I stood at the entrance of the dungeon beneath the Celestial Apothecary Guild's headquarters, gathering my thoughts. The golden energy that had coursed through my veins during the confrontation with the Ashworths had diminished, a stark reminder of my borrowed time as a temporary Martial Saint. Soon, I would be vulnerable again.
The realization had been gnawing at me since my conversation with Jackson and Mariana. A true Martial Saint within the Veridia City Martial Guild meant I needed a sanctuary – somewhere to retreat when my power waned and the Guild inevitably came for me.
"They're confined," I muttered to myself as I descended the stone steps.
That was the key insight I'd gained while reflecting on Jackson's words. Martial Saints, for all their terrifying power, never seemed to leave their domains. The Guild's Saint remained within their Secret Realm rather than personally hunting down enemies. This wasn't coincidence – it was restriction.
