---
She leaned forward, voice dropping. "That carcass may shift the balance for a century. The star core from its glands can catapult a six-star to eight or even nine star in a single ascension. Dust scraped from its carapace seeds new life in barren soil. Even one scale sells for enough grain to feed a city."
Kai felt his pulse drum. "A single scale…"
"But," Mia finished, "the Queen's order does not surprise me. She hoards relics the way spiders hoard flies. And she will bring no rivals. The queen wants to rank up to Nine stars with the desert ruler star core."
Kai set down his cup. "Then let me join the march." The words leapt out before he could temper them. "I have to grow stronger, Princess. The field of a dying Ruler sounds… brutal." He swallowed. "Exactly the crucible I need."
Mia's brow tightened. "You're barely three-star, Kai. The desert will eat you alive."
"So assign me to a banner where my claws can contribute. I want to join. Please!" Kai requests her.
