The return journey took less than half the time of the trip in.
The moment Ethan stepped through the magical gate, he found himself outside the forest.
Standing at the border of Ashvarn ..
The City of Ash.
He cast one final glance at the forest before turning away.
"One day, I'll wield magic greater than this."
His words were quiet but resolute.
Magic remained at the top of his priorities—
Even if he had chosen to begin as a knight.
He made his way into the city, heading toward the outer gate where Raiden had said he would wait.
The time Ethan spent inside the witches' forest had not exceeded a single hour.
Even accounting for the time it took him to cross Ashvarn, the entire ordeal had barely lasted an hour and a half.
The clock now read eight in the morning.
The day was still long.
When he arrived, he found his squad waiting at the gate leading out of Ashvarn.
Everyone was there.
Including Moon and Alicia.
