Chapter 27: Ep 27 - Spiral
Rain fell over Shanghai in heavy sheets, casting neon lights into the wet streets as if the city itself wept in glowing colors. On the rooftop of a derelict opera house, lightning cracked the sky, not from nature’s fury, but from a boy in motion.
Li Shen moved like a storm personified. Every twist of his hips, every palm thrust, summoned streaks of electric light. His form flowed between tai chi grace and chaotic street dance, each step generating pulses that cracked the rooftop tiles.
"There," Sera said, pointing from the adjacent tower. Her silver pendant pulsed hot against her chest. "The next Crestella Holder."
Akira shielded his eyes from the lightning. "He doesn’t seem... friendly."
"Or stable," Kurumi added, her hair already frizzing from the static in the air.
Ayaka stood at the edge of the rooftop beside them, arms folded under her coat. "Remember, not all Crestella Holders are allies. Some don’t want saving."
Sera looked down, conflicted. "We still have to try."
They landed on the rooftop just as Li Shen finished a spinning kick, his heel cracking the concrete and sending arcs of lightning skittering outward. He stopped mid-movement, eyes flicking toward them. His frame was slim but wiry, clothed in a modified wushu uniform with glowing trim. His dark hair stuck to his forehead, and his gaze was pure challenge.
"I don’t remember inviting backup dancers," he said in perfect English, accent feathered with Shanghai lilt.
Sera stepped forward, hands raised. "We’re not here to fight. You’re using a Crestella Stone. So are we."
Li Shen rolled his shoulder, lightning sparking from his joints. "So what? Looking to form a fan club?"