Kael crossed the first hill in less than a second.
Celestial Step responded better than it had in the courtyard. There were no nearby walls, pillars, soldiers, or anything else requiring excessive care. Only open terrain, low rocks, scattered trees, and an old road cutting through the region toward the north. He used the first impulse to gain distance, the second to adjust his direction, and the third only when he felt his body completely aligned.
Each movement was short.
Precise.
Controlled.
He was not trying to cross kilometers at once. That was the difference between using the technique and allowing the technique to use him. During training, Kael had pursued maximum speed because he wanted to discover how far he could go. Now he had nothing to prove. He needed to get close enough without being noticed.
Umbra followed through the shadows.
