Razeal's voice returned, calm, anchoring. "So… what ability do you have?" He nodded faintly, as if already certain of the answer but unwilling to leave it unspoken.
The old man's eyes glinted faintly. His lips curved into a crooked smile. "I can take any three abilities from any being," he said, pausing deliberately. "One ability from one being, no more. But once I take it…" His gaze flicked to the dead marlin still sprawled on the deck. "…they die."
The words hung heavy in the salt-stained air.
Yograj turned his head back to the fish, his tone dropping into something almost thoughtful, almost casual. "I should catch another of these black marlins. They're one of the fastest swimmers in the sea. This one.." he lifted his palm briefly, flexing his thick fingers, "I only absorbed its ability to breathe underwater. But next time? Its speed would be useful."
He spoke of killing and harvesting abilities as though he were discussing the weather. As though it were just another errand.
