Geng and Mimi stood side by side, eyes fixed on the translucent cauldron. Their breathing had unconsciously slowed. Doubts filled their minds, yet neither dared interrupt.
Kiaria extended his arm.
The Earth Core Green Fire within the cauldron condensed slightly and rose out in a controlled stream. It hovered before him, dense yet obedient.
His fingers began forming hand seals–steady, unhurried.
The remnant flame shifted shape gradually until it mirrored the exact outline of the cauldron itself.
At the same time, inside the real cauldron, the fire reshaped into the same cauldron form–flame within vessel, vessel within flame.
The blood remained suspended at the center, untouched.
"This," Kiaria said calmly, "is Flame Concealment."
"Now. Come and touch the cauldron."
Both of them stared, mouths slightly open.
From beneath Kiaria's feet, tiny dragon-flame sparks scattered like drifting ash. Two sparks shot toward them and touched their fingertips.
A sharp sting.
