Nameless continued, "Unfortunately, there are not many users of this technique. As a result, I am tasked with closing at least one dimensional rift a month if I want to continue my tutelage under the Shattering Mother. I am a mere commoner, lacking the ability to tame our enemies. If I lose her support, my growth will stagnate. I can only do as she commands to continue studying under her. For someone of my strength, closing a rift every month is too much, leaving me feeling perpetually tired. She realizes that, but she doesn't make it easy. She really knows how to make me work like a dog."
His tone carried the weight of complaint, not cold or distant, but raw and unguarded like someone grumbling to a close friend rather than a stranger.
It was a subtle acknowledgment, that somewhere along the way, Nameless had begun to regard Ray as a companion worthy enough to hear his grievances than just a mere stranger who he had allied with for a common purpose.
