Nara stepped out of the Scar portal. The air near the entrance was still slightly distorted, and the stone ring around the dark opening quietly vibrated. Two blank-faced guards in black, who always stood there, immediately recognized him and stepped aside.
Just as Nara walked a few steps away from the opening, Brook arrived in front of him.
"You look like you won," Brook said. "What happened?"
Nara tried not to smile, but he did anyway. "I beat Ivor."
Brook looked interested. "Tell me."
They walked back silently on the path to their home. Nara spoke quietly, a noble habit. "He's gifted," Nara said. "Unusually so. After his awakening, he controls his mana like an experienced person. He's coating his hand in Umbra-mana as if it's simple."
Brook listened intently.
"He moves like someone who grew up dodging danger," Nara explained. "He's naturally sneaky, not trained. He knows where people won't look. In a fight, he's precise. He hits from perfect angles and doesn't waste energy."
