"You... you really have three already,"
Boulder breathed. "The legends are true."
"The legends?" Alex asked.
"The Seven Divine Artifacts," Granite said quietly.
"Ancient stories say that whoever gathers all seven can reshape the world. Heal what's broken. Restore what's lost." He looked at Alex with new intensity.
"That's your goal? You seek to collect all seven?"
"I do," Alex said. "I wish to save this world. That is my mission. That is what I'm assigned to. And that is my way to home. "
"How convenient," Amber said, recovering her composure. "A stranger appears, claims noble purpose, offers shiny gifts, and expects us to just hand over our most sacred treasure. Forgive me if I'm skeptical."
"Your skepticism is understandable," Naga said, speaking for the first time. His voice was silk over steel.
"But question this: why would we travel through dangerous territory, negotiate with bears and wolves, risk everything while Alex is pregnant—if the goal wasn't genuine?"
