Lucius gradually dropped back to the trunk, the golden radiance covering his body thinning before dispersing into the still air.
The tree's colossal crown of silver-tinted leaves shimmered faintly as if exhaling relief now that its energy had been drawn upon.
He staggered a step, his boots pressing against the ancient bark, and clutched his head with one hand.
"Fuck… I nearly blacked out," he thought, his mind spinning with the aftershock of creating his second mana heart.
He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his sight, until his gaze fell upon Villy.
She stood a few paces away, her hair swaying gently in the breeze, her violet eyes fixed on him with a rare softness.
She was smiling genuinely.
Lucius's brows furrowed.
Did something happen while he was under?
Why did she look at him as though he had done something remarkable?
"Villy," he said, the moment she heard his voice…
Instantly, she rushed to his side.
