「Early morning.」
Ian walked up from the underground Laboratory into the living room, his Spiritual Power sweeping over the door.
Lucian was standing outside. Although his face was tinged with exhaustion, his eyes shone with excitement.
Ian opened the door. "City Lord Lucian, welcome back."
"Ian, my friend!"
A smile bloomed on Lucian's face as he stepped inside, carrying the faint, lingering scent of blood.
"City Lord... perhaps you should go home and rest first? It wouldn't be too late to make the trade tomorrow."
Ian stepped aside to let him in, his gaze sweeping over him.
Lucian's left cuff was torn, as if grazed by some kind of Energy, and a new scar marked the back of his right hand.
But he paid it no mind. "It's on my way, anyway. Saves me another trip."
"This expedition to the ruins... it couldn't have been easy, could it?"
"It certainly was not."
Lucian plopped down on the sofa, took the tea Ian offered, and downed it in one gulp.
