Nearly a month

There were only a few Shadow Talons outside the hole when Lex exited, and they were taken aback at the sight of him.

"I'm almost offended by how shocked you look," Lex joked. "Let's head back, shall we. I have things I need to do, and I'm excited about the modifications to my ship."

The Shadow Talons immediately escorted him back, and Lex was pleased to learn that although he still could not make sense of why everything was a shadow in this plane, he could navigate much more easily.

When he was finally brought before the Shadow talon who had promised him freedom from being chased, he too was surprised to find Lex back.

"Have you already succeeded?" he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Naturally," Lex said, producing the pearl. "I hope with this you can finish the misunderstandings between us. I've been very patient, but if your people still keep bothering me then there will be problems."