Deep within Taymer Palace.
The Duke's bedchamber.
Margaret sat on a bed draped in dark velvet, slowly drawing back the slender finger that had been resting on the center of Murphy's brow. Her jet-black eyes, which usually held a charming or cunning smile, were now filled with solemnity.
"Master..." Her voice was deeper than usual. "Based on my recent probe, and comparing it to last month's data, your Elementalization is accelerating."
Murphy opened his eyes and looked at her calmly. "How much, exactly?"
"This month, the progress of your internal Elementalization was 3.3%," Margaret said, enunciating every word, her gaze locked on Murphy's face. "Moreover, this rate is increasing. We predict that in a year, the transformation will reach its peak. At that point, given your current level of Spiritual Power..."
"Go on," Murphy's voice was steady.
