Arkhe City – Lower Quarter, Hours After the Storm Duel
The platform shimmered to life as Leon stepped back onto solid ground. His clothes were scorched, one shoulder wrapped hastily in cloth. The Storm Fragment pulsed faintly in his hand—unstable, but not threatening.
The others were already waiting.
Roselia met him with a short nod, her shield still strapped on. Naval and Roman looked him over for injuries, but said nothing.
Milim ran up first. "So? Did you kill him?"
Leon shook his head. "Draw. But he gave me this."
He opened his palm. The Storm Fragment crackled—lightning arcing between his fingers and vanishing into the air.
Kael whistled softly. "That's not a souvenir. That's a power key."
Naval tilted his head. "You planning to bind it to your Shell Core?"
Leon nodded. "If I can stabilize it. Reinh said when I've mastered it, I'll be ready to take his place."
Roselia crossed her arms. "You know that fragment could destroy you if it's not merged right."
