They leaned in slightly to see what it was, and a quiet gasp slipped through the room.
"The garnets," Gork exclaimed in recognition.
"As expected of the young totem," Flogga said, a note of approval in her voice. "You managed to acquire it."
"Of course," I replied, a faint grin forming. "Did you think I'd fail?"
No one answered that.
They didn't need to.
Instead, each of them reached out, picking one up to examine it more closely, turning it in their hands, watching the way the light moved within.
I lifted one as well, holding it up between my fingers.
"With this," I said, letting my voice settle into something more deliberate, "our walls won't just be stronger—they'll be connected."
Their attention shifted back to me.
"It doesn't stop at reinforcement. Once linked properly, this thing will project an energy barrier over the entire base—like a roof, but stronger, and far more responsive."
I paused briefly, letting that sink in before continuing.
