The Restricted Archives were silent, lit by floating orbs that cast long shadows over endless shelves of memory-crystals and ancient texts.
Scholar Varia was waiting beside a holographic model of a dying star. She was older, humanoid, with silver hair and eyes that held galaxies of fatigue.
"You're late," she said, not unkindly.
"I came as soon as I could."
She studied him. "The Soul-Reader flagged you. Not for what you are—for what you mask. Your bonded companions… their energy signatures are woven into yours like a shield. Clever."
Echo stayed silent.
"I am not your enemy, Echo. I study anomalies because the Corrupted are the ultimate anomaly—a cancer in reality's code. You… you are something else. A living patch. A spontaneous correction."
She gestured to the model. "The war is losing. The Corrupted adapt faster than we can innovate. We need new variables. You may be one."
"What do you want from me?"
"To learn. To observe. And to offer you something in return." She handed him a data-crystal. "This contains shielding techniques—ways to hide your anomaly signature from deep scans. And it has information on your bonded bloodlines. How to awaken them… safely."
Echo took it. "Why help me?"
"Because if the wrong people discover what you are, they will dissect you to replicate your power. Or worse—the Corrupted will consume you to understand how to break Order's last defense." Her gaze hardened. "Stay hidden. Grow stronger. And when the time comes… remember who gave you the tools."
She turned back to her star model. "Go. Your companions are waiting."