Ethan had collapsed, and Julian and Micah rushed to his side.
"Quick, get him in!"
KH3106's voice cut through the panic, and another virtual capsule materialized on the ground. The two of them lifted Ethan together and lowered him inside.
"Damn… feels like we're putting the boss in a coffin," Blackie muttered under his breath.
"You and your cursed mouth—can you shut up for once?" Micah snapped. Standing right beside him, he'd caught every word. Blackie's loose tongue was a walking jinx.
"What did Ethan mean when he said we were saved?" Julian asked.
[Beep, beep, beep… Temperature stabilization detected… External thermal energy at charging level… KH3106, authorize energy absorption system activation?]
"Activate," KH3106 ordered.
"Look, up there…" Micah pointed to the sky.
A figure had appeared, cloaked entirely in black, his form completely shrouded. He floated high above, staring at the vast, writhing will of the Spirit Realm.
