By the fourth day, Tang Qi's consciousness had begun to blur.
He knew he was still lying on Shalti's back.
But in his daze, his soul seemed to have slipped free of his body.
It observed his weakened self from some higher dimension.
He felt little wonder at it.
Because he knew this was a sign that he was dying.
"Hang on, Tang Qi. We're almost there."
Shalti's call was like an invisible hand, pulling his soul back into his exhausted body.
Unfortunately, he could not feel happy about the light that lay ahead.
"Stop, Shalti."
He forced out the words in a hoarse voice.
Shalti did not understand what he wanted to do.
But she obeyed and settled him beside the stone wall.
Then she saw him raise an unsteady finger and touch it to her forehead. "Next, I'll expend a 4th Level spell slot to restore your energy to its original state."
Before Shalti could ask, Tang Qi continued, "That feeling of being watched has followed us from the very beginning of our return journey. That means we've never escaped its surveillance.
"But the fact that it still hasn't shown itself means it isn't confident enough in its strength. It's hoping to succeed in one stroke when we're at our most exhausted.
"So I suspect it'll be waiting at the only exit.
"Rather than walking into its trap exhausted, we should take precautions now and face it in peak condition."
Shalti opened her mouth and hesitated. "But your body-"
"Don't worry. I won't die."
Tang Qi took her hand. "We'll rest a little longer this time. Do you have any way to draw that Living Spell over here?"
Shalti shook her head. "Actually... I can feel it following us."
Whether it wanted to devour the source of Wild