Eren stepped out of the chamber, his mind clouded with exhaustion and the weight of what had just transpired. The cool stone corridor felt like a shock to his system after the intensity of the ritual. He paused momentarily, steadying himself against the doorframe, trying to center his thoughts and prepare for whatever awaited him next.
The same two guards from before stood at attention outside the chamber. As soon as they saw him emerge, their faces lit up with the same mixture of respect and admiration he'd seen earlier. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming even more formal than before.
"Veilwalker!" the taller guard exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "Another successful completion! Word has already reached us about your incredible performance. The entire fortress is buzzing with talk of your extraordinary abilities."
