---
Dabi watched the frail woman's form begin to flicker, her ethereal glow waning like a fading ember.
Her hollow eyes, which moments before had locked onto his with a mysterious intensity, now seemed almost pleading.
Her presence, once imposing, had grown fragile, as if she could vanish at any second.
In that moment, Dabi felt a surge of empathy. Instinctively, he knelt beside her, extending his hand.
His Insight skill told him what he needed to do: he could use his own mana to stabilize her condition, to offer her strength if only temporarily.
With steady focus, Dabi began channeling his mana, a soft glow emanating from his hand as he transferred energy to her.
He felt a slight drain on his own reserves but pressed on, watching as color returned to her cheeks, her form growing more solid.
Her eyes fluttered open, clearer, though burdened by an ancient sadness.
