Rowen scrolled through the first line of search results and paused at a post titled "The Foundation of Mana Cultivation: Rings of Power."
Lyra nodded, her eyes bright. "We've all hit the peak of Apprentice. Soon we'll be stepping into the trainee level."
"We've all hit the peak of Apprentice. Soon we'll be stepping into the trainee level."
Rowen stayed quiet for a moment, watching them. Compared to his own uncertain path, their steady growth was almost frustrating. Still, he managed a small smile.
"Sounds like things are going well for you three," he said.
Calen wasn't alone. Behind him padded his contracted beast, the dog-like creature he had bonded with after his awakening. It crossed the door of the shop cautiously, instincts sharp despite its growth to peak apprentice level.
The moment it spotted Shade perched on the counter, however, all that strength shrank away. Its ears flattened, and it hesitated, tail lowering.
