Under a dome of bones and faint violet light, Irkalos emerged from the lair of the "Mother of Curses." His bare feet touched the stone ground as if it were alien to him, and with every step, he felt his new body groan in a silent agony only he could hear.
His skin… human.
His chest… beating.
His heart… beating?
Yes.
And that disgusted him.
Behind him, Axel walked with calm steps, observing him like he was testing a rare piece just pulled from the furnace. His eyes, like a silent abyss, showed neither satisfaction nor aversion. Only a silence resembling death.
Irkalos said in a low voice, still unaccustomed to using his human throat:
"This… body is weak. Weaker than I expected."
"Your weakness now… is what will make you stronger later. Don't concern yourself with appearances," said Axel. "You've taken the first step."
