Seven days after opening his second vessel core, Baines's body finally felt mobile, though the ordeal had taken twenty-five days. Nine such cores awaited, each promising excruciating pain. Eye had dulled the mental toll, preventing madness, but his body remained sore, barely able to stand, let alone walk.
After five more days of recovery, marking his sixth month in the Sun Tower. His core now brimmed with more aura, pushing him to peak 6th-star rank.
Staggering to his quarters, he gathered his belongings and descended to the first floor.
The registrar, spotting his luggage, looked at him with pity. This was the most untalented student she'd ever seen. The truth was she had tried teaching him to move up the floor faster; however, the boy was just too horrible. The amount of time it took to master a basic spell was two weeks. She gave up afterwards.
"You're finally leaving?" she asked.
"Yes, I don't think magic is my calling," Baines replied, his voice strained.
