In the quiet opulence of Duke’s private study, the air seemed to vibrate with a latent energy. The sun, dipping toward the horizon of Kingston, cast long, amber shadows across the rare Landscape Oils that adorned the walls. Liam Livingston sat with a calm, practiced composure, watching the powerful High Commander of the Iron Syndicate handle a small crimson sphere with the reverence usually reserved for religious relics.
"You are correct, Mr. Duke," Liam said, his voice smooth and carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "One dose will act as a catalyst for your Etheric Circuits, pushing you cleanly into the late stages of Level 1: Initiate, specifically the ninth tier. From there, the path to becoming an Adept will be laid open before you."
As a Level 2: Adept of the fifth tier himsel
