Tarkos turned to face him now, a hint of warning in his expression. "Yinfrost caters more to women than men. The city is steeped in Yin qi. Unless a man is practicing the Jade Serpent cultivation style, he'll freeze into a statue within minutes."
Victor's brow lifted. "Sounds like my kind of place. Maybe they just want us to chill out, literally."
Tarkos didn't laugh, but the corner of his mouth twitched. "We'll need Yin Jaded Robes. I have a few contacts who can get us a pair, but you should prepare. If I reach the city before you return. I'll make arrangements."
Victor gave Tarkos a wave. "Alright, deal. Keep my seat warm. Or...cold, I guess."
He brought up his logout interface, and the world faded.
---
The warmth of the dorm struck him first. Afternoon sunlight trickled through the half-open blinds. He stretched beneath his blanket and blinked the real world into focus.
Kairo was seated across the room, focused on a stack of books lined up before him. Always serious...
