219 Advancing (2)

It took a good shaking and a splash of water, but Velora's awakened.

Eyes wide, she stared at Ezra. "What happened?"

Raising her head up, he smiles. "Congratulations, you've advanced to Expert rank"

Her mouth forms an 'o' from shock.

"Now, go and check out your new limits while I help the others advance"

Still in shock, she gradually stands and exists with her hands clasped on her mouth.

Roxanne came in next, and the previous events repeated themselves.

For her, the process was smoother, having gotten experience from Velora's advancement.

Her advancement session was ten minutes long.

Then, Ezra rested thirty minutes to recover to peak condition. 

Like so, Ashton, Johan and Theron advanced without a hitch.

As at this point, it was two hours after noon. 

With the vassals having advanced, it remained but one person, Ezra himself.

Along with it, the mana stone had its luster fade away entirely, looking more of a transparent crystal of faded blue colour.