The nagging thought of fleeing prematurely continued to annoy me as days passed with no signs of Cain or scouts entering the southern plains.

Back within the comfort of my lair, I began to gather the things I did not want to lose—the fat coin purse of gold puries, a crate of sapphire puries, potions, my best swords, and most of the books I have yet to read.

Moments after midnight, I noticed that the heat from the walls was warming my back. I exhaled and climbed to my feet to pull down the wall of earth, letting out thick plumes of smoke.

After a single bout of training the next morning, I ventured outside above my lair to enjoy a moment of fresh air and take in the view. Looking over at the town, I squinted—something was off. It somehow looked... bigger?

I stayed inside the following day and night and put what I had learned from the books into practice. I also finished reading Raw Teachings of Magik's Vol. 1.

The (Space Affinity) Metallic Gold Chest (Inventory) was a spacious beast of an item, able to hold numerous items within.

After my journey to the southern wilds, I read through Raw Teachings of Will and Skills the following day.