Silence lingered in the room long after Alaric's final words had faded.
The pale blue‑silver crystal rested unchanged upon the table.
Throbbing slowly.
Its glow soft and gentle.
Yet vivid enough to remind everyone present that this was no ordinary stone.
Aurelia's familiar spirit was still reacting.
The lines of light that formed its shape swirled with far greater energy than usual.
The units stationed at the rear of the room remained at full alert.
As if the entire system was focused entirely upon that single crystal.
Alaric let out a long breath.
Then settled back into his seat once more.
"For countless years, we have sought to understand this object."
His gaze never strayed from the crystal.
"Scholars."
"Scientists."
"Even explorers claiming expertise in ancient relics."
He shook his head slowly.
"None have ever succeeded."
Kael folded his arms across his chest.
"And then we arrive, and it immediately awakens."
"Something like that, yes."
"Wonderful."
