9. Growing Apart

The setting sun had tilted toward the west, but it had not yet completely disappeared.

A faint light still lingered in the sky.

Yet everything in sight seemed to be covered by a thin veil of gray.

Beyond the windows, the distant mountains were gradually sinking into the heavy darkness.

The living room was dim as well.

Their uncle and aunt sat in the seats of honor, but their expressions were obscured by shadows and difficult to make out.

The moment their uncle, Rajett, saw the two flasks Rhine had brought with him, he frowned.

「How quickly time passes. You two are already fourteen.」

With those words, Rajett looked over both brothers.

「Both of you possess the aptitude to become Spirit Tamers. That alone is something worth celebrating.

Especially you, Lyle. We are very proud that you possess upper-grade aptitude.」

He raised his hand slightly.

「I’ll give each of you six spirit stones.

Refining spirits requires a great deal of mental power.