Howling Shadows

Within the World Tree's remains, covered in ash and black slag, Morris, Nina, Taran El, and the others had successfully found several Knowledge Guardians who had awakened from the phantoms.

Just as Morris had predicted, these Knowledge Guardians, who were effectively "dreaming for the first time," had been scattered randomly throughout the Xilantis ruins. Fortunately, most of them had not been scattered too far apart. Nina's fireball had been highly conspicuous after rising into the sky, and the scattered Knowledge Guardians had all come to investigate, allowing them to regroup quickly.

Except for the last person.

"We still haven't found any trace of Lord Ted Riel," said a Knowledge Guardian in a short robe, carrying a book scroll and a revolver, after returning to their temporary shelter. "We didn't see the agreed-upon signal, and there was no response to psychic calls either."

"Could he still not have 'woken up'?" Taran El frowned instinctively. "That shouldn't be possible... I gave him quite a large dose. Even with a Truth Keeper's constitution, it should have taken effect without issue..."

Nina looked at the somewhat uneasy Knowledge Guardians across from her, then at the frowning, contemplative Taran El. After hesitating for a moment, she could not help speaking up. "Could it be because the dose was too large...?"

Taran El froze, then quickly waved his hands. "Impossible, impossible. I'm a rigorous scholar. How could I make such a mistake with dosage? Besides, Lord Ted Riel is well versed in pharmacology. He knows how much medicine he can take..."

The more he spoke, the quieter his voice became. Finally, he added hesitantly, "...Probably."

Nina and Morris: "...?"

"How much Blood Raven Potion did you prepare for Ted Riel?" Morris could not help asking.

Taran El thought for a moment and raised a hand to