PAID

Faint light flickered in the mana preservation zone as Theo and Luke successfully completed their warp.

“Ugh, I feel sick.”

“What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

As Luke clutched his chest and groaned, Theo hurried over with concern.

“No, it’s just the air, the humidity, the atmosphere… It’s stifling…”

Luke’s words were overly dramatic as he surveyed the familiar surroundings of the headquarters—his first time returning in nearly nine months. The air here carried a distinct scent, one that resurrected memories of grueling training sessions and aching exhaustion.

Certain smells, like the wind or the air itself, have a way of triggering vivid recollections. Though it was difficult to explain, Luke’s sudden discomfort was likely tied to such memories.

“Complaining already?”@@novelbin@@

A quiet chuckle came from above.

“You really do have a childish side sometimes.”

“What? When did I—?”