The journey back to the Manor from the Gap of Time was calm and uneventful.
The Commuter Shuttle flew steadily along its designated route. Outside the windows stretched Origin Star's eternal artificial Sky Curtain and its orderly clusters of buildings.
Lin Yi sat quietly in the cabin with his eyes closed, ostensibly resting, but in truth carefully sensing every change within him.
The nascent Time Law had brought more than the hidden sigil between his brows and a more direct perception of time. It had also brought a subtle elevation that seemed to come from within.
He could clearly feel that his soul had become more condensed and stable. Even the 999 Star Cores within him seemed to have taken on a rhythm unique to time, and the efficiency with which Source Energy circulated had improved significantly.
However, just as a child who had only recently learned to walk was bound to stumble, Lin Yi, who had only just crossed the threshold of a Law, still lacked smooth, effortless control over this newfound authority.
The unique essence of the Time Law was like an unrivaled sword just drawn from its scabbard. Even sheathed, it could not help but quietly release a trace of its peerless Sharp Edge.
Soon, the shuttle landed on the Manor's Landing Pad.
As Lin Yi stepped onto the path laid across the lawn, he saw Irelia coming out of the main house.
Irelia seemed to be heading out. Her emerald eyes swept over Lin Yi, and she paused slightly, the delicate arch of her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
"Captain."
Irelia walked up to him and studied him again, puzzled. "You..."
Aili's perception really was sharp.
Lin Yi thought to himself. A calm smile appeared on his face as he met her gaze and replied frankly, "I