The Catalysts followed Asher down a long, metallic corridor lined with faintly glowing lines that pulsed with life.
The air had a faint hum, like the quiet breathing of a giant machine. Overhead, pipes and conduits weaved between high-tech panels. Asher turned with a grin. "We're just about at the Engineering Zone."
Kiyomasa groaned softly but still smiled. "I'm exhausted... but that was fun."
"It'd be easier to navigate if we used teleportation paths," Asher admitted with a laugh. "But let's leave that for later."
Jahanox looked around, wide-eyed. "This place is so damn big."
Asher nodded. "The Nullflux Bastion is the same size as Earth."
Jennie nearly dropped her bracelet. "What?! As big as Earth?!"
"Yep." Asher gave a light chuckle. "You know what? I think it's time I properly explained this place to you."
"Please do," Jahanox said. "It'd help us make sense of things."
Asher began, raising a finger. "So. This bastion, Nullflux, is a technological hub and a military base. Remember how Miss Lorriel's outfit looked different from Rhyes'?"
Jennie nodded. "Yes. Lorriel's uniform was white and pink, while Rhyes looked like a dark black and red or something."
"Exactly. That's because Rhyes is part of the Obsidian Fang, and Lorriel's from Sable Veil."
Asher raised another finger. "There are four main factions in the entire universe. First is Obsidian Fang—your standard military faction. They're the front-liners. They fight remnants directly."
He raised another. "Second is Sable Veil. That's where Miss Lorriel and Aina are from. Think of them as elite medics or support forces. They specialize in healing and emergency response."
Miwa gasped. "So that's how Aina fixed Zazm's arm in seconds?"
Asher nodded. "Exactly. Aina and Lorriel are probably the best healers in the universe. If anyone could bring someone back from the brink of death—or being literally cut in half—it's them."
"Insane," Ai muttered.
Jahanox hesitated, then asked, "Sorry to interrupt—but do these factions exist only here? Or are they spread across other planets too?"
Asher rubbed his neck, sighing. "I was trying to not get into planets and stuff, but... yeah. Good question."
Ai stepped forward. "We'll understand it better if you don't leave things out."
"Fair point." Asher nodded. "Alright, but let me finish the faction breakdown first."
Minos added, "Yeah, go on."
Asher raised his third finger. "The third faction is Ember Forge. That's where we are now. They're the tech-heads, engineers, blacksmiths, inventors—you name it. They create all the gear the military uses. Without them, we're fighting remnants with rocks and sticks."
Jahanox guessed, "So Sir Toreth is part of Ember Forge, right?"
"Right on." Asher gave him a thumbs up. "Toreth's an elf. One of the oldest engineers alive. His designs are centuries ahead of what even Earth had."
Jennie raised her hand shyly. "Sorry... but I've been curious. Are you also from another species?"
Asher blinked, then grinned. "Oh, you mean am I not human? Nope. I'm not."
Miwa leaned in. "Then what are you?"
Lowering his head dramatically, Asher said, "I'm a vampire."
Everyone exclaimed at once. "What?!"
Miwa lit up. "Do you burn in sunlight?!"
Ai asked seriously, "Do you drink women's blood to stay young?"
Kiyomasa added, "Are you afraid of garlic?"
Asher stumbled back, flustered. "What kind of messed-up folklore exists in your worlds?!" He pointed to the sky. "I'm under two suns right now if I had sunlighy allergy I would be dead."
He shook his head and looked at Kiyomasa saying, "No garlic weakness."
He looked at Ai nervously with a short smile, "I don't know what type of image you have of us vampires but please we aren't some sexual harassers."
Ai shrugged, "Don't blame me that's just how vampires were for us."
Asher pointed at himself and said, "Look at me I'm such a good and innocent guy how does that match any of yours description of me????"
Jennie smiled and apologized before Continuing, "But Sir Asher what exactly makes a vampire from different specifies if not these."
"I am glad you asked." Asher snapped with a smirk. "You see we don't live much differently from humans besides that fact that our average lifespan is 200-300 and the fact that we have red eyes."
"Oh that explains why you look like an underground rapper." Miwa assumed.
"I DON'T THINK I'M BEING COMPARED TO SOMETHING GOOD." Asher shouted trying to get away from any false accusations before they were claimed on him.
Asher sighed before continuing,"Well there is a big difference between us and humans and that's that we can recover from wounds and injuries ten times quicker and unlike humans we can also regenerate limbs."
Jahanox asked, "So you can regrow your arm?"
"Yeah, but it takes time. Regrowing an arm? About 15 years—20 if I'm unlucky."
"That's still nuts," Kiyomasa muttered.
Jahanox offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry we keep sidetracking you."
"No worries," Asher said. "I like chatting. Now, the final faction—Iron Halo. Think of them as the police force. They keep cities and colonies safe."
Ai nodded. "So like peacekeepers."
"Exactly," Asher said. Then his voice darkened. "But some are corrupt. Like Paul and his nephew, Gilgamesh."
Jahanox frowned. "I could tell. Their energy felt... off."
"Yeah," Asher muttered. "Let's not talk about them now. That's a headache for another day."
Jennie whispered, awed, "This world keeps surprising me."
Jahanox gave Asher a genuine nod. "Thanks for telling us all this."
Asher laughed it off, "No worries I just like when we people talk to me."
Asher waved it off. "Anyways, want to hear about other planets now?"
Ai thought for a second. "Sure. Just... keep it simple."
"Alright," Asher said. "First, Euphoria itself. You already know it's a giant planet. But here's the catch: technology didn't originate here. This world used to run on magic. Kings, queens, dragons, fairies—all that fantasy stuff was real."
Jennie blinked. "So what happened?"
"After the multiverse merged, people here lost access to magic."
"And they developed tech to replace it?" Jennie asked.
"Wrong," Asher said. "The tech you see here was introduced by Earth's humans. They brought it, refined it, and adapted it to this world."
Kiyomasa repeated, "Earth..."
"Now here's the wild part," Asher said, smirking. "If we count all habitable planets with civilizations, the number surpasses millions."
Jahanox choked. "I'm sorry, what?!"
Ai pushed forward. "Say that again."
"Millions of planets," Asher repeated. "With sentient life. Humanity spread out, colonized, merged, and formed alliances."
Kiyomasa was floored. "That's insane..."
Jahanox chuckled, overwhelmed. "I thought it was just Euphoria and Earth... but millions?!"
"That's why I didn't want to overload you," Asher said. "But now you know. Out of all of them, Euphoria is the largest, so they made this planet the center of it all. Nullflux Bastion was built here—a bastion the size of Earth, with 15 billion soldiers, medics other noble people walking and working daily."
Ai raised her hand slowly. "So... what about the other parts of Euphoria?"
Asher continued speaking, "Now that's the fun part—people of Euphoria don't like much technology and stuff."
Ai blinked. "What?"
Asher gestured around the towering spires and metallic walls gleaming around them. "You see how this entire place is made of metal and other stuff, like a futuristic bastion?"
Ai nodded.
Asher continued, "Euphoria isn't like that. The people of Euphoria live differently. You wouldn't find any skyscrapers there. Only houses made of rocks and bricks."
Jahanox tilted his head. "But why?"
"I'll answer that in a while," Asher said, casually brushing back his hair as they walked across a sleek sky-bridge.
He looked ahead, eyes tracing the faint blue glow of runes etched into the walkway as he continued, "You wouldn't find governments there either. Instead, kings and queens rule nations. There aren't any robots, and things like farming and raising animals are done by people—not machines—unlike on many other planets."
The group exchanged looks, eyebrows raised, minds processing this strange blend of old and new.
Asher kept walking, his boots clinking softly against the metal, and continued, "Along with all this, people also love greenery and planting here."
Jennie asked, "So the people here hate technology?"
Asher shook his head and smiled slightly. "No, not at all. They use technology here as well. You'd find washing machines, fans, and many other devices."
Ai narrowed her eyes. "So… they use technology but… don't use it?"
Asher laughed softly. "You see, when humans came here with technology, the people of Euphoria didn't reject it. Instead, they accepted it in a way that doesn't go against their culture. People here like peace and their original ways. That's why they don't use cars and planes to travel. Instead… they use horses, unicorns, and dragons."
Jahanox sighed, shaking his head. "It's getting too complicated."
Asher chuckled. "Don't pay it much mind right now. Just look at it this way—Euphoria is a place with kings and queens… where girls and boys wear pants and shirts instead of leather armor or robes."
Ai tilted her head thoughtfully. "So they follow fashion trends from other planets, use technology… but don't change the structure of their original world."
Asher snapped his fingers. "Yes, exactly! You wouldn't see any factories, refineries, or pipelines outside. And the most advanced technology you'd see would be these bracelets we wear."
Jahanox asked, "So does that mean there's nothing here like Earth?"
Asher shook his head. "There are some places that offer several modern things. And people who like that kind of life—especially teenagers—go and explore them. They have fun. But the majority of Euphoria prefers the old, natural way."
Jennie breathed out slowly. "So the world of Euphoria is like a fantasy world… but with technology."
Asher nodded. "I think you're correct."
Minos raised a brow. "But does that mean there's a main king or queen… or someone who rules them all?"
"You're quite smart," Asher nodded approvingly. "Yes, there's a queen who rules over the entire Euphoria. All the other kings and queens are forced to obey her."
Ai's eyes widened slightly. "That sounds like a tough job."
"It is," Asher said. "But she handles it perfectly. She's an extremely nice and kind person."
Jahanox grinned slightly. "For you to talk highly of someone…"
Asher laughed. "I'm narcissistic, yeah—but I still praise people who deserve it."
Kiyomasa crossed his arms, thoughtful. "This queen seems like someone who's really worth the praise."
Asher shrugged. "You'll know when you meet her."
Miwa stammered, eyes wide, "Wh-why exactly would we meet someone that high?"
Asher's lips curled into a smirk. "Because you guys are pretty much celebrities now. Almost all high-level people know about you… and that includes the queen."
Jahanox groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I knew something like this would happen…"
"Well then," Asher said, dramatically raising his arms with a wide grin, "Welcome to the Engineering District!"
As they stepped through a towering arch made of what looked like a fusion of iron and glowing crystal, their jaws dropped once again.
Their eyes widened in disbelief.
Several colossal pillars stood like titanic monuments, each carved with strange glowing symbols and ancient gearwork. Thick steel beams spiraled around them like vines, and glass bridges webbed across the air between the towers. Massive gearwheels the size of buildings turned slowly, powered by a silent force. Steam hissed from vents along the platforms, giving the entire area a soft haze.
From the center of the zone rose the tallest tower, sleek and glimmering—its top lost in the low clouds. From this centerpoint, bridges flowed downward in all directions, connecting to mid-sized towers… and from there to smaller towers, forming a dizzying hierarchy of structure and design.
It was like a mechanical tree of knowledge, with knowledge flowing downward like silver sap.
Jahanox stared in awe. "This is… extremely impressive."
Ai whispered, "Is it just me, or is this giving off old-world vibes?"
Jennie nodded. "You're not alone. It looks like something from the steam engine period or something…"
Asher burst into laughter. "This place may look old—but trust me, it's still cool."
Jahanox added, "But this place looks really cool though. It just… doesn't match the theme of the rest of Nullflux. The other zones were all super high-tech."
Asher nodded. "Well, don't misunderstand. This is just how it looks from the outside. On the inside, it's the brain of the entire Nullflux Bastion."
He pointed up at the main tower. "Apparently, the guy who designed that was a fan of old architectural styles. So he made it look like that. Retro-steampunk aesthetics with cutting-edge tech inside."
Everyone's eyes followed the intricate layout—bridges like webs, towers like spires of innovation. Giant conduits ran through the air above, glowing faintly with circulating energy. There was a strange harmony of old charm and modern brilliance.
They all slowly walked toward the first tower, which was made of brick and reinforced with copper ribs. The doors ahead were wide open—but the ground beneath their feet had changed.
Miwa stepped forward… but just before her foot hit the fractured terrain, a hand landed on her shoulder.
Miwa turned around slowly… and her heart practically launched out of her chest.
Standing behind her was a massive shadow — a towering figure easily twice the height of any ordinary person. The man was so huge he practically blocked out the sunlight behind him. Miwa let out a shriek and bolted like a startled cat, flailing her arms as she sprinted toward the others.
"AAAAHHHHH!!" she screamed. "I got caught by the Colossal Titan!!"
Jennie, alarmed, grabbed her by the shoulders. "What happened?! What's wrong?!"
Miwa pointed back behind the tower, eyes wide with mock terror. "There's a GIANT. Like… actual GIANT. With a beard and forearms the size of a tree trunk!"
Ai's eyes darted in that direction, immediately defensive. "Where EXACTLY did we land?! This isn't even remotely normal!"
Asher, curious and amused, casually strolled behind the tower to take a look. But the moment he laid eyes on the figure behind it—
He burst out laughing.
A massive shadow began to stretch out across the plaza as the figure stepped out from behind the structure. Jahanox instinctively moved in front of the group, raising his guard as the tension rose.
"Asher," he said calmly but firmly, "who's there?"
Asher was doubled over, barely able to breathe between snorts of laughter. "Oh man… it's too good…"
Then the figure fully emerged — tall, broad, and casting a heavy presence — but instead of a monster, it was a man with a kind and familiar face.
Renzo.
Jahanox relaxed and lowered his hands. "Oh… hey. I remember you."
Renzo let out a deep, booming laugh that echoed softly through the metallic district. "That's quite a common reaction," he said. "Let me guess — your first time seeing a giant?"
Jahanox turned around to glance at the group.
Everyone was huddled behind him like children hiding behind an older sibling. Ai peeked out cautiously. Miwa was practically clinging to Jennie.
"Seriously, guys?" Jahanox said, exasperated. "Don't you remember him? He was at the meeting the other day."
Ai's eyes lit up in realization. "Wait… you're… what was your name? Renzel? Renzai? Something like that?"
The man chuckled again. "It's Renzo. And yeah, I'm one of the people who look after the Engineering Zone."
Asher finally composed himself, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. He pointed at Renzo. "He's not just an engineer, by the way. He's also a supreme commander. One of the few giants in Nullflux. He's 15 feet tall because, well… he's a giant. That's all."
Miwa, still recovering, pointed accusingly, "It's not just his height. Look at that build. Look at that beard! He looks like he punches trees to make furniture!"
Renzo scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Don't worry. I don't eat kids."
Then he smirked, adding in a deep, slow voice, "But I could… if I'm hungry."
Miwa threw her hands in the air. "I'm going to lift each tower and hit him with it separately!"
Laughter burst through the group. Even Ai had to cover her smile.
Renzo chuckled softly. "So what brings you all here?"
Asher answered, "I was just giving them a tour of the Nullflux Bastion. Showing them the zones."
Renzo nodded, clearly pleased. "That's a great idea. Then come on, kids—" he smiled warmly, "—I'll show you around myself."
Miwa practically bounced in excitement. "You would?!"
Renzo nodded again. "Of course. But don't walk on the ground beneath the towers."
Jahanox tilted his head. "Yeah… I was wondering about that. Why is there nothing below? Why are all the structures elevated in towers and bridges? The ground looks like a wasteland."
Renzo's tone shifted a bit more serious. "Because that area is our testing zone. We fire and test new weapons there. Everything dangerous gets handled on the surface while we work and live above."
Ai nodded, arms crossed. "That makes sense. Keeps the collateral damage low."
"Exactly," Renzo replied. Then he pointed to a thick iron bridge ahead. "That's the way up."
Everyone began following him, the group crossing the sturdy bridge suspended in midair. Wind swirled softly between the structures as they ascended.
Minos, looking back at the colossal engineer, smirked. "Hey, big guy—are you sure this bridge won't collapse under you?"
Renzo didn't miss a beat. "It's sturdier than it looks. Built it myself."
Minos laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Respect."
As they climbed, Renzo spoke over his shoulder. "Each of these towers is a technological hub, focusing on specialized fields. Everything from weapon development to energy studies to biomechanical enhancements."
The deeper they moved into the heart of the district, the more stunning the environment became.
Energy veins pulsed beneath transparent walkways. Floating drones moved in precision, welding machinery midair. Crystal reactors glowed with a deep blue hue behind thick glass chambers. Steam vents hissed with rhythm like breathing lungs.
Then Renzo stopped near the end of a skybridge and pointed ahead.
"That middle tower there—tallest of them all—that's the main headquarters. It's where Toreth and I work."
As they approached, the group was stunned again.
The exterior of the tower was brick and steel, traditional and rugged. But the moment they passed through its doors—
Their jaws dropped.
Inside, it was as if they'd stepped a hundred years into the future.
The air shimmered slightly with ambient energy. Holograms danced above floating terminals. The floor was made of some transparent material showing glowing circuitry running deep into the foundation. Dozens of mechanical arms moved along rails in the ceiling, assembling parts and scanning data.
Ceiling-high screens projected real-time diagnostics of starships, armor blueprints, and interdimensional power models.
Jennie spun slowly in place, stunned. "This isnt even like something out of a sci-fi movie…"
Ai whispered, "This is… beyond what I imagined. "
Miwa's eyes sparkled like stars. "This looks cooler than any place we've seen so far…"
Minos was completely speechless, and even Kiyomasa, normally calm, muttered, "No way… this is real?"
Jahanox walked a few steps ahead, eyes scanning everything. "All this hidden behind a retro steampunk outer shell…"
Asher clapped his hands. "Yup. Told you not to judge the outside. Toreth has style."
Suddenly, a voice echoed from deeper inside the chamber.
"So these are the Catalysts?"
They turned.
A tall, lean man with piercing green eyes and long dark green hair tied into a single knot approached them. He wore a clean, minimal uniform, and his steps were measured and precise. His long pointy ears catching everyone's attention.
Toreth. The master engineer.
"Welcome," he said with a nod. "To the brain of Euphoria."
The group introduced themselves briefly, and after a short, warm exchange, Toreth gave them a brief overview of how technology here was balanced with ethics, nature, and multi-species harmony.
"Well looks like you all gave my sister quiet a headache." Toreth laughed clearly amused.
Jahanox apologized for that to which Toreth waved like he actually enjoyed it.
Toreth spoke with a smirk, "So what's your opinion about our little world?"
Jennie spoke with excitement and surprise, "It is great everything it's just so..."
"so beautiful and wonderful, right?" Toreth completed her sentence. He continued, "When architectures built it they wanted Nullflux bastion to be extremely beautiful not just a technological hub."
Jahanox added, "That explains the unique designs and stuff."
After the conversation, Renzo clapped his massive hands.
"Well, I think that's enough mind-blowing for one day," he laughed. "Come on, let's get you back down."
As they exited the tower, the awe of the visit still lingered in their eyes.
The Engineering District, with all its retro charm and hidden futuristic brilliance, had left a lasting impression.
---
Zazm blinked awake.
His eyes were heavy, his hair disheveled and matted slightly on one side. He groaned softly, raising a hand to his forehead and letting out a slow breath. Still sitting on the bed, he glanced around groggily — familiar walls, same ceiling.
His room.
"Everything alright?"
Zazm turned his head. Zephyra was sitting quietly in the corner, eyes flicking between tabs on her bracelet, navigating through data with idle swipes.
"Nothing in particular," Zazm muttered.
A knock interrupted them.
Zazm stood up, still scratching his head, and walked to the door. He opened it to find Jahanox standing on the other side.
"Oh. Sorry—did I disturb you?"
Zazm shook his head, voice flat as ever. "Don't worry about it."
Jahanox stepped forward, glancing past him. "Can I come in?"
Zazm raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you have manners?"
Jahanox laughed. "True."
He stepped in, grinning. "Get ready, man."
Zazm tilted his head. "For what exactly?"
"Remember yesterday?" Jahanox said. "Supreme Commander Rhyes mentioned he'd tell us something important today."
Zazm sighed, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Yeah."
Jahanox leaned against the doorframe. "Also, we toured this whole place yesterday. You missed it."
Zazm's tone stayed unreadable. "Why didn't they invite me?"
"Would you have come if they did?" Jahanox asked curiously.
Zazm nodded slowly.
Jahanox laughed again. "He says that, but not even his face moves when he does."
Zazm remained silent for a second. Then simply said, "It is what it is."
Jahanox's smile faded slightly. "Well… don't worry about it. Just get ready and come to the meeting room."
Zazm nodded. "I'll be there. Give me some time."
As Jahanox stepped out, Zazm turned to the simple closet. He opened it and scanned the clothes, pulling out a white-gray baggy shirt and a neutral pair of pants.
Zephyra looked up. "What're you gonna wear?"
Zazm didn't respond. He just walked to the washroom, clothing in hand.
As he closed the door behind him, Zephyra knocked once, her voice bored. "I'm gonna wander around a bit."
Zazm raised his voice faintly. "Sure."
He pulled off his shirt and raised his arm, looking at the mark engraved faintly on his skin. His eyes lingered.
Then, they drifted upward.
He stared at the mirror — at his own reflection. Eyes cold, unreadable. His gaze stayed locked for a long while before he finally stepped into the shower.
—
Later, Zazm entered the familiar room.
Soft lighting. The same arrangement of curved sofas surrounding the center. But today, Rhyes wasn't in uniform — instead, he wore a modest black suit with a gray vest, looking more like a teacher than a Supreme Commander.
Zazm quietly took a seat.
Rhyes didn't wait long. "Now that everyone is here," he said, "allow me to tell you what we're going to do next."
Jahanox glanced at him, tilting his head. "Everything okay? You're not in your uniform."
Rhyes smiled faintly. "My life is more than just being a commander."
"Figures," Jahanox said, smiling.
"Well then." Rhyes leaned forward. "I've decided that you all should attend EIAA."
"EIAA?" Miwa echoed.
Ai frowned. "Is that some sort of institute?"
Rhyes nodded. "Yes. The biggest institute in all of Euphoria. A place where you'll learn everything necessary."
"Like what things?" Ai asked.
Neo stepped in. "They teach from the very beginning — how this universe came into being, universal travel, the structure of our reality, why the wars started… everything."
Ai let out a light sigh. "So it's like going to school again."
Rhyes nodded. "They accept students aged 18 to 22. They train them, and from there, you decide your path."
Jahanox raised a brow. "That's all fine… but do we really have to attend school again?"
"I don't know what image you have of school," Rhyes said, "but EIAA isn't what it may seem. It's not just a place to learn — it's where protectors are trained. Fighters. Those who stand at the front."
He looked at them carefully. "Besides… you won't be alone. Neo and Asher will be with you."
"Ugh." Asher sighed. "I don't wanna go there again…"
Jennie blinked. "Wait… you all went there too?"
Neo clicked his tongue. "Of course. We all did."
"Don't worry," Rhyes added, "you'll be going with me this time."
Asher suddenly burst into laughter. "You? You're going back there?"
Rhyes coughed awkwardly. "I don't even want to go near that place… but I have no choice."
He clenched his fist lightly.
Jahanox watched carefully. "Is it some dangerous place?"
"Not at all," Rhyes said.
Asher grinned. "Rhyes and Neo just hate that place."
Neo rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna rip out that tongue of yours if you don't shut it."
But then Rhyes's tone shifted.
"There's one more thing—before you attend EIAA," he said slowly, "you'll be having a meeting with the Queen herself."
Even Asher went silent.
Neo looked up, visibly surprised.
"You'll be accompanied by me," Rhyes continued, "but you must understand… she is the Queen of this entire planet. And one of the most powerful and influential people in this entire universe."
Jahanox narrowed his eyes. "Is there something you're trying to tell us, sir Rhyes?"
Ai added, "And… why does the Queen want to meet us?"
Rhyes took a breath. "I assume she wants to see you all with her own eyes. But whatever the reason may be… it works in our favor."
Kiyomasa asked, "How?"
Minos swallowed. "This Queen… isn't going to execute us, right?"
Rhyes straightened. "Don't forget — you still aren't safe. People may not accept you. Your lives are still in danger."
He paused.
Then added quietly, "But—"
That one word held the room still.
"But… if you gain the Queen's favor, then no one will be able to lay a finger on you. So our purpose in this meeting is simple: gain her favor. Show her that you are not threats."
Jahanox nodded slowly. "Instead… we're weapons they can use."
Rhyes looked at him — as if he wanted to correct him.
But Jahanox continued before he could.
"Let's just face it. The only reason we have any value… is as weapons. Might as well use it."
Neo added, "Don't misunderstand. At your current level… you're not even tools. Let alone weapons."
Rhyes took a deep breath. "It's good that you're self-aware."
He stood.
"But—" he looked at each of them, his voice calm, steady.
"Trust me when I say this. I don't see you as weapons. I don't see you as projects or tools."
He looked at Zazm.
"To me… you're comrades. You're people who will one day fight beside us."
He placed a hand over his chest.
"And whoever fights beside me… is just as important to me as myself."
His words lingered in the room.
No one spoke. No one needed to.
Even Zazm's cold gaze softened — just slightly.
And for a moment, the quiet wasn't heavy with fear or doubt.
It was filled with something else.
Purpose.
________________________