The Balance Seal.
It was supposed to be the one remedy against the Sybervirus in the Chewlete world. A desperate measure born out of ancient study and sacrifice. But everyone also knew the other truth: taking one could just as easily trigger the mutation it was meant to stop.
And in Tess's case, the risk wasn't just mutation. It was the Metalix.
When the announcement spread, fear rippled across Priman. Lightning rolled across the sky as though even the heavens objected. The tension was everywhere—soldiers whispering in the corridors, Chewletes reinforcing wards around the villages, elders debating in half-lit council halls.
But where was Tess?
In the training room, Sensei's bark cut through the noise as his four cadets gathered in formation. It was the usual summons, stern and precise, but what came next was anything but ordinary.
"Your fellow comrade Tess, is getting the Balance Seal today," he told them flatly, his tone leaving no room for debate.
