In a hotel in West Borough, near the Tussock River.
Tiny, brilliant points of starlight burst into existence in the void, gathering rapidly in the quiet hotel room until they formed a hazy Starlight Door covered in mysterious patterns and symbols.
As the starlight door took shape, Cyril and Verdu stepped through it.
"Verdu?"
Across the room, Lawrence held a black book and stared at the man who had emerged from the "door." His wary expression gradually gave way to bewilderment.
Though startled, he remained on guard, one finger pressed against the edge of the book, ready to open it at any moment.
Verdu noticed Lawrence's wariness but paid it no mind. For Abraham descendants like them, who possessed considerable knowledge and items but were themselves extremely weak, staying vigilant was the only way to live longer and avoid bringing danger to themselves and their family.
He quickly swept his gaze around the room, then dragged a chair over to the small round table by the window and sat down.
"So you're the Abraham Family member Cyril mentioned. What brings you to Backlund all of a sudden?"
At the question, Lawrence's expression darkened.
"I hadn't heard from my younger brother, Laurolo, in several years, so I decided to come to Backlund and look for him."
"Unfortunately, I came too late. He died several years ago, and even his wife, Anlisa, has passed away."
Knowing Lawrence's situation, Verdu fell silent, deeply regretting asking such a foolish question.
He suddenly understood why Cyril had said earlier that Lawrence's life was nearing its end. It wasn't just the old injuries left by the turmoil within the Abraham Family; the mental anguish of losing one loved one after another had taken its toll as well.
In fact, the latter was even worse. Beyonders were