Akhil took a breath, organizing his thoughts. Around them, the arena buzzed with activity—fighters tending wounds, examining divine gifts, preparing mentally for what came next. But in their small circle, the focus was absolute.
"I suspect," Akhil said quietly, keeping his voice low enough that only Nyla and Nibo could hear, "that the being behind Jeren is the thing responsible for the data collection."
Nyla's glowing blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Explain."
"It's constantly watching everyone. Every fighter, every movement, every technique." Akhil's gaze flickered briefly toward the many-eyed horror. "When we fight, it grows more eyes. Transforms to observe better. It's not just watching—it's analyzing, cataloging, measuring."
"So Jeren's 'data gathering' rounds," Nibo rumbled, understanding dawning, "aren't him personally observing. He has that thing doing it for him."
