During the flight back, while his mind processed the day's events, Elio reviewed his updated statistics.
A detail caught his attention: he now had the right to attempt the eleventh challenge.
But as soon as he returned and crossed the barrier to the first ring, the option disappeared.
Elio went back, crossing into the second ring again, the option returned...
He crossed to the first ring again and it disappeared once more.
"The challenges are linked to the rings," he reflected while observing the changes in his book. "We need to physically advance to attempt higher levels."
Selene nodded, her eyes evaluating the distance to the deposit. Her wings flickered and dissolved as they crossed back into the first ring. "We should hurry to the deposit. The others..."
Her voice trailed off, but Elio understood. The cost of their victory weighed heavily on both their minds.
Elio had to carry her through the last stretch.
