"Ah... it's so good to be back!"
A broad smile spread across Ron's face as his ship cut through the wide channels of the Solene River, the sails snapping taut in the warm breeze.
The confluence where the waterway opened into Lake Azur shimmered in the distance, already visible a few miles ahead.
His clothes were far more luxurious than before, tailored from fine silk with embroidered cuffs and collar.
The vessel itself had also undergone notable improvements, now sporting gleaming cannons along its flanks that glinted proudly in the sun.
His personal guard had shifted slightly as well, the ranks now including a third-stage veteran whose mere presence was enough to ward off any trouble along the river.
Just a few months ago, Ron would have thought it impossible to reach this level. Yet here he was, and he could only puff out his chest with pride.
His father would be in tears if he could see the wealth his son had attained.
