It was backbreaking work.
By the end of the first day, they had only collected a little over one kilogram of pure white powder.
But even that small amount… glowed faintly like starlight.
Neal stared at it, exhausted but amazed. "This... this might be the most valuable thing I've ever held."
Derek didn't disagree. "That powder... can rebuild bones, temper souls, even enhance awakening. The ancients called it Primordial Essence. Some even said it was what made gods and the origin of life itself."
Neal exhaled slowly. "Then I guess we better keep grinding."
Derek smirked. "Now you understand."
And so they continued.
Two men in a realm of light.
Doing the slowest, most sacred work of all, by hand.
Kaelen had been walking for hours. Maybe even longer. The white expanse was endless, and everything looked the same, soft glowing floor, faint wind, and complete silence.
