"In exchange for Doomslayer, I want to analyze your barrier."
Alex blinked, thrown by the simplicity of the request.
For all the heavy air hanging around them, all the talk of doom creatures and dying worlds, Grugrim wasn't asking for salvation or blood.
He just wanted to study his defensive skill [Arcane Dominion].
The dwarf scratched at his beard, his brow furrowed with frustration.
"I've been trying to replicate a reflection ability," he said. "Tried integrating it into armor—tried a dozen runesmithing methods, mirror layering, even spirit-imbued alloys."
Grugrim spat to the side, his face darkening.
"And I failed. Every. Single. Time."
He lifted his hand, fingers curling slightly like he was trying to grasp something invisible.
"If I could study your magic shield...I can learn its language, its pattern... maybe I could craft armor that throws attacks back. Not just absorb 'em."
Grugrim's eyes gleamed with a hunger that had nothing to do with greed.
