The encounter with Rosin Karat had granted Emery clarity, but it was far from the solution he had hoped for. Answers only led to more questions. The name "Vayerel" echoed in his thoughts—a cosmic figure mentioned as part of Karat's group—but when Emery scoured the stronghold's prisoner records, he found no one under that name. He hit wall after wall: sealed files, redacted details, and missing names that only deepened the mystery.
Another day slipped by without progress, and Emery found himself once again buried in the alchemist's quarter of the stronghold, sleeves rolled up, grinding powders and boiling herbs to produce more of the Expira Draught. It was essential for the war effort, yes—but it consumed time he didn't have.
Thankfully, someone stepped in.
"I will gladly help," said Ivaris with a grin.
