The dim cave light filtered through jagged openings, casting fractured patterns across the rough stone floor. Karl stirred, eyelids fluttering against the afterglow of exhaustion. He felt… heavier, yet more stable. His body no longer trembled with the raw fatigue of depleted Vythra.
VYTHRA ENERGY: 73.4% — STABLE
A slow, steady pulse resonated from his drive regulator at his waist, accompanied by a faint shimmer of Royal Azure motes—an echo of the new power coursing through him. The blue spark that had entered during the Sentinel fight lingered subtly, harmless but integral, like a tiny anchor keeping his nanites in perfect sync.
"…Hmm…" Karl muttered, stretching stiff limbs. His muscles ached from the prolonged fight, but the pain was tolerable now, softened by Yggdrasil's regenerative influence and Agnes' constant support during his rest. He opened his visor fully, eyes scanning the cave and the softly flickering motes, and finally… the HUD flickered with a new interface.
NEW ABILITY DETECTED: ROYAL AZURE FLAME MANIPULATION — ACQUIRED
A faint smile crossed Karl's lips. He could sense the potential immediately—the energy, the flexibility, the sheer destructive power embedded in his nanite vents. The flame felt alive in his hands even before he tried moving it, a living extension of his overclocked body.
"Agnes…" he murmured, voice hoarse but determined. "…it worked… it's really here."
Her form shimmered beside him, solid yet ethereal. She hovered slightly, gaze sharp and attentive. "I see it, Karl… Royal Azure… fully integrated. But we need to prioritize. San Francisco is still ahead… half a day's travel at our current speed. Testing this now? Not safe."
Karl nodded, suppressing the urge to flex his newly enhanced abilities. His hands twitched slightly, the nanites humming faintly in anticipation. "Right… right… focus on getting there first. The flames… we'll test them once we're on site."
Agnes' voice softened, concerned but commanding in its way. "Exactly. We need to arrive in one piece, fully operational. No reckless bursts, no premature experiments. This is too important. We don't know what we'll face once we reach the city. The Royal Azure flames… they'll need finesse. Precision. Not wasted energy while we're in transit."
He exhaled sharply, nodding again, feeling the lingering effects of Vythra replenishment yet aware of the strain another full display of power could cost him. "Yeah… I feel… stronger. But if I push now, I risk burning through reserves too fast… and I need full stamina for the city. Agreed."
Agnes moved closer, materializing her hand to rest on his shoulder. "Then let's move. Step by step. I'll monitor your systems, guide you, and ensure your nanites stay stable. This is a test of endurance as much as power. We get to San Francisco first, then we explore what you can do."
Karl adjusted the drive regulator at his waist, feeling the faint blue spark pulsing in sync with his heart. He flexed his arms cautiously, just enough to feel the latent energy of the Royal Azure flames humming beneath the nanite surface. They were coiled, restrained, ready—but obedient to his will. He smirked faintly. "Alright… let's see how far we can go before testing… careful, controlled, no burning out early."
Agnes floated slightly above, her form shifting to stay in sync with his slower, cautious pace. "Exactly. You're not alone, Karl. I've got you… every step. We keep your Vythra stable. Nothing reckless. Just movement, monitoring, and preparation."
The journey resumed. Karl moved with Agnes' support, leaning lightly on her arm while his own Rider Frame maintained balance through minor propulsion bursts. The Royal Azure flames inside his vents were suppressed to harmless micro-incinerations, just enough to keep his nanites warm and flowing without triggering combustion. Small, controlled pulses danced along the vent seams—a teasing reminder of the raw potential he now commanded.
Hours passed. The sun dipped lower as they approached the outskirts of San Francisco. Towering skyscrapers shimmered in the distance, their silhouettes framed against the fading golden light. Karl's HUD flickered, showing subtle readings of atmospheric anomalies—remnants of residual energy from the Sentinel battle and the crack's earlier disturbances.
"Almost there…" he muttered, voice hoarse from the journey. "I can feel the city… just beyond this ridge. Feels… tense. The air's… thick with residual Vythra instability."
Agnes' form hovered beside him, scanning the area. "That's expected. The last crack's energy ripple hasn't fully dissipated. We'll need to be careful once we reach the city. But we're stable for now. Your Royal Azure flames are dormant but ready, fully integrated, and your nanites are syncing perfectly with your Vythra reserves. You're ready for the next phase… once we arrive."
Karl nodded, feeling the weight of exhaustion finally pressing down despite the replenished 73% Vythra. His body had recovered enough to move effectively, but he was still cautious, conserving energy for the potential threats in the city. "…Good… I can hold… steady… until we arrive. Then… then we see what these flames can really do."
Agnes gave a soft nod, her voice calming, almost maternal in tone. "That's all I ask, Karl. One step at a time. Focus on getting there. I'll monitor every surge, every fluctuation. If anything goes wrong… I'm right here. You don't have to risk anything yet. Just trust me… trust yourself… and we'll be ready when the time comes."
They continued their journey, side by side—Karl leaning lightly against her, every movement cautious, measured, careful not to trigger an uncontrolled flare. The faint hum of Royal Azure flames resonated beneath his armor, a quiet promise of power waiting for the right moment. The city skyline grew nearer, golden light glinting off the buildings, painting the promise of their next challenge across the horizon.
Finally, as they crossed the ridge overlooking the city, Karl allowed himself a deep breath, feeling the hum of Royal Azure energy through his limbs. "Alright… Agnes… soon… we'll test this properly. But first… San Francisco. We get there… we get set… then we see what I can really do."
Her voice was gentle but firm, filled with quiet pride and reassurance. "Yes… San Francisco first. Safe arrival is priority one. Then… your flames. Then… everything else. I've got you, Karl. Rest, move, breathe… we'll handle the rest together."