Like a mirror shattered by a stone, the space of reality broke apart around them, then reassembled into the Time Transfer Station in the darkness.
Shade and Emilia simultaneously drew the longswords in their hands. Blood-red and green light reflected off their solemn faces as they descended the stairs to the 1st Floor, where Thomas Bennett was indeed waiting for them.
This time, the innkeeper did not put on that relic mask. He stood behind the counter and nodded to them as though welcoming guests, with little expression on his face.
His Destiny Ring had already appeared behind him, but it was no longer at its original level. It was now at the Eleventh Ring. The ring was still made of brass, but dense tree roots coiled around it, leaving gaps only where the Spirit Rune imprints lay for spiritual light to shine through. This made his Destiny Ring seem a full size larger.
Emilia took the initiative to step forward. The emerald-green eight-ring Destiny Ring behind her appeared as well.
Though they had long heard of one another, this was actually Thomas Bennett's first time meeting Emilia. Unless something unexpected happened, it would likely be his last as well. He studied the young girl, then let out a soft sigh:
"The Ancient One was right. The second candidate is a Pure-Blood Elf. I have seen many things in my life, but this is the first time I have truly seen an elf."
Seeing that he had no intention of attacking immediately, Shade asked:
"Destiny Rings represent the power of the soul. So have you completely given up on being human?"
Thomas Bennett shook his head and walked out from behind the counter:
"Do you know the story of our family? We received the tree's blessing. Ever since my most