Two Days Later

With a thought, Arin exited the Mana Space as his eyes snapped open. He exhaled lightly, feeling the shift between dimensions as he adjusted back to reality. His gaze flickered to Roxanne, who was still staring outside through the window. Her smile remained unfading, but now, it was even wider than before.

Pushing himself up from the floor, Arin sat on the bed, his mind already returning to the Shadow Portal.

'If I remember correctly, it appeared a little before sunset,' Arin thought, his fingers lightly tapping against his thigh. 'And it stayed for about thirty minutes before disappearing.'

As if sensing he had returned, Roxanne turned away from the window and looked at him. The moment her eyes met his, she spoke. "Welcome back, Master."

Arin blinked. "Oh, yes... Thank you," he replied, still partially lost in thought.

Leaning forward, he placed his finger on his chin, contemplating his next move. 'I should be able to do everything before curfew.'