He opened his eyes.
The effect was instantaneous.
This time, he didn't even have to test it. He could feel it within him. He could feel how different it felt.
That subtle, grinding pressure in the back of his skull whenever he created the channel was completely gone.
Yet, he could still sense the bridge itself.
It no longer felt like a fraying bridge of smoke that could evaporate at any second.
It was now a steel causeway, because it was backed by something physical, something that took the weight off his own willpower.
"It works," Percival said.
He realized then that Rettucia had been staring.
"Well," she chuckled. "That was dramatic."
Percival didn't say anything. He felt a little ashamed.
"You told me you needed the ring for two Artifacts." She rested an elbow on the counter, leaning closer. "How could it work already? Or do you have the Artifacts with you here?"
The lies scrambled in Percival's throat, but he blurted it out.
"I do," he managed.
