After returning to Oakvale, Dustin went into seclusion for a full month. He had absorbed less than 30% of the Ascendant Pill's energy. The remaining 70% had settled within his body and would require time to refine. The Aethermoor Immortal Art also demanded careful study.

When he stepped out of seclusion a month later, he was like a completely different person. His energy waves were restrained, almost indistinguishable from those of an ordinary person.

Yet at times, a flicker of gold would pas