Although it was deep in the darkness, Rode and his three companions took only six hours to return to the royal city along the safe route they had established.

They even moved faster than when they had come, their pace and handling of unexpected situations serving as a model for high-level combat personnel on long journeys.

As the four of them stepped from the dark world into Thalorian's territory, Rode could see more clearly the influence of the Sacred Fire.

It was as if there was an invisible boundary; the black mist not only showed obvious stratification but also became calmer, as if suppressed by some force.