"To superheroes, our bodies are the conduits for our power," Lara explained, her voice devoid of its usual steel. "The flow of Qi requires a complete internal circuit. When you lose a limb, the circuit breaks. The energy leaks, or worse, it backflows and causes internal damage. He can still use his power in small bursts, but he can no longer sustain a combat rhythm. He's a liability in the field now."
She looked away, her gaze landing on a passing high-tier hero draped in silk and gold. "The only hope for someone like him is a prosthetic—an artefact forged by master artisans that can mimic the natural flow of Qi. But those aren't just expensive; they're legendary. Finding an artisan willing to work for a mid-tier branch officer is a challenge most don't survive."
"So they're simply going to throw him away? Like that?!" Lucy's voice cracked.
