The next day, deep within Morpheus's laboratory, which echoed with the wails of souls.
Morpheus was irritably checking the progress of several Soul Furnaces when an unremarkable grayish-white stone at his waist suddenly grew warm.
His expression darkened. That damned woman was contacting him again!
He infused mental power into the stone, and Marfa's distinctively lilting voice sounded directly in his mind, her tone coldly indifferent.
"I just received word that your old friend Lynn has returned. And he's successfully been certified as a Second Ring wizard."
"According to the Tower Spirit, although Lynn has only just advanced to the Second Ring, his life energy level was assessed at Peak Second Ring..."
"Lynn?!"
At the sudden mention of Lynn's name, Morpheus's fingers clenched, his knuckles turning white.
"Peak Second Ring? How could he have progressed so quickly?!"
Shock and fury instantly flooded him.
He had yet to gather all the high-quality souls needed to refine his third primary soul, and reaching the Third Ring would still take time. Had that brat already caught up?
And his assessment placed him at the peak right after advancing?
Marfa's voice continued, carrying a faint hint of mockery:
"He's only just returned, so his undead probably haven't been strengthened yet, and his options are still limited. Now might be a good time to deal with this nuisance."
"Of course, that's only a suggestion. The choice is yours."
The connection was promptly severed.
Morpheus's expression shifted, a vicious gleam flickering in his eyes.
He immediately tried to contact Marfa in return, only getting through after several attempts.
"Marfa! Let's strike together! He's growing too quickly. We have to kill him!" Morpheus's voice was ruthless.
"Oh? This is a private matter between you and him. What does it have to do with me?" Marfa's voice was