---
Now he was sitting in a clean bed in his father's mansion, surrounded by wings, reading a status window like it was normal life.
Sekhmet's gaze softened slightly.
He looked at Bat Bat.
Bat Bat was staring at him with wide eyes, as if Bat Bat could sense the increase even without numbers.
Bat Bat's wings twitched.
Bat Bat's body trembled.
Sekhmet's eyes narrowed.
"Bat Bat," Sekhmet said carefully, voice low. "Are you okay?"
Bat Bat did not answer.
Bat Bat started glowing.
Not faintly.
Brightly.
A red light burst from Bat Bat's body like a flare.
WHOOM—!
The glow filled the room, painting the walls crimson. The lantern flame shrank as if intimidated, then steadied again, burning small but stubborn.
Auri's wings opened instantly.
Her posture shifted from standby to combat-ready.
The six rare bats flared their wings, eyes brightening, claws digging slightly into the floor.
Sekhmet stood up slowly, eyes locked on Bat Bat.
