"I'll return when it's complete." A strange sensation washed over Miko, like being submerged in warm water while remaining perfectly dry. The pendant grew hotter, and he felt energy beginning to flow into him, slow at first, then faster. Time stretched and distorted. When Miko opened his eyes again, he was alone. The blue glow of the pool provided the only light, illuminating the empty cave. Days passed. Then weeks. Miko remained in meditation, feeling the pool's energy flowing constantly into him. His ash element responded, growing stronger, more responsive. He practiced the techniques he had learnt from the beginning, finding them easier to master with each passing day. His beard began to grow. First a stubble, then longer, eventually reaching his chest. His hair grew past his shoulders. Still, he meditated, drawing power from the ever diminishing pool. Months became years. The pool's level gradually lowered as Miko absorbed its energy. Two years in, he mastered ash constr