---
Vel ignored them both. She had opened her scroll again, scanning Kai's aura pattern. What she saw made her freeze.
Naaro noticed it. "What is it?"
Vel whispered, "His soul has grown."
"From the battle?"
"Not just that. His spiritual threads are denser. He... he consumed something more than just energy. He devoured a concept. Authority."
Akayoroi, now seated in silent prayer, did not open her eyes. "He has stepped onto a new road. One walked by kings of ruin. And kings of order."
"You're being vague again," Azhara said.
"Good."
Vel leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. "You mean godhood."
Akayoroi did not deny it.
Sha exhaled. "Well. That complicates things."
Then. Kai twitched. Everyone stilled.
His hand rose slightly. His fingers curled. The cracks in his chitin began to glow faintly. His lips parted. "It… hurts."
Azhara gasped. "He is alright."
Kai blinked open one eye. It was dim, flickering, but filled with familiar weight. He looked around. "What... happened..."
