Nyra and Rael settled into cultivation while Arden sat nearby, watching them with a quiet smile.
Their breathing slowed, their energy circling as they pulled in aether. Nyra sighed softly when she opened her eyes.
"I can feel it," she said. "So close to breaking through… but it won't come."
Rael nodded, frustrated. "Same here."
Arden tilted his head, thinking. "Then maybe it's time we visit Boro. It's been about ten days. Maybe the elixir will help."
Both looked at him, surprise flickering into hope.
"Worth a try," Rael said.
Nyra's tired expression brightened. "Then let's go."
With that, they left the hall together, the thought of progress and the weight of Arden's new technique still lingering in their minds.
The Three Mugs Bar was noisier than usual, but Arden and his party didn't even step through the doors before they caught sight of Boro outside.
