Chapter 205: Expanded Moments
"You shattered your shard to protect your Ikona, your friends... or for whatever reason. I need your help saving a friend of mine now. He’s trapped in a prison much like I used to be."
He paused, then added, "To be frank... I still am. If I step outside this space, I’d be detected. Though, it’s still better than the prison I was in for so long."
He stepped back, the spires trembling as he moved, their whispers growing louder—a chorus of trapped souls that seemed to plead for release.
"There’s a world. A planet ravaged by a race that conquers and steals items to grow stronger. It used gems as a power source, but they were all robbed. And while that’s tragic and whatnot, there are more gems hidden under the main capital."
He raised the sphere slightly. "One of them—a master gem—is encoded with the key to unlock my friend."
His gaze sharpened.
"Spirit energy on that world has been twisted into a caste that crushes the weak," he said, his voice steady, unyielding, the red veins beneath his skin glowing brighter as he spoke.
"I want you to live your entire life out on that world. Form bonds. Friendships. Rebuild their broken civilization. And in time, once you’ve acquired the item for me... I will reunite you with your body on your prime planet."
Elias’s glow pulsed, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and resolve.
"How... how do I know... you’ll keep your word?" he asked.
The ache of Kikaru’s absence. Of Dot’s capture. A weight that pressed against his fading form.