The mushrooms in Ren's hair pulsed with renewed energy as he walked toward the exchange area with his friends.
Lin's pill, combined with last night's brutal training session, this morning's workout, and some meditative circulation had effectively cleansed the excess mana from his system.
"I can't believe how well it went today!" Taro practically bounced as they walked, his beetle's markings shimmering with excitement. "I thought I'd struggle again, but the circulation was so much smoother. I could almost feel the patterns!"
A smile tugged at Ren's lips as he recalled their morning session.
Watching Taro's progress was satisfying, like seeing a complex puzzle slowly come together.
"You've improved tremendously. Soon you won't need my guidance."
'And the sooner he masters it,' Ren thought, 'the sooner I can focus on my own advancement.'
