"Elder Oni!"
Alita's voice rang out with a mix of relief and excitement. Her eyes shimmered as she saw the familiar figure emerging from the haze ahead.
The blue-skinned elder's expression brightened in equal measure. When his gaze settled on the duo—especially on Cain, whose golden lotus mark shone with divine brilliance—his joy grew radiant.
From the start, the plan had always been to find one of the Masters of the Flow before heading deeper. To find Cain here was a blessing. The wounds covering Oni's body told the story of how brutal the path had been to reach this place, but his smile remained warm, steady, and proud.
"Alita. Scarlet King." The elder's voice was deep, resonant, full of vitality despite his injuries. "It gladdens my old heart to see you both here."
