It was the late hours of the evening. Most aboard the corvette were asleep.Within a room hidden away in a dark corner of the ship, reeking of blood and brine, Eri studied a corpse.He was not alone. Kalisa stood beside him, looking hungrily at the pressure-crushed body of Admiral Rann.“It is not often I get to perform an autopsy on a Jewelled Core. Maelric was an initially interesting specimen to dissect, but overall ended up a disappointment,” Kalisa said. “There was nothing special about his constitution save for the fact that he was a Sapphire Core. No signs of Elder physiology or surgical modification. This, however—”“Will be the same, most likely,” Eri interrupted. “I doubt our friend here underwent the tender care of the Duskcrowns’ surgeons.”Kalisa looked at him curiously. “The admiral was able to use Demonic Artes without signs of corruption. That in and of itself is noteworthy. Given the Duskcrowns' track record thus far of producing Chosens with unnatural and powerful abilities, it seemed likely they are the ones responsible.”Eri remained unconvinced. “Let’s not waste time. A Sapphire-Core body isn’t going to be easy to cut through, and I only have one arm. I’ll be relying heavily on you.”“Is that the only reason you invited me? To make up for your missing arm?” Kalisa teased. “I’m hurt my assistant thinks so little of me.”Eri sighed. “We don’t have all night. Let’s begin. Start with a standard Y-incision, medial to lateral…”Few needless words were exchanged after that. Eri and Kalisa had conducted surgeries together countless (...)