(Planet Granada, Leo's POV)
"So tell me, Skyshard, do you have the guts to follow through on the events you have now set into motion?" Mauriss asked, as Leo exhaled slowly, extending his hand forward in silence.
His palm remained steady, open and patient, as he gestured for the dagger without breaking eye contact, his gaze unwavering despite the weight of what was about to follow.
Mauriss studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly, as he placed the Origin blade into Leo's hand, the exchange quiet yet heavy with unspoken understanding.
The dagger felt familiar.
Its weight, its balance, its presence, all identical to the one Leo already had in his possession, as he began to twirl it lightly between his fingers, his thoughts turning inward.
When he had designed this game, he had already accounted for this moment, as he knew there might come a point where sacrifice would become the only path forward.
The multiplier had never been random.
