"You ate what?" I asked Nexar, blinking twice to make sure I heard that right.
[Hehe.. I now possess features of the Merchant System.]
Ohh.. So he absorbed Elowen.
'Wait. Is that even possible? For systems to absorb each other?' I asked, half in disbelief, half in curiosity.
[Not each other,] he replied. [Only a system of higher tier can absorb one of a lower tier.]
I sighed. Even systems have tiers, huh?
Quinn's voice came from ahead. "Rune."
I turned toward her. She was standing near the cave exit with her usual calm expression, though I could see faint lines of laugh near her eyes.
"Commander Tugnier sent Sera to tell us he has things to discuss," she said.
I nodded. "Sure."
After all, the result of our upcoming showdown with Merin depends on how well we use these four days.
Sera walked a few steps ahead with Quinn, her pace quick and quiet.
I deliberately lagged behind. She seemed a little awkward having me close by... not that I could blame her.
