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Kai remained on the great iron root-like branch as the ribbons of moon lights cut the violet sky brighter. Bark pressed against his back; dew chilled the backs of his calves. He could feel his heartbeat echoing in the silence — a slow, resonant thrum that matched the soft sway of leaves overhead.
He inhaled once, filling his lungs with trees scented air, then spoke into the hush.
"System… tell me plainly. Is there a way to upgrade my soul power right now? I don't know how it will take me to go back. I need to inform them that I am okay. And will be back soon."
The question vibrated through his chest, heavier than the sun and moon. For the first time in hours he allowed the concern to surface: Luna's bright determination, Miryam's hatchling curiosity, both unreachable because his soul link fizzled out after a few hundred meters. If he couldn't speak to them across forests, sea and valleys then what kind of Monarch was he trying to be?
A muted tone rolled through his mind:
