**Cora, Continuity & Accuracy Editor — Editorial Review: Chapter 05**

This chapter covers the immediate aftermath of the Sparring Arena disaster (Ch. 04) and the subsequent administrative interrogation by the Ministry. While the emotional beats align with the “Adult Romance” trajectory, there are significant factual and voice-profile contradictions that require immediate rectification to maintain series integrity.

### 1. STRENGTHS TO PRESERVE
*   **The 15-Foot Somatic Threshold:** The physical agony described at the 15-foot mark aligns perfectly with the "Dorian/Mira somatic threshold limits" established as an open loop in Ch. 03.
*   **The "Battery and Lens" Dynamic:** The description "I was his battery. He was my lens" (Sanctum scene) reinforces the permanent relationship shift established in Ch. 05 (Character State).
*   **Tactile Narrator (Mira):** Mira’s internal monologue remains grounded in physical sensation, consistent with her profile: "The lightning didn't fade; it settled into the marrow of my bones."

**VOICE CHECK:**
*   **Mira:** **YES.** Uses "past and rot" (furious) and the "obviously" sarcasm tell.
*   **Dorian:** **NO.** He uses "extraordinary," which his profile dictates is reserved for "maximum effect only," yet he uses it to describe a "suboptimal side effect." This dilutes his most powerful verbal tell.

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### 2. MUST-FIX — CONTINUITY
*   **The Inquisitor’s Identity:** 
    *   *Contradiction:* This chapter introduces "Inquisitor Vaneck."
    *   *Reference:* Chapter 05 (World State) establishes that the primary threat is the **"Ministry Observers"** and the **"Correction Clause."** While a specific named antagonist is fine, the narrative ignores **Kaelen** and **Lyra**, who were explicitly stated to be tending to the injured students (Aric/Elara) in the arena.
    *   *Correction:* Acknowledge Kaelen’s presence or suspicion as Vaneck enters, or clarify if Vaneck has superseded the existing observers.
*   **The "Paradox" Spelling:** 
    *   *Contradiction:* The text describes the monument as "steam-turned-glass." 
    *   *Reference:* Chapter 05 (World State/Character State) establishes this as **"The Transition Stasis"** or **"frozen steam."** 
    *   *Correction:* Ensure "Mercury-Glass" (the material of the Spire lattices) is not confused with the "Transition Stasis" (the result of the spell).
*   **Dorian’s Physical State:**
    *   *Contradiction:* This chapter says "His silver fox fur was singed."
    *   *Reference:* Chapter 05 (Character State) establishes Dorian is suffering from **"nerve-scorch"** and **"right hand scarred with 'Binary Star' sigil."** 
    *   *Correction:* The singed fur is a minor cosmetic detail; the narrative must prioritize the **sigil on his right hand**, as it is a "Permanent" character change.

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### 3. MUST-FIX — CLARITY
*   **The "Shared Casting" Logic:**
    *   *Passage:* "I felt his absolute zero, and I used it to shape the explosion."
    *   *Issue:* Earlier in the chapter, Dorian says "The Starfall energy acts as a third-party catalyst." Shortly after, Vaneck calls it a "dual-core ignition."
    *   *Fix:* Clarify if the "Paradox" was an intentional fusion or an accidental "sensory bleed." This is vital for the "World Rules" regarding how tethered magic functions.

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### 4. OPTIONAL SUGGESTIONS
*   **The Medical Debt (Optional):** Ch. 05 established that Dorian "owes Aric/Elara medical restoration." Mentioning his inability to fulfill this due to his exhaustion/quarantine would tighten the "Active Obligations" loop.
*   **Kaelen’s Suspicion (Optional):** Since Kaelen noticed the Chancellors "twined together" (Ch. 05 state), a brief mention of his watchful eyes during the exit from the arena would bridge the Character Arc transition from 15% to 20%.

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### 5. FORBIDDEN CHANGES / NON-GOALS
*   **Do not fix Mira’s run-on sentences:** "I take a breath. It was a shallow, pathetic thing, but it was air." This breathy, fragmented pace is intentional for her high-stress voice signature.
*   **Do not remove "obviously":** Even though it sounds repetitive in the Sanctum scene, it is Mira’s primary sarcasm marker.
*   **Do not smooth the "Binary Star" terminology:** The internal struggle with the "Binary Star" stability is an unresolved Ch. 02 loop; the characters' confusion about it is a plot point, not an error.

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### 6. VERDICT

**REVISE**

*Reasoning:* The misuse of Dorian's "Maximum Effect" word (*extraordinary*) violates his Non-Negotiable Voice Profile. Additionally, the narrative ignores the permanent physical marking (the sigil) established in the Ch. 05 state in favor of generic "singed fur." These must be aligned to maintain canon.