Ang returned to his cabin, casually shut the door, then walked to the window and looked out at the night sky. The airship sailed steadily above the clouds, stars scattered across the deep blue heavens and gleaming with a cold light.
Yet unease lingered in Ang's heart.
He recalled the expressions on the captain's face and that of the accompanying mage as they spoke—their trace of hesitation, that fleeting exchange of glances, and certain details they had deliberately avoided. All of it made Ang feel that they might be concealing something important.
"Ah, forget it. Let it be."
He sighed softly and rubbed his brow, comforting himself. "As long as we arrive safely, it's better not to go looking for trouble."
His gaze fell on the magic books on the table. Just as he was about to open one and study rune research, a crisp knock interrupted him.
"Ang, can you take a look? No matter how I carve my runes, I can't get them right!"
Ang looked up and saw Quintina standing at the door with a Rune Tablet in her hand. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and she had clearly tried many times already.
"Where's the problem?" Ang put down his book and walked over.
Quintina handed him the Rune Tablet and pointed at the runes on it. "I've tried several times, but it just won't work. It always feels like the energy can't flow smoothly through it."
Ang lowered his head for a glance and quickly found the issue. He lightly tapped a key node with his finger. "Your connection here isn't smooth enough. The rune has to be completed in one continuous flow, without breaks in between. Otherwise, the energy won't transfer steadily."
"I see..." Quintina nodded thoughtfully, then took another fresh Rune Tablet from her