The morning air inside the subterranean testing silo felt colder than the frozen plains stretching outside the settlement walls.
Six bronze rings rotated silently behind Hajin's shoulder blades, casting pale circles of amber radiance across the chalked flagstones.
"Remember the core restriction before you pull the circuit," Ferra called out from the platform, tapping her iron tongs against the railing.
"You possess six functional sockets, but your mind has only ever occupied one set of bones!"
"I remember..." he muttered, rolling his shoulders to settle the prickling sensation spreading along his spine.
"One vessel stands here, while one vessel steps three paces forward into the circle."
"Do not try to be heroic," Juna added from the inner ring line, her hand resting casually on the pommel of her greatsword.
"If the sensory feedback crosses the danger threshold, I will sever the flow myself!"
