[ Maruki does brighten a little when he looks over to see a new face – a mask of cheer for someone who doesn't know him well yet, and some desire to give off a good impression. ]

Gaius-san. It's nice to see you in the flesh.

[ And then his attention turns back to the crystal with a huff of a sigh. ]

I share that trepidation. One has to wonder why he doesn't simply take our powers as he did when we first arrived here... Then again, one also has to wonder why he allows them to be regained at all.