8:00 AM — The trio were rushing back to the Tavern
To a normal worker, the forest trek would've taken an hour or more. But not these three. With years of muscle memory, mana-assisted strides, and possibly too much caffeine in Kaelen's system, they crossed the distance in less than six minutes.
Their arrival was as dramatic as expected, Kaelen kicked open the back door like he was bringing news of war.
"HE LIVES HERE!" he declared.
Neal sighed. "You're not announcing a prophecy, Kaelen. It's just breakfast."
Alira, balancing the tray like a waitress from a royal palace, added calmly, "But it is a historic moment."
In the corner of the tavern, their victim awaited.
Johny, a fourteen years old boy, thin as a stick, with perpetually messy hair and eyes far too tired for someone so young, was sweeping the floor, dutiful as always.
