“What was that?” Lukai directed his question to Taj.

  Luna was holding Si.

  Taj was healing him, though Si looked all right. He had to vomit for around three minutes, which Lukai also measured.

  Shadows’ fighters were called to clean the space and take away all the left Crystals.

  “It was a blast from the Gate, very concentrated and directed at Si. Source unknown, not from anything here around,” Taj answered. “I blocked it and then destroyed it; surely it was a surprise for the attacker.”

  There was silence for a moment. Taj was healing Si without words, but after a moment, he added.

  “The Gate then became inactive. When this energy in a neutral state appeared, the Gate was not activated. Only when the energy sparks and Shadows waves went through did the Gate show signs of activation. I counted three sparks then, and one, this last attack aimed at Si; it was the fourth. You need to check the data from the Gates net.”

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  “For sure another no ID Gate,” Lukai said gloomily.

  “Correct.” Taj nodded. “But let’s check. Si, Lukai—later we need to talk. I am certain what navigated it. Si has to feel better… o? Lukai?” Taj asked.

  Lukai looked at him.

  “I extracted a vast amount of energy. I must release it somewhere. Any ideas where?”

  “To the arena would be the best,” Lukai said.

  “Good, let’s go then. It coincides with your situation, correct?” Taj asked further.

  “You can detect it? Yes, I need to go back to the OFF. I feel my shield was damaged, and energies are colliding.”

  Taj nodded again.

  “Luna? You can stay here for a moment until Shadows arrive; take care of Si. Come to us later—the same Gate as before?” Taj directed his question to Lukai.

  He confirmed.

  “Give my Crystal to Lukai; I need to go there too,” Taj added.

  Hearing it, Lukai felt excitement growing in him. Did it mean he would have Crystal in his hands? Could he then do something about it?

  Luna, without a word, handed Crystal to him.

  Taj’s projection was already walking to the Gate. Lukai followed.

  On his way, he had an additional thought: he would share it with Si later—they should use the attack on Si to stir up Unio politics.

  Who and how would react upon hearing that Shadows future Lord, the one that could destroy the energy forms, was injured in… an assassination?

  They could create a story about it and observe. Si could use his own old joke, his ghost costume, and fabricate something thrilling about the attempt. The legend about Si should start circulating. Someone’s patience would potentially blow up.