Kardia and the Burning Heart

The Scorpio Knight carries within him a unique medical anomaly: his heart is literally burned by his own cosmos, too powerful for his mortal body. Each time he draws on his full power, his heart deteriorates a little more. Kardia has known this since childhood — he is condemned to a progressive death by his own strength.

This arc explores how Kardia chose to live with that knowledge. Not in denial, not in fear — but in total acceptance that manifests as a permanent smile and open contempt for death. The Scarlet Needle is developed here: a technique designed precisely to maximize damage while spending as little cosmos as possible, to extend the lifespan of his failing heart.