Haru was on his knees, the fire already extinguished around him, his body trembling.
His hands wouldn't stop shaking. His vision blurred. His breathing failed every three attempts.
Fifty memories screaming. Fifty lives merging with his.
```
[SKILL EVOLUTION INITIATED]
◊ Mana Core... Processing overflow
◊ Adapting to spiritual contamination...
◊ Progress: 12%... 34%... 67%...
```
Kira was there, moving quickly, cutting, blocking, dodging, preventing any spirit from touching Haru while he was vulnerable.
A wound on his arm bleeding, heavy breathing. Movements slowing, but not stopping.
```
Progress: 98%... 99%...
```
A spirit passed by her, a half-second distraction, a minimal opening.
A translucent form headed straight for the kneeling Haru.
Kira turned to intercept, but he was too far away...
```
Progress: 100%
[SKILL EVOLUTION COMPLETE]
[Mana Core] > [Mana Core II]
```
Haru opened his eyes.
