Chapter 172.1 - Otherself

<Two weeks ago, Evergreen Mansion> 

Maya sat cross-legged on the floor of her room, the dim light of enchanted lamps casting soft, shifting hues against the walls. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of mana crystals embedded in her desk and shelves. She had prepared carefully for this moment: wards etched into the floor to contain any sudden bursts of psychic energy, a mana-isolating band on her wrist to ground her if needed, and a small vial of specially brewed calming elixir resting nearby, just in case. 

Her fingers brushed against the amulet Astron had given her, feeling the cool, intricate patterns under her touch. It felt alive in a way, pulsing faintly with a steady rhythm like a heartbeat. She took a slow breath, centering herself as she gripped the amulet in both hands. 

"This is just another part of me," she murmured to herself, the words firm yet gentle. "Nothing I can't handle."