Several hours had passed since Alaric had carried the unconscious Rosalind, Illona, and Merja to the secluded cave. The trio lay side by side on a makeshift bedding of soft moss and fabric Alaric had conjured using minor spells. The air inside the cave was cool and still, a stark contrast to the fiery chaos that had engulfed the dungeon earlier.
Alaric sat a short distance away, his back resting against the rocky wall as he closed his eyes to meditate. His new abilities still pulsed within him, their potential barely explored. The transformation he had undergone after absorbing the Azure Spirit Lion's essence had enhanced every part of him, making him feel like a demigod among mortals.
