Merlin tried to move.
His hand wouldn't lower.
He couldn't breathe properly. Couldn't even tell if the rest of the world still existed outside this room.
"Reflexes are adequate," the man said. "But you still lead with your right. Sloppy."
"Who are you?" Merlin hissed. The words forced themselves out through clenched teeth.
The man stepped closer. Not aggressive. Not fast.
Two fingers extended.
He tapped Merlin lightly on the forehead.
Like knocking dust off a shelf.
And something opened.
White heat shot down the back of Merlin's spine. He buckled, knees giving way. The tiles cracked faintly beneath one foot as he staggered back against the sink, catching the edge with a grunt.
A flicker.
Then a ping.
[System Restart: In Progress]
[Core Integration: Partial]
[Soul Structure: Damaged, Stabilizing]
[Affinities: Dormant]
[User Access: Manual Override Required]
Merlin gasped, pulling a hand to his chest.
'It's back.'
Faint, flickering, but there.
