The warmth of Natlan never truly faded—even at night.
Within the stone chamber carved into volcanic rock, the air shimmered faintly with residual heat. Braziers embedded into the walls burned with low, steady flames, casting amber light across carved tribal symbols and hanging talismans made of obsidian, bone, and glowing crystal shards infused with elemental residue.
Jin stood calmly at the center of the room.
Around him were Kachina, Kinich, Mualani, and Citlali.
Citlali had just finished her work.
She was a girl of medium height, her pink hair falling loosely past her shoulders, strands glowing softly under the warm light. Her eyes—a bluish violet, deep and perceptive—reflected a healer's quiet focus. Marks of the Shadow Clan adorned her clothing: layered fabrics in dark purples and greys, stitched with faintly luminescent runes that pulsed slowly like a resting heartbeat.
Jin's coat lay open slightly at the shoulder.
Where moments ago there had been fractured bone and torn flesh, there was now only smooth, pale skin.
The injury was gone.
Citlali withdrew her hand, the last traces of healing light dissolving into the air like mist.
"…There," she said softly. "Your shoulder has fully recovered."
Jin rotated his arm once, then again.
No resistance.
No pain.
He exhaled quietly.
Citlali looked at him with mild reproach.
"It's fortunate your body reacts unusually well to Abyssal corruption," she said, her tone calm but firm. "But that doesn't mean you should lower your guard. Even you have limits."
Jin lifted his gaze to meet hers.
"I agree," he replied evenly. "Which is why I'll ask again—what do you want in return for healing me?"
The atmosphere shifted subtly.
Kachina frowned immediately.
She stepped forward, her small frame tense, ears flicking slightly with irritation.
"Jin, not this again," she said. "You fought for Natlan. You helped us. That's not something we charge for."
Citlali studied Jin in silence, clearly sensing there was more beneath his words.
Before she could speak—
Footsteps echoed from the entrance.
Measured. Confident.
The air itself seemed to grow warmer.
All eyes turned toward the doorway.
A figure stepped inside, cloak resting lightly over her shoulders.
Mavuika.
The Pyro Archon of Natlan.
Her presence alone changed the room.
Heat rolled outward—not oppressive, but powerful, alive. Her long hair flowed like living flame: deep crimson melting into golden strands, catching the firelight with every step. Her combat attire was sleek and practical, reinforced with sun-etched armor plates glowing faintly along red and amber lines. Large sun-shaped earrings swayed as she moved.
Her eyes—dark red, pupils shaped like a radiant sun—locked instantly onto Jin.
She smiled.
"Jin," she said warmly. "Don't be like that."
She glanced around the room, then back to him.
"But if you insist on offering something in return…" her smile widened slightly, "…then I'll ask for something."
Silence followed.
Jin turned fully toward her.
"So," he said calmly. "What do you want?"
Mavuika placed her hands on her hips, relaxed yet unmistakably authoritative.
"I want you," she said, "to become a resident of Natlan."
A pause.
"And protect this land."
Citlali's eyes widened.
"That's excessive," she said immediately, turning toward Mavuika. "I don't mind Jin staying in Natlan—but not like this. It has to be his choice. Not repayment."
Kachina nodded vigorously.
"Please reconsider, Archon," she said. "This isn't fair to him."
Kinich crossed his arms, studying Jin and Mavuika closely.
"…You two know each other, don't you?" he said slowly. "Then don't decide for him. Let him choose."
Jin remained silent.
Then—
He smiled.
Not the polite, empty expression he usually wore.
But a real smile.
Sharp. Amused. Beautiful.
For a moment, everyone froze.
Mavuika's eyes narrowed slightly—with interest.
"So?" she asked again.
Jin laughed softly.
His crimson eyes glowed faintly, the white six-pointed star pupils shimmering as they met Mavuika's sun-shaped gaze head-on.
"I accept," he said.
"But understand this."
His voice remained calm—coldly honest.
"I will fight the Abyss because it benefits me. It strengthens my Darkness. You lose fewer people. I grow stronger."
A pause.
"A mutual gain."
Mavuika stared at him.
Then she laughed.
A bright, genuine sound.
"Well said," she replied, placing her hands on her hips. "Then from this moment on—you are a citizen of Natlan."
She tilted her head slightly.
"All that remains… is for you to obtain an Ancient Name."
Jin interrupted gently.
"My spiritual name is Lucifer."
The room went quiet.
Mavuika blinked once.
"…That may be your name," she said slowly. "But Natlan's records require one granted by the Wayob Stone itself."
She smiled.
"That… will be interesting."
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Heat: Thank you so much for reading. I'm sorry I didn't post; I was sick with a cold.