"Melu, level me up!"
Tarnished shouted with tremendous confidence, but-
Nothing happened.
Because "leveling up" took place entirely on a mental level, nothing would happen in the physical world.
But Miquella and Leda were utterly baffled.
Level up... what did that mean?
Some kind of incantation?
Or some sort of ritual?
Marika's blessing only applied to the Tarnished, so neither of them had any concept of "leveling up."
But Leda knew all too well how cunning Tarnished was. Suspecting another underhanded trick, she held off on attacking and stood ready with her sword, prepared to counter whatever he tried.
And while she waited, she witnessed something even stranger-
Tarnished reached into his clothes and pulled out a brilliantly golden orb!
Its light was dazzling. The instant it appeared, it illuminated all of the Shadow Keep as brightly as day, like a miniature sun!
"What is that?!"
Blinded by the glare, Rellana hurriedly raised a hand to shield her eyes.
Lansseax, Vila, Maren, and the others turned away and shut their eyes as well. Even Messmer narrowed his eyes.
The light was so pure that it was almost painful, as though they were staring directly at the Erdtree itself!
Only Miquella remained unmoving.
Though dazzling, the golden light could not affect his vision. He stared blankly at the glowing orb in Tarnished's hand, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Is that... a rune?"
For once, his voice wavered, carrying a faint tremor. "But its power... is far too immense. It could even rival the Great Runes held by the demigods."
He paused, his brows furrowing. "There are only so many Great Runes. The demigods of the Shattering each held one, and I have never heard of an additional one. Where did you get it?"
Tarnished grinned at that.
Bathed in golden light,