Little by little, the remaining holders began to waver.
The old argument that surrendering a fragment meant weakness became harder to maintain.
If weakness produced that many benefits, then many began wondering whether pride was simply an expensive disease.
Then one morning, the next visitor surprised Lucien.
Not because another Origin Core fragment was offered.
But because of who offered it.
The Duovari Race.
The moment their envoy entered Grand Confluence, the branch stirred.
Even before they introduced themselves, people recognized them.
The Duovari were not numerous compared to the great races of the world, but their name carried weight.
They were the ambidextrous race.
The finest dual wielders in old history.
During the Millennia War, they had been monsters on the battlefield. A true Duovari warrior with two blades could turn a battle line into a massacre.
