The night dissolved, leaving Baringer draped in mysteries yet to be pierced, enigmas our heroes had barely brushed. Fueled by the potent brew of Master Mudja's tea, Areyos and Kaiser trained relentlessly through the dark hours. The tea dulled their aches, banished exhaustion, and kept sleep at bay, letting them push their bodies beyond mortal limits beneath a sky choked with heavy, gray clouds. A restless wind howled through the streets, sending dead leaves skittering across the cobblestones in frantic spirals. Rain loomed, its promise heavy in the air.
"Great work, guys," Barrios called, his proud smile cutting through the pre-dawn gloom, his face glistening with sweat.
"Thanks, but it's only six. We're not done," Areyos fired back, his eyes blazing with unyielding determination, his breath visible in the chilly air.
"Yeah, classes don't start till nine today," Kaiser added, cracking his knuckles with a sharp pop.