Ren rose slowly beside Derek, the Mark II armor creaking gently, releasing bursts of steam from glowing blue vents. His eyes scanned the room once more, locking onto the Janissary soldiers still standing on high alert.
But then his gaze stopped—at the far end of the hall stood an old woman cloaked in deep purple robes. Her wrinkled hands clutched the Marbel Emerald, a green orb pulsing faintly, as if responding to Ren's presence.
Her eyes widened when she saw the Mark II's chest plate, which had partially opened. Embedded inside was another glowing stone—the Rune Stone of Endurance, resting in the core of the armor like a second heart.
"That Rune Stone…" the healer whispered, her voice trembling. "How… how did that stone end up with you?"
Ren turned to her casually and pointed to himself with a thumb. "Oh, this thing?" He tapped his chest plate twice. "Got it from a mystical roadside rock shop. Was on sale. Special day."
