Fury, Friends, and Fisticuffs ( 627 )

Javier sighed and walked out of the room, one hand casually slipping into his pocket. His footsteps echoed steadily through the hall—calm and composed.

Ferine quickly followed, matching his pace.

"I'm glad Father's… back to normal," she said softly, glancing down.

"When he had that thing you call a celestial… he never acted like this. He was always serious. Like… he kept thinking all the time. Heavy thoughts."

Javier nodded, eyes ahead.

"Yeah. That's probably because the celestial was constantly talking inside his head."

Ferine blinked.

"Wait… it talks?"

"Of course. That's what makes it dangerous."

"It's not just a source of power. It whispers. Twists thoughts. Even the strongest people start doubting themselves… or get consumed."

Ferine walked in silence for a moment.

"…That's terrifying."

Javier nodded.

"It is. Your father is lucky he wasn't fully devoured by it."