The Wooden Stick Returns

John placed his wine glass down and looked around the hall, taking in all the faces that were partaking in the celebration. Despite looking at everyone, he still didn't spot a face he had wanted to see. 

"Where's Ryan?" John turned to his father who was seated next to him and asked. "I didn't see him on any of the funeral pyres, and I don't see him here."

"You don't need to worry," his father replied with a smile on his face. "Ryan is fine. He participated in the war and was injured, and he is resting in the Hall of Healing right now."

John breathed out a sigh of relief as he heard this. "He participated in the war?" John asked. "How strong is he now?"

When he had last seen Ryan, they were both in the Mist Creation Realm. Ryan had gotten the blessing of the mysterious spirit in the pocket realm to learn the Mage Art there, but that was the last John had heard of him.

"Quite strong," Barden replied.