The moment Nina's blood touched the green crystal, it flared with dazzling light. Then, as if awakened, it shrank rapidly and flew straight toward the spirit pearl—sticking tightly to it.
The spirit pearl flickered in visible annoyance.
Move away. Don't touch me. Go somewhere else.
The crystal pulsed stubbornly in response.
No. I like it here. This spot is perfect.
The pearl tried to shake it off—but the crystal clung on with all its might.
Nina lowered her head, watching the two glowing beads bicker like quarrelsome children.
"Alright, that's enough. No fighting," she said with a sigh. "Little Pearl, it'll be your little brother from now on."
The spirit pearl flickered once in reluctant acceptance.
Fine.
The crystal dimmed slightly, clearly dissatisfied—but didn't dare argue.
Why did it have to be the little brother?
Even so, Nina couldn't deny the strange sense of closeness she felt toward the crystal. Whatever it was, it felt… familiar.
