[i]Oh come on! He had to ask that now?[/i] Adele’s gaze swiveled over to Zach. She didn’t answer immediately, torn between being polite and getting Haine to crack, but she finally decided against putting more pressure on the shy guy. She’d just have to remember that his exceptional hearing could be useful later—all the more reason to get on his good side. Rook was getting more intriguing by the second, too: who’d have thought he was just as happy to spy on his commanding officers?

“This must be your first time seeing Oester tech.” Adele turned, a smug smirk on her face. It was about time the White Guard learned exactly how much they’d gained in recruiting her. “The best machines we’ve been able to put together are those based on totemic crystals—synthetic gems created by flame fusion. Most processes use what we call a “totem extension” to activate and control the crystals: these ‘extensions’ are glyphs based on the crystal’s matrix that connect crystal to machine. In short, the crystals and the patterns used to control them make up one totem composed of two significant parts—hence it being called a totemic machine. Back home, they simply call it cryst-power.”

Had anyone followed her thus far? Probably not, which was all the more reason to go on. “Of course, my little friend here doesn’t use the same totem extension despite using the same crystals, although the basic theories are very similar. You’ll see what I mean if you’re lucky enough to see me in action.”