Meanwhile, In the Western Expanse;
Among the scattered islands lost in fog, deep within a mining settlement bound by chains and desperation, a boy struck stone.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Over and over again.
His skin was sun-baked and bruised. His hair, silvery black and damp with sweat. Half his face was burned, and a black eyepatch covered the left side. A cracked black glove covered his right hand.
Others around him whispered.
"That kid again…"
"He doesn't sleep."
"Don't waste your breath. He's a slave like us. Just crazier."
"Rumor says he's done over 60 tons already… in the past couple of weeks"
"Madness. Even if he reaches a thousand, they won't free him. That rule's just bait."
But the boy didn't flinch. He didn't even look up.
He kept chipping away at the crystal wall.
Clang. Clang.
His heartbeat was steady.
His right hand glowed faintly, black lightning energy leaking from under the glove.
Then suddenly—Thrum.
He stopped for a moment.
