Chapter 91: Another Step Forward
Arthur woke up in the same bed, just like always.
The stone above him was familiar now. He could trace the faint crack that curved through the ceiling like an old scar. The soft blue mana crystal on the wall still glowed dimly—just enough to let him see without blinding him.
He lay there for a moment, letting the quiet settle over him.
Another day.
Another climb.
He sat up with a soft grunt, rubbing his face and running a hand through his mess of sleep-tangled hair. The aches in his body weren't new. Just dull companions now—hints of yesterday's training still clinging to his muscles.
His life, recently, had become… predictable.
Every morning, he rose at the same time.
Every day, he shared three meals with Fira in the dining hall.
And between those moments—he did nothing but study the first black book.
The one she'd given him.
The one he wasn't supposed to get far with.