Chapter 32 - The Ring and the Rift
Orion, Orion, Orion. That foolish eldest son of the City Lord. Tave let out a long sigh as the meeting finally came to an end after that short, yet truly memorable exchange.
Because yes, Orion was exactly the kind of leader who pushed his team to fight with everything they had... by hurling harsh words at them.
His approach was brutal, as if saying, If you die, it's because you were stupid. You're better off dying quickly than becoming a burden to me. No one's going to save you. Survive on your own. If you can't function independently, you're useless to the team.
A load of absolute nonsense. But still, after that, the meeting dispersed, and everyone went their separate ways to finish their own preparations. Some chose to get in one last round of training, others double-checked their supplies, and the rest headed to the rooms that had been arranged for them. After all, their departure was scheduled for the break of dawn the next day.
Tave, on the other hand, had already taken care of everything. So he spent the rest of the day in quiet meditation, focusing on strengthening his core within the stillness of his room. Fang was curled up peacefully in a corner, only stirring now and then when a passing insect dared to wander too close.
Night fell.
Tave opened his eyes, feeling a decent improvement in his core, though there was still no sign of a level breakthrough anytime soon.
Then came a soft knock at the door.
"Tave... are you asleep?" It was Lily's voice.
Tave rose to his feet and opened the door, stepping aside to let her in.
"Lily?" he asked, a hint of curiosity on his face.