The elders finally exhaled in relief as one after another managed to complete their [Mana Core Cell] transformation.
Some fell to their knees. Others sat down, shaking. A few just stared at their own hands like they were seeing a new world.
Garion clapped once, loudly.
"Good. You all did it."
A tiny hope flickered in their tired eyes.
Then Garion grinned.
"Now for the fun part."
Several elders froze.
"…Fun?"
"The mana core–destroying part," Garion said casually, as if he were announcing lunch.
Every elder stiffened at once.
"C–Can't we keep both?" one elder asked, voice cracking.
"Y-Yes! I think we can keep both!" another blurted out desperately.
Garion waved his hand dismissively.
"No can do."
A chorus of groans filled the room.
Garion stepped forward, pointing at their chests and lower abdomen.
"You can feel it, right? The difference."
The elders exchanged looks. Some nodded slowly.
