He detested variables despite being one himself; encountering one didn't mean he had to enjoy it. However, he was curious about how they had survived and progressed this far, defying the probabilistic outcomes he had foreseen. Still, something was thwarting his powers and eluding his grasp on time.

"To approach or not to approach," Naka muttered to himself.

Approaching risked a confrontation where he couldn't rely on his powers, while not approaching meant waiting indefinitely to uncover the unpredictable variable.

Gradually, his interest in what he deemed a failure his former abode that was once his backyard intensified as he pondered.

As Naka mulled over his choices, time seemed to quicken, with hours vanishing like moments, days melting into hours, and entire weeks compressing into a single day. He became so engrossed that he forgot to take breaks, breathe, and simply be.

Until, at last, he reached a decision.

He shifted his attention to the genetic construct he had been working on and dived back into his work without hesitation.

"Could it be you, old friend? Are you the new variable?" Naka muttered to himself.

.....

The floating island

Second Border City's Headquarters Of The Healer's Association.

The key leaders sat in a special guest room, each in a different mood, absorbing the recently received information.

"Why wasn't I informed of this beforehand?" Stronghold Leader Seth demanded, his voice cutting through the tense air as he locked eyes with the Village Chief, awaiting an explanation.

He had known that an important meeting occurred when Orion, Stronghold Leader Zogar, and his father visited Seraphina before the Vylkr Veil phenomenon. Still, he hadn't expected it to be this significant.

He couldn't fathom how they had discovered a method to enhance their gifts using the Devourer's Bracelet, transforming it into the Vylkr Fusion Armlet, all while keeping it hidden from himone of the strongest individuals within their territory.

"We kept it secret until we were sure of success to avoid raising false hopes. And given recent events, we felt it was safer this way," Orion explained.

"If that's the case, why wasn't I chosen? Since the Vylkr Fusion Armlet was successful, it seems obvious that I was the most qualified apart from Stronghold Leader Zogar," Seth retorted, struggling to contain his frustration.

Fifi was only a three-star warrior known for her water- producing gift during the Village's struggles with the encroaching Vylkr vines. While she was respected, she wasn't the strongest nor held a significant status beyond being Orion's partner.

He believed this shouldn't have been a factor in the decision, insisting that the logical choice for undergoing the Vylkr Fusion Armlet procedure should have been between him and Zogar without involving a third candidate.

This was nothing but nepotism.

Orion cleared his throat, "I made this decision because even with the success of the Vylkr Fusion Armlet, the procedure is something we aren't sure of. We have no previous information to predict the potential risks or complications. So, it would be reckless to subject our two strongest warriors to such uncertainty without adequate preparation," Orion explained firmly.

"Stronghold leader Zogar and Fifi have chosen to proceed despite my warnings, but this decision isn't about favouritism, Seth. If all goes well, we'll have the chance to improve upon the Vylkr Fusion Armlets and strengthen our position once we reconnect with the outside world. But if things go awry, it will be up to you and me to protect this territory."

Seth felt a wave of relief wash over him at Orion's response, but he couldn't shake the nagging fear of missing out on such a monumental opportunity if the procedure was successful.

"If anything happens to me, Stronghold Leader Seth, I entrust this territory to you and the Village Chief," Stronghold Leader Zogar said, his voice echoing through the room. "You are the only one I trust to lead in my absence. And when we reunite with the outside world, find my brother and punish him in my place for abandoning the Village."

Stronghold Leader Zogar stirred a mix of emotions in Seth, but ultimately, he knew he had no choice but to relent.

"Fine, I'll step back while Fifi and Stronghold Leader Zogar undergo the procedures. But suppose it succeeds, and we acquire another Devourer's bracelet to forge into a new Vylkr Fusion armlet. In that case, I expect to be the next candidate," Stronghold Leader Seth asserted firmly, locking eyes with Orion.

"You needn't worry; that's already part of the plan," Orion reassured him, nodding with relief. His heart eased, as the explanation he had devised after failing to dissuade Fifi from being a candidate had worked without any issues.

"Any other questions?" Orion asked, scanning the room that included Queen Selene, the Caretakers, High King Kael, and High Queen Celeria.

"I'd like to know if we can secure a candidate for the next procedure in case this one succeeds or if it's exclusive to the Village," Queen Selene asked, her tone serious as she sat regally on her seat.

"No, this opportunity is open to everyone within this territory, not just the Village. However, as you may already understand, the candidates are selected from the Vylkr warriors due to their exceptional strength. Choosing anyone else would be inefficient and wasteful of our resources. Until we can procure more Devourer's bracelets or the materials needed in larger quantities, the Vylkr Fusion Armlet will remain exclusive to those with the greatest prowess in our territory," Orion explained, offering insight into the selection process.

"And this also extends to the Pixie race," Orion added, acknowledging High King Kael and High Queen Celeria with a brief gaze.

Both rulers nodded in appreciation of the clarification.

Queen Selene also nodded, satisfied with Orion's reasoned explanation.

"And what about the four-eared elves? Apart from the reconstruction of Orion's Cities, you must have some plans for them, right?" Caretaker Ivor asked.

Although he understood why the four-eared elves weren't included in such a crucial meetingthey still couldn't fully trust themhe wanted to know if Orion had any plans for them so they could prepare accordingly.