In the teleportation hall of the M-78 Minor World, Lynn gnawed on a piece of fruit as he listened to the apprentice chatter away, feeling relaxed for the first time in a long while.
He neither interrupted nor urged him on.
After talking for a while, the apprentice grew embarrassed himself.
"My lord, am I talking too much?" He scratched his head. "It's just that I haven't spoken to anyone in so long. I've been holding it in."
Lynn tossed the fruit pit into a bag and dusted off his hands.
"It's fine."
He took out fifty magic stones from his ring and arranged them on the control console.
"The teleportation array. Back to the academy."
The apprentice froze for a moment, then hurriedly got to work.
He scooped up the magic stones, ran to the console, and began adjusting the teleportation array.
Lynn stood beside the array, watching the apprentice's busy back.
The kid talked too much, but he was fairly efficient when it came to work.
He maintained the teleportation array's runes well, and the magic stones in the energy core had recently been replaced, lined up in neat rows.
"What's your name?" Lynn asked.
The apprentice paused and turned around, a flash of flattered surprise crossing his face.
"My name is Pete, my lord."
Lynn nodded.
"How long have you been stationed here?"
"Three years." Pete's voice lowered. "Almost four."
Lynn said nothing.
Four years, guarding this godforsaken place without even someone to talk to. That truly wasn't easy for a young man.
Pete turned back and continued adjusting the teleportation array, his hands moving even faster.
"My lord, please wait a moment. It'll be ready soon. The teleportation array's energy core was replaced just a few days ago. It's in excellent condition, so there won't be