He looked back at Aria. "The necklace has other functions too—barrier generation, healing acceleration, mental protection, poison immunity, several others. I've encoded the full manual into the pendant itself. Study it when you have time. But remember: these are last resorts. Don't become dependent on external protection. Trust your own strength first."
Aria touched the pendant reverently. She could feel the power contained within—dormant but ready, like a sleeping dragon that would wake at her need. "I don't know what to say. Thank you doesn't seem sufficient."
"Then don't say anything. Just promise me you'll be safe. Be smart. Don't take unnecessary risks." His expression softened. "And remember—you're not alone. Even when I'm gone, you have people who care about you."
"Speaking of which," Sarah interjected, "I should mention—I'm staying at the academy. As a guest teacher, I maintain a permanent residence here. I teach advanced Dao of Cooking courses twice a week."
