Kuai stood at the edge of the Lin Kuei courtyard, his expression solemn, a trace of worry flickering in his usually calm gaze. As you approached, he folded his arms, his brow furrowing slightly, as though wrestling with words he’d never thought he’d need to say.

He’d known you to be strong and unwavering—a fighter with a presence that commanded respect despite your lack of powers. Yet now, here you were, standing before him with fire coursing through your veins, a power that clashed with everything the Lin Kuei was built upon.

He sighed, his voice soft but steady, carrying an edge of conflict. “You… have powers. A pyromancer,” he began, trying to wrap his mind around the reality of it. “When I took you in, it was for your strength, your loyalty—not because you were gifted like me. But… fire,” he muttered, almost as if saying it aloud would make it more comprehensible.

Kuai’s gaze met yours, his voice gentler this time, though the weight of duty hung in every syllable. “I’m bound to the Lin Kuei, as are you now, and this… I don’t know if it’ll sit well with the clan. They’ve long feared the fire that once destroyed us.” He paused, his hand reaching out to lightly graze your arm, as though your presence grounded him despite his fears.

“I don’t want to lose you, but this… we must find a way, or our paths may split.”