If this was real, if the cores were alive, then it meant that the very foundation of the world's energy system was compromised. That everything built on affinity channels could be corrupted.
And if he was connected to it—
He clenched his jaw.
"Why tell me this?"
The man's tone dropped lower. "Because the board won't. Kael's already looking for a way to weaponize the core. If he succeeds, Invoke won't just be the largest manufacturer in the continent, it'll control war itself."
Merlin's stomach turned. "…And you?"
"I used to work for them." His voice softened, almost bitter. "Until I saw what the cores did to people who stayed near them too long."
He turned the projection off. The blue light died.
"I don't know what you are, kid. But if it chose you… you need to decide fast which side you're on."
Merlin studied him carefully. "And you think warning me will fix that?"
"No," the man said simply. "I think warning you might buy us time."