Yager had no idea how many years he had spent in that illusory, mysterious spirit world. When he suddenly awoke and realized he could once again perceive information from the real world, he still spent at least a minute in a daze before his ability to think gradually returned.
During that time, Duke Sudulan had simply sipped his tea unhurriedly. Only after the other man had clearly regained his senses did he say, "Your psionic talent really is only mediocre. It took you a full seventy-one seconds to switch between the real world and the spirit world. In the same situation, Shamein needed only three."
Yager Sobek had nothing to say. He could only nod meekly. The power of the Third Ring coursed through his body, stirring up a complicated emotion that took hold of his thoughts. For a moment, he wasn't even sure whether he should be happy.
It took him a long while to finally realize that he really had entered the Third Ring. Back when he was a junior officer in the Marine Corps on the New World, digging tunnels with the native rebels, it was something he wouldn't even have dared to dream of.
He really should be happy.
And so, a stiff smile finally appeared on Sobek's face. Then, bewildered, he glanced at Duke Sudulan beside him.
Was breaking through to the Third Ring really this easy? Or was it the Grand Master's ability?
Duke Sudulan said, "You don't have to guess. It really is my ability. I don't want you wasting another year or two stuck at the Second Ring. These days, the sooner you advance, the better!"
Sobek rose and bowed deeply to the Grand Master. He wanted to express his gratitude, but didn't know where to begin. This was a debt of