One by one, they arrived at Elliot's apartment. Vas waited in the garden, sitting under a large, leafy tree Elliot had planted. The garden was an impressive display of Elliot's skill and creativity, spilling over with vibrant greenery, hand-painted pots, and ornate pottery. The apartment, perched high in the Canopy district penthouse, had a sprawling layout, every corner reflecting Elliot's meticulous artistry. Vas could almost feel the echo of Elliot's presence in the carefully tended plants, the smooth, hand-carved benches, and the unique clay sculptures scattered across the space.

The first to arrive were Zola and Lily. Vas watched as they entered the garden, their eyes widening as they took in the view. He motioned for them to join him on the bench under the tree, and when they sat, he got straight to the point.

"Alright, here's the plan," he began. "We're going to form a group—a team. There's more happening here than just my mission, and Morrigan's made it clear that we need allies to cover ground. Eyes and ears across the city, people we can trust."

Lily and Zola exchanged glances. Lily looked hesitant, her brows knitting together. "Vas, I don't know about this. It sounds... serious. And risky."

"It is," he replied, leaning in, "but that's why I need people I trust. And besides, Morrigan has a way to make sure nobody in this group will betray us. You know her... she doesn't take loyalty lightly."

After a moment, Zola sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But we'll hold you to that promise."

With some resistance, both Zola and Lily finally agreed to form the group. Not long after, the others arrived. Sarah and Nyra entered first, cautious but hopeful, followed by Morgan and Axel, whose enthusiasm was palpable. However, an unexpected presence joined them: a tall, muscular man with a confident swagger. His light skin glistened faintly under the garden lights, and his long, light blue hair fell in waves down his back. Tattoos curled around his arms and chest, intricate designs that seemed almost alive, moving subtly with each step. His gaze was piercing, a slight smirk playing at his lips.

Vas looked him up and down, brow furrowing. "Who's he?" he asked, directing the question toward Morgan.

Morgan, her voice soft but clear, answered for him. "That would be my older brother, Lewis."

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Vas crossed his arms, unimpressed. "He wasn't invited."

Lewis's smirk widened as he strode forward, his frame towering over Vas. With a voice like a low growl, he said, "And why is someone as skinny and... cute as you talking so tough, hmm?"

Vas clenched his jaw, feeling Morrigan's encouragement stirring in his mind. "He's got talent," she murmured, "but he needs a reality check. And you're just the person to give it to him."

With a heavy sigh, Vas stared up at Lewis, unflinching. "Step down and take a seat, or I'll make you."

Lewis chuckled, glancing around at the others, a cocky gleam in his eyes. "You think you can make me?"

Vas didn't reply. Instead, he closed his eyes, focusing on his Anima, letting its strength seep into the atmosphere around him. The air thickened, and an overwhelming weight pressed down on everyone. Only Zola and Lily seemed unaffected, but the others felt it immediately—a suffocating force that made it hard to breathe, like gravity itself had doubled.

Lewis staggered, the smirk slipping from his face as he struggled to hold his ground. Within moments, he was down on one knee, then collapsed, gasping for air. He looked up, defiance faltering as he met Vas's steady gaze.

"Here's the deal," Vas said coolly, relaxing his hold on the Anima. The pressure in the air eased, and Lewis managed to sit up, still shaken. "I'm giving you a chance—the same chance I'm offering the rest of you. I'll test you, and if you pass, I have a way to give you power. For Sarah and Nyra, it means regaining your bonded status. For Morgan, Axel, and Lewis—it means giving you the abilities you want."

Axel's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm in! I've been waiting for something like this." He practically buzzed with excitement, looking ready to take on the challenge right then and there.

Morgan glanced uneasily at Lewis, still catching his breath. She knew exactly what Vas was capable of after seeing it firsthand, and she didn't want to be on the receiving end of it. She gave Vas a quick nod. "Alright. I'll take your test."

Lewis wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, the earlier bravado fading as he realized just how outmatched he was. He grumbled, "Fine, I'm in too."

Vas felt Morrigan's satisfaction simmering beneath his thoughts. "Nicely done, Vas," she murmured. "Now, let's see who's truly worthy."

Vas stood up, took a deep breath, and began to draw one sigil over another, the lines and curves layering with careful precision. Morrigan's voice guided him steadily in his mind, instructing him on the exact order. "This is a delicate one," she murmured. "Six layers. Each has to be perfectly aligned."

He followed her guidance, his fingers trailing over the ground as the intricate patterns took shape. When the sigils were complete, Vas began a series of hand signs, feeling his Anima pulse in time with each movement. These signs would prime the sigil for activation; it was a complex ritual that Morrigan assured him was necessary to invoke such an advanced seal. Finally, he straightened, feeling the weight of what he was about to unleash pressing down on the air around him.

"Alright," he said, turning to face the group. "This test is simple but not easy. Step into this sigil, and you'll face one of your greatest fears. Conquer it, and you'll pass. Fail, and…" He hesitated, glancing briefly at each ot them. "...you'll break. Your mind will shut down, leaving you in a vegetative state."

The group exchanged nervous glances, the gravity of his words settling over them like a shroud. Vas offered one last chance. "If anyone wants to walk away, do it now."