After some time, Ashrik lifted his hand, staring at the crystal core. It glimmered under the sunlight as its pulse of power seeped through his skin.
It felt steady and restrained, no longer as malevolent as yesterday.
'The eighth-rank... Maybe tonight or tomorrow.' Ashrik thought as he decided to wait before advancing to the next level.
Though he had never encountered trouble during the process, he was still aware of its potential risks. He couldn't be hasty, lest things might go wrong.
Ashrik slipped the crystal core into his pocket. With a spin on his heel, he turned back toward the cottage. That was when his eyes fell on Lucille.
'Mm? What's she looking at?'
Lucille stood on the other end of the porch, head slightly tilted upward. Her eyes seemed to be fixed on the rooftop of the neighboring cottage.
Following her gaze, Ashrik saw Felix lying on his back on the roof, both arms tucked beneath his head. He stared at the sky with unfocused eyes, as if counting clouds.
