The woman walked closer, touching the back of April's head.
"Your Gear isn't fully awake yet. If it was, something would have sprouted from the back of your skull."
April jerked away.
"Sprouted? What the hell does that mean?"
The woman exhaled. "When a Gear reaches full activation, an appendage appears—almost like a crown. For you, it will take the shape of angelic wings, folded upward, forming a halo-like accessory above your forehead. That's the sign of your fully awakened Gear a.k.a a sigil."
April's head spun.
"So I still have a long way to go?"
The leader stepped forward. "Not if Ragnörak finds you first."
April's fists tightened at the mention of that name.
"Who are they?"
The woman's voice was cold. "A global syndicate. They control everything—government deals, underground crime, weapons, drugs. And now, they're collecting Gears."
April inhaled sharply.
"For what?"
The leader's eyes met hers.
"For war."