I lowered my hand and looked at my fist.
Blood dripped from my knuckles.
I hadn't controlled the Essence properly. Even with Essence Manipulation active, my control wasn't precise enough. My knuckles burst, and a few veins ruptured as well.
But...I felt progress.
I turned around and started walking forward, heading toward the next orc.
Another lava pool bubbled, and an orc slowly emerged from it.
I scanned it.
Level 20.
I allowed the orc to fully step out and get into position.
The moment it did, I burst forward.
Power surged through my body.
Seismic Fist activated.
Strength gathered into my arm. I channeled Essence into my fist, this time more careful with the flow and release.
I focused on the raw power I could feel within my muscles and adjusted the amount of Essence accordingly.
Right before impact, I triggered the explosion.
My fist struck the orc's chest, and the combined shockwave and Essence burst forward, completely shattering the orc's upper torso.
