I've been thinking about making Dr. Walnut's tech have a more biological look to it and thought that the old nodes and cables design of Nova's current ref was too cumbersome and would be a liability in a fight, and then I came up with the idea for vein-like wires spreading out from Nova's mechanical bits in lightning-bolt patterns. These would light up in place of the cables when he's charging energy, and I think they also add to the unfinished, haphazard nature of his creation.

As for Volume 3, I got an outline all laid out and started drafting chapters, but I keep second guessing myself about every little thing and am really doubting my writing abilities right now. I think I need to take a step back and reevaluate what this volume needs to do, as I am particularly worried about Hidden and Xavier's relationship and want to use this volume to properly flesh it out without them feeling like they are too antagonistic to be friends. With so many volumes to write though (ten for just this first arc!) I can't stop worrying that if I'm not making constant progress then I'll never be able to tell all the stories I want to in Wings of Fire: Salvation.

Also for context Nova is a cybernetically enhanced clone of Darkstalker with energy manipulation powers who was created by the villainous human mad scientist Dr. Thaddeus Walnut.