Deep beneath Galka War Academy, the air was cold, still, and heavy with the scent of ancient minerals.
Torchlight flickered along the damp obsidian walls of the subterranean chamber, illuminating the Endless Pool's luminous silver surface.
Sagiri knelt at the edge of the sacred water, his black shirt discarded onto the stone ledge.
Across his bare torso, shoulders, and jawline, the ink-black markings were burning with a terrifying, restless intensity.
The dark runes squirmed like living vipers across his skin, flaring with crimson and violet heat that made the surrounding air ripple with spatial distortion.
Grand Marshal Sikuwa knelt beside him, his slender fingers pressing lightly into the nerve clusters along Sagiri's spine.
Master Sandshade Koru stood on the opposite side of the pool, his white, pupil-less eyes glowing faintly as he peered directly into Sagiri's soul core.
