Blue light enveloped Ethan's body like a layer of life.
Not just a reflection from the core.
But originating from within himself.
His eyes were open.
Glowing.
Yet not empty.
There was something there.
deeper than mere human consciousness.
Daniel stepped back half a pace.
"Ethan…?" his voice was uncertain.
Leonard Graves did not move.
His gaze was sharp.
Assessing.
Measuring.
Richard Blackwood stood right in front of Ethan.
They were only a few steps apart.
Close enough to see the changes clearly.
"How much of you is still left?" he asked flatly.
Silence hung in the air.
A few seconds passed.
Then.
Ethan replied,
"Enough."
His voice was calm.
But there was another echo behind it.
Like two frequencies speaking at once.
Daniel swallowed.
"That doesn't sound reassuring…"
Ethan did not turn around.
His gaze remained fixed on the core.
Or perhaps
on something no one else could see.
"I can see everything now," he said softly.
Leonard raised an eyebrow.
