation, I pressed the blade against my palm and applied pressure. The knife should have cut easily through my flesh, but instead, it merely slid across my skin, unable to penetrate. The blade's edge actually dulled against my palm.
"Incredible," I whispered.
