The heavy doors of the second chamber shut behind them with a low rumble, dust and echoes settling into silence. Jin and Velka stepped into a grand corridor, their shoulders grazed by the golden sigils etched into the temple walls.
Suddenly, the deep, resonant voice of the Temple echoed through the stillness.
"The time of trial is complete. Rest now. Let the stars above embrace you before the next begins."
Before either of them could speak, a rippling portal opened before them—oval-shaped, rimmed with silver energy, and glowing like the surface of a calm moon.
Without hesitation, they stepped through.
They emerged on soft earth.
A warm breeze touched their skin.
The temple had transported them to a serene oasis—a hidden realm locked beneath the stars. It was night, but the sky above was alive—no clouds, just galaxies swirling above like brushstrokes on a celestial canvas. A sapphire-blue lake shimmered nearby, surrounded by smooth stones and swaying grass kissed by moonlight.
Velka's eyes sparkled.
She twirled once, her golden hair catching the starlight. "This is… beautiful," she whispered.
Her gaze shifted toward the lake. "And thanks Tumaru… I can finally wash off all this blood."
Before Jin could reply, Velka was already walking toward the lake with confident, barefoot steps.
Jin remained behind, allowing her space. He lifted his hand slowly and muttered, "Emerge from shadow—Eres, Nyxses."
From his shadow, two ripples formed, like stones dropped into water. The tendrils of pure darkness slithered out silently, taking shape.
Eres, scampered forward with a playful growl. He was all soft fur, tiny horns, and vibrant scales along her back. His eyes glowed with innocence and excitement.
Nyxses, stepped out next, His wings folding like curtains of living fire. He bowed her head slightly to Velka, his glowing eyes emanating a calm, protective aura.
Velka turned, startled by their sudden presence. "You finally brought them out."
Jin replied calmly, "Yes."
She stepped closer, studying Eres and Nyxses. "You… bound them? Like a necromancer?"
Jin shook his head. "Not exactly. It's a space I created—Shadow Domain. I can store beings, objects, even concepts within. It exists beneath reality, stitched to my presence."
He flexed his fingers, and one of the tendrils emerged from his shadow—swaying like a serpent before vanishing.
"It can devour. Hide. Protect. But it comes with a cost," he added, his voice low. "Darkness is not tamed easily."
Velka watched him quietly for a moment, her smile softening. "You've changed. You don't talk like a tyrant anymore."
Jin smiled faintly. "Maybe it's the stars."
Later, the sound of water echoed gently.
Jin stood waist-deep in the lake. The water was cool, not cold, and crystal clear. Ripples moved around him, and the moon glowed above like a silent witness. He dipped his head, letting the water cleanse him. The blood, dust, and pain of combat slipped away.
His thoughts drifted to another world.
To Lia. To Lysander. To Kaelros. To the others he'd left behind.
"Are they alright now?" he murmured.
The softest breeze passed him, and for a moment, he imagined Nyrenth watching over them.
He sighed. "I hope they have found peace… even if I can't have mine yet."
And then—
A voice. Not a voice, really. A song.
"Where the stars light the stream,
And the moon paints a dream,
I sing to the winds,
Let my heart gently gleam.
With laughter in air,
And stardust in hair,
No sorrow to bind me,
Just peace everywhere."
A gentle, humming melody filled the air. Soft, pure… like starlight spun into sound.
He turned slowly, eyes narrowing in curiosity.
The sound came from the left side of the lake, behind a curtain of moonlit mist. He moved carefully, quietly, pushing aside reeds and stepping over stones.
Then he saw her.
Velka was in the water, her back turned to him. Her long, golden hair cascaded down, soaking wet, clinging to her bare shoulders. She hummed peacefully, eyes closed, floating lightly on her back with a look of absolute serenity.
Jin's eyes widened. A faint blush crept to his cheeks.
He turned instantly and faced away, clearing his throat, trying to stay composed.
But the water shifted behind him.
She had noticed.
Velka's voice was amused. "Peeking, Jin ?"
"I wasn't," Jin replied quickly. "I followed the song. I didn't know it was you."
She chuckled softly, wading closer. "Relax. I don't mind. Not after what we've survived."
There was a pause. The wind whispered.
"Did you like the song?" she asked.
"I did," he said honestly.
"I learned it from my mother… centuries ago."
"…It's beautiful."
"So are you," she said under her breath, before laughing and splashing a little water toward him. "Now turn around, man. Let a lady finish bathing."
Afterward, the two of them lay side by side on the grassy hill, clothes dry, hair slightly damp. The lake shimmered beside them, and the stars swirled above like slow-dancing fireflies.
Velka let out a breath of awe. "It's like the sky itself is singing."
Jin, lying beside her with one arm behind his head, nodded slowly. "The stars… they're the last truth we can't change. They burn, they die, they're reborn. No matter what we do… they remain."
She turned her head toward him. "You speak like an old sage."
"I am an old sage," he replied, smiling.
"How old are you then?" she teased.
"Ladies first," he countered.
Velka gave a sly grin. "432."
Jin turned his head sharply. "What?"
She laughed. "What, you thought I was a young elf maiden? I'm older than most empires."
He chuckled in disbelief. "I'm also 432."
Now she turned to him in shock. "No way."
"It's true and you are the youngest overlord."
A beat passed. Then both of them burst out laughing.
"Well then," Velka said between giggles, "We're both ancient relics."
"Speak for yourself," Jin smirked. "I still look good."
"Oh? Modesty didn't survive those 432 years, I see."
She yawned gently and turned toward him, curling slightly on the soft grass.
"…Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?"
"For saving me twice."
Jin didn't reply. He didn't need to.
She smiled softly, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Goodnight, Jin"
He looked up at the night sky.
"…Goodnight, Velka."
And under the endless cosmos, they rested—two warriors with 98 trials ahead, and a bond quietly deepening beneath the stars.