"Hmph."
He glanced once more at Nolan, longer this time. His frown deepened, unreadable emotions churning behind his eyes.
Then, without another word, he turned away.
His boots touched the air once, and he descended back to the ground, walking off in silence.
Barilo shifted his attention.
"Hey," he called out calmly. "Nolan. Chronogod."
Nolan looked up.
"If you're capable of holding this much pressure," Barilo said, "then when the time comes… we'll be fine. This battle will depend on you."
Nolan nodded slightly. "Yeah. I know."
Barilo stepped closer. "Be honest with me. How long can you maintain the Time Domain at that level?"
Nolan thought for a brief moment.
"What I just did?" he said. "I can double that duration."
A ripple of surprise passed through the nearby deities.
"But after that," Nolan continued calmly, "I won't be able to hold it anymore."
Silence.
Then Barilo smiled faintly.
"That's more than enough," he said. "Impressive. Truly."
He raised his hand.
