CULTIVATION CHAMBER - 9:00 PM
Orion sat motionless in the center of the glass chamber, his body surrounded by liquid exotic energy that shimmered faintly in the dim light, rising to chest level like some otherworldly amniotic fluid. Gaseous energy filled the remaining space above, invisible but so dense with power that the air itself seemed to hum with potential, while the crystalline tubes mounted in the walls pulsed with a soft, rhythmic glow that matched his heartbeat, casting dancing shadows across the laboratory beyond.
The second ring halo was 35% complete, growing steadily like a golden vine wrapping around his heart, and he could feel each incremental addition to the structure—every compressed particle of exotic energy slotting into place with a satisfaction that was almost physical, almost addictive.
But steady wasn't enough anymore, not when he had this much power literally surrounding him, bathing him, suffusing every breath he took.
