"Stop breathing so loudly, Esther," Lucas grunted, staring up at the peeling white ceiling of the clinic."You have a literal rune burning through your breastbone, Lucas," Esther said, her fingers trembling as she pressed a cold glass vial against his skin. "Pardon me if I am a little nervous.""It is fine," Lucas said. "The pain means I am still breathing.""You should not be," Esther whispered. Her face was pale, sweat slicking her hairline as she dragged a glowing blue ointment across the charred tissue. "The Zekaron mark is supposed to melt human flesh down to the ribs. Your body is holding it together through sheer refusal to die."Lucas shifted, the paper on the examination table crinkling under his shoulders. The air smelled of burnt ozone, copper, and cheap antiseptic. Every micro-movement pulled at the edges of the newly carved brand over his heart.A sharp, blue holographic glare burst into his vision, forcing his pupils to dilate.[MAIN QUEST TRIGGERED: BLOODLINE HUNT][OBJ

“Run, Lucas! They’re looking at their phones!” Esther shoved his shoulder, her nails digging into his leather jacket as the flashing lights of the Neon District painted the alley in red and blue.Lucas didn't slow down. His boots slammed against the wet asphalt, sending cold rainwater splashing against his ankles. The digital billboards overhead, which had been playing his arena victories on a loop just three hours ago, suddenly flickered. The bright golden letters of his name glitched, fading into a jagged red target symbol.Around them, civilians stepped out of late-night noodles shops and cyber-bars. They weren't looking at the neon signs. They were staring at their handheld slates, their faces illuminated by the blue light of the City Network broadcast."Is that him?" a man in a grease-stained mechanic jumpsuit whispered, stepping backward toward a heavy iron trash bin. "That's the guy from the arena. The broadcast said he's unstable. He's infected with rogue mana.""Look at the r