Chapter 117: A Glimmer in the Shadows
Theme: Assets and Sacrifices
Beneath the soft hum of stasis runes, Valerie Tepes rested in suspended serenity. Though the Sephiroth Graal had been sealed, its legacy still lingered—draining her vitality like an echoing curse.
Her expression remained peaceful, but her life-force fluctuated, fragile and uncertain.
Volundr stood silently beside her, a protective ward crystal in one hand, his mind elsewhere. He knew they needed more than just containment. They needed restoration.
"Her body is strong, but her soul is fraying," he murmured.
"We need something that can truly heal."
Kuroka appeared at his side, arms crossed.
"We've been digging through reports. There's someone out there—someone with the right Sacred Gear."
Caelum flicked a projection rune into the air, revealing a rotating profile: Lyra Andrel, former exorcist, now mercenary healer.
"Twilight Healing," he said.
"She uses it sparingly, mostly in remote ruins and border zones. She's never settled. Doesn't take sides."
Volundr's eyes narrowed as he studied the flickering images—Lyra tending to the wounded in shattered cathedrals, her hands glowing with divine light.
"She's surviving. Not thriving. That makes her cautious."
"She's not a target," Volundr said quietly.
"Not yet. We need to observe. Understand her terms… her values."
Kuroka grinned. "So we're just watching?"
"For now," Volundr nodded.
"Scout and report. No contact unless necessary. We can't afford to make enemies of the few true healers left."
---
Later – The Ruins of Cindora
A rotting city of marble and moss, the Ruins of Cindora sat like a forgotten cathedral sunk beneath time. Its holy wards flickered weakly—shadows of a divine past.
Perched on a ridge above the crumbling sanctum, Caelum and Kuroka watched from behind a crumbling spire.
"There she is," Caelum whispered.
Below them, Lyra Andrel moved with slow precision through a circle of injured refugees. Her aura shimmered faintly with the unmistakable hue of Twilight Healing.
She was older than expected—hardened, her stance efficient. The wounds she treated closed cleanly, and each touch of her power brought relief without pain.
"She's powerful," Kuroka murmured, tail flicking behind her.
"But cautious. Always looking over her shoulder."
"She uses the gear sparingly," Caelum noted.
"She's draining it carefully… like it's the last of something precious."
Kuroka narrowed her eyes.
"She's not just a tool for hire. She protects people. That changes things."
They observed for hours. The sun dipped below the jagged horizon, and still Lyra worked, never resting.
---
Back at Volundr's Stronghold
Caelum and Kuroka returned to find Volundr in his study, surrounded by magical projections and intel sheets.
"She's everything the reports said," Caelum said.
"Healer, mercenary, but deeply principled. She's not interested in power."
Kuroka added,
"She's wary of devils, though not hostile. If we approach, it'll have to be slow. Earn her trust—or give her a reason she can't ignore."
Volundr folded his hands together in thought.
"If Twilight Healing is the key to stabilizing Valerie… then Lyra may be more than a healer. She may be a turning point."
He looked up, eyes burning with purpose.
"When the time comes, we'll act. But for now… we wait. We watch. And we prepare."