The next morning dawned bright and early.
The sun cast a golden hue over the snow covered peak, and the cold was gentler, almost reverent, as if even the mountain knew something significant was about to happen.
Ren stood outside the tent, stretching as he exhaled slowly. His body felt... different. Stronger.
Last night, under the cover of darkness, he had poured every one of the three hundred thousand gold coins into Tithecraft, dumping it all into the switch that fueled his own body.
And it worked.
His muscles felt like he'd added coiled springs of power within them. His vision was better than before, and every breath filled his lungs with exhilarating clarity.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the strength surging through his bones. His heartbeat was steady, yet more powerful. He rolled his shoulders and twisted his torso, testing the limits of his new strength. It felt like his body had been reforged.
Lilith walked out of the tent behind him, brushing snow from her hair.
