Days passed, and Emery's initial optimism waned, replaced by a growing sense of unease.
[Application received - 0]
Despite his best efforts to focus on personal training and apothecary concoctions, the absence of applications weighed heavily on Emery's mind. By the fifth day, with still no applications received, he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate.
Just then, Ashaka arrived, providing updates on the progress of the four young acolytes. After rigorous spirit core training, Ha Ron had managed to ascend to 9000 steps, leaving a mere 2000 steps to conquer before reaching the peak. Kingrig lagged behind slightly at 8500 steps, while the two centurions had just surpassed the 7000-step mark.