Time moved quietly through Lysithara.
Mugu remained.
A year passed, making his stay three years in total. He was still a loner, save for the occasional visit from Nemoriel, who checked on him from time to time without prying.
Valcara watched from a distance.
Every day, she observed his training. Every day, she kept her space.
After six months of this silent surveillance, Mugu approached her and asked to become her student.
She refused.
He asked again.
She refused again.
Mugu persisted, not with words, but with effort. With discipline. With results. One ordeal led to another, until refusal slowly became pointless.
Eventually, Valcara accepted.
By then, Mugu had already reached Second Class Advancement. His growth as a researcher, a magic user, and a warrior was undeniable.
And dangerous.
