Several hours passed after the group entered the castle.
The sun had slowly climbed higher in the sky, spreading pale light across the open grass field outside the fortress. Wind brushed across the land, bending the tall grass and carrying faint sounds from the forest.
On the front side of the castle wall, Veda stood quietly.
His arms were folded across his chest as he looked down at the field below.
The wind pushed lightly against his clothes, but he didn't move.
His eyes stayed on the horizon.
Behind him, footsteps approached.
"The alchemy circles are almost done."
Nickolas walked up and stopped beside him.
"That's fast," Veda replied calmly without turning his head.
His eyes remained on the field.
Everything looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
"Yeah," Nickolas said, rubbing the back of his neck before stroking his chin thoughtfully. "We can't afford to waste time."
He stared at the ground for a moment.
"Hmmm…"
His mind clearly began turning.
