Night settled over the ruined municipal district like a veil of cold velvet, smothering the distant fires beneath drifting mist.
Inside the sheltered clinic basement, the bronze bands orbiting Hajin's soul separated with a crisp, chiming chime of celestial resonance.
Five shimmering rings converged around the original summoner, while a single radiant ring detached and flared with independent physical manifestation.
From the glowing mist, an identical duplicate stepped onto the flagstones, clad in identical leather vestments and carrying the same steady posture.
"I am dividing my authority for the night watch," the original explained, adjusting his bracers as the squad gathered around the threshold.
"The original five rings follow Didi out to the exposed boundary route, while this single-ring clone remains here."
The duplicate turned toward the lintel of the child's sleeping quarters and recited the foundational creed of his existence.
