Chapter 18: Cygnet

As Phoenix delves into her memories, the haunting truth of Dr. Cortinon’s experiments unfolds. His ruthless conditioning aimed to transform a young elf into a “living machine,” only to leave behind a fragile, broken child instead. Amidst these revelations, Alberich remains resolute in his controversial decision to take Mana, despite warnings of her instability. Meanwhile, a deeper mystery of elfology emerges—a rare, dramatic surge in an elf’s magical capacity that defies understanding. This chapter navigates through ethical dilemmas, emotional wounds, and the enigma of magical phenomena.