>>>Leonhart's Perspective/Backstory Mid-fight<<<
I sat across from Keiji, one hand resting against my temple as I skimmed through another stack of reports.
Paper after paper.
Different names.
Same problem.
"…Progress is slowing across all divisions," Keiji said, his voice steady, but I could hear the strain underneath. He tapped the page lightly, like that would make the numbers look better. "Even the upper ranks are starting to plateau."
"I know."
My answer came out flat.
Not dismissive.
Just certain.
Because I didn't need the reports to confirm it.
I could feel it.
The mana in Zethara...
It was thinning.
Not enough for most to notice.
But enough for me.
Always enough for me.
My fingers paused mid-page, my gaze drifting slightly, not at Keiji, not at the documents, but at something beyond them.
Empty space.
Air.
"…It's getting worse," I muttered.
Keiji didn't respond immediately.
