As the air stilled to reveal Ulric's frame, a moment of silence descended, only to shatter a split second later as they all rushed toward him.
The memories of his recent breakthrough replayed repeatedly in their minds.
***
"Hahahaha… you finally came back!" Lyra squealed excitedly.
Her previous challenge momentarily forgotten, she stood before the dark-robed figure. Her fingers clenched tightly around his back, almost as if afraid he would leave again.
Before he could respond, she continued, lifting one hand before him. The temperature around them dropped drastically as a ball of ice formed, hovering above her palm.
"See? I grew stronger too. Aren't I awesome?" she gloated shamelessly, causing Aelira and the rest to twitch their lips as murmurs broke out among them.
Nodding thoughtfully, Ulric smiled faintly. He had already sensed the change earlier, but seeing it up close only confirmed his thoughts.
