Xavier didn't hesitate and bought it immediately. One justice point vanished from the counter as the purchase was confirmed.
The orb manifested in front of him, half-formed for a split second before fully solidifying. Heat slammed into his palm like he'd grabbed a live reactor. Xavier hissed and dropped it instinctively as it scorched the floor, leaving a glowing mark where it hit.
Xavier cursed under his breath and summoned his gauntlets, slipping them on before scooping the orb back up. Even through the gloves, he could feel the power thrumming, violent and impatient, like it wanted to be anywhere but contained.
"This should do it," Xavier said, holding it up. "If it doesn't melt the gate first."
Xavier raised his voice over the crackle of failing systems. "Rin. I need you here. Now."
Rin looked up from the torn-open core housing, face streaked with grime and sweat. "Give me ten seconds."
