Raviel blew out a long, shaking breath as the last sparks disappeared from his fingers. The cave still smelled of scorched stone and cold steam, the aftermath of Richard's chaotic spirit outburst hanging in the air like a wound. Akumo still stood in the center, chest rising and falling in uneven rhythm as the old lungs struggled against his damaged ventilation spot.
Raviel moved beside him and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Lord Akumo… calm yourself. Your body cannot take more of this today. You need to rest.
Akumo shook his head, obstinate as always. "Rest? Now? Richard's body is still unstable. His cells are cracked, a few of them even shattered. If I don't mend them well, he may break again the moment his spirit wakes up."
Raviel frowned. "But your ventilation core—"
"I have lived without breath, without time, and even without peace," Akumo said sharply, interrupting. "This is nothing."
