The chamber lit up as Haruki stepped toward the crystal, the glow intensifying with every step. The energy in the air shifted, humming like the low notes of a song only the mountain could hear.
Kaede’s hand clenched into a fist at her side, her sharp voice breaking the silence. “Stop, Haruki. There has to be another way.”
Haruki paused, his back to her. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of something rare—vulnerability. “Kaede, you’re always the one with the plan. But sometimes, the plan just... sucks. This is the least crappy choice we’ve got.”
Her chest tightened as she fought the urge to shout or grab him and drag him away. Instead, her words came out low and fierce. “You’re a coward if you think this is noble. It’s just running away.”
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UNSPOKEN WORDS
Haruki turned to face her, and for once, his ever-present grin was gone. His eyes met hers, unwavering.
“Running away? Maybe. But you’re the one who keeps saying we’re a team. Well, this is me pulling my weight.”
Kaede’s heart twisted. She wanted to scream at him, shake him, make him see how much they needed him. But the words refused to come.
Behind her, Mira’s voice cracked. “There has to be something else we can do. Ryo, say something!”
Ryo looked down, his grip tightening on his axe. “Haruki’s made up his mind. Sometimes... being part of a team means letting someone make the hard call.”
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A WORLD APART
The crystalline figure gestured toward Haruki. “Step forward, and your bond with the mountain will begin. Once the process is complete, you will remain here, sustaining its power.”
Haruki looked back at the group, his lopsided smirk making a weak return. “Hey, don’t look so down. I’ll make this place cozy. Maybe add a minibar or something.”
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Mira’s shoulders shook, tears streaming down her face. “You idiot! This isn’t funny!”
Haruki’s gaze softened. “I know, Mira. But if we don’t fix this, there won’t be anything left to laugh about.”
Kaede took a step forward, her voice breaking. “You don’t get to make this decision alone. We’re supposed to do this together.”
Haruki gave her a small smile. “You’ll be fine, Kaede. You always are.”
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THE BONDING RITUAL
The crystal’s light engulfed Haruki as he touched its surface. The air vibrated with an otherworldly hum, and a faint, golden thread extended from the crystal to his chest.
Haruki winced but didn’t step back. Instead, he turned to look at Kaede one last time.
“You’ll keep them safe, right?” he said softly.
Kaede’s voice wavered. “Don’t do this...”
But it was too late. The golden thread brightened, wrapping around Haruki until he was barely visible. His form began to fade, merging with the crystal’s glow.
Kaede’s knees hit the ground, her hand reaching out as if she could pull him back. “Haruki!”
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THE AFTERMATH
The light receded, and the chamber returned to silence. The crystal now glowed with a steady, golden light, its surface reflecting the faces of those left behind.
Kaede rose to her feet slowly, her expression unreadable. She walked to the crystal, placing a hand on its cool surface.
The faintest whisper echoed from within.
“Hey, boss... still here.”
Her breath caught, and she quickly withdrew her hand. The group gathered around her, their faces pale and solemn.
Mira wiped her tears with a shaky hand. “Is... is he really gone?”
Kaede didn’t answer, her gaze fixed on the crystal.
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A NEW MISSION
The voice from earlier returned, its tone softer. “The mountain is restored, but your journey is not over. The chaos that spread from here must be quelled. You carry the burden of ensuring this balance endures.”
Kaede’s jaw tightened. “Then tell us where to start.”
The ground beneath them shifted, revealing a path that led upward. The figure’s voice echoed again. “Follow the light. The world awaits your strength.”
Ryo adjusted his axe, his face grim. “Let’s get moving. We’ve still got work to do.”
Mira nodded, her voice small but determined. “For Haruki.”
Kaede lingered for a moment, her hand brushing against the crystal one last time.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” she muttered. “We’re not done yet.”
The faintest chuckle came from within the crystal.
And with that, Kaede turned, leading the group back into the unknown