As the group prepared for the journey to the Ocean’s Heart, tensions and emotions began to bubble

beneath the surface. Each member of the party carried their own burdens, and the road ahead forced them

to confront these struggles.

Selvi and Darumu: A Heated Rivalry

One evening, the group made camp near a serene lagoon. The moonlight danced on the water, creating a

peaceful atmosphere—at least on the surface.

Selvi sat sharpening her arrows, her expression dark. Across the campfire, Darumu was stretching, her

toned physique on full display. The tension between them was palpable.

Finally, Selvi broke the silence. “You’re awfully smug for someone who almost got us killed at the temple.”

Darumu smirked, not bothering to look at her. “And you’re awfully talkative for someone who barely

contributed in the fight.”

Selvi’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me? My arrows saved your ass more times than I can count.”

Darumu stood, her presence commanding. “And yet you still needed me to carry Kira out when he almost

died. What were you doing, again? Oh, right—panicking.”

Selvi shot to her feet, glaring. “I don’t panic. And don’t act like you’re some kind of hero. You’re just as

reckless as he is.”

The argument escalated, their voices drawing the attention of Kira and Mira.

“Hey, hey,” Kira said, stepping between them. “What’s going on?”

“She’s got a big mouth, that’s what,” Darumu said, crossing her arms.

“And she’s got a bigger ego,” Selvi shot back.

“Enough!” Mira’s voice was firm, cutting through the tension. “We’re supposed to be a team. Fighting each

other won’t help anyone.”

Selvi huffed, turning away. Darumu sighed and sat back down, muttering under her breath.

Kira scratched his head. “Why can’t you two just get along?”

Darumu smirked. “Maybe because she’s jealous that I’m stronger.”

Selvi’s eyes flashed, but she stayed quiet, her fists clenched.

Mira placed a comforting hand on Selvi’s shoulder. “We all have strengths and weaknesses. Let’s focus on

working together, okay?”

Selvi nodded reluctantly, though her gaze lingered on Kira.

Later that night, as the camp grew quiet, Kira noticed Mira sitting by the lagoon, gazing at the water. He

approached, sitting beside her.

“You okay?” he asked.

She smiled softly. “I’m fine. Just… thinking.”

“About what?”

She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the surface of the water. “About how much things have

changed. Back home, I was just a healer in a small village. Now I’m here, facing gods and monsters.”

Kira nodded. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Mira turned to him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. “But I don’t regret it. Meeting you, and everyone

else—it’s given my life purpose.”

Kira felt a warmth in his chest. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Mira. And not just because of

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your healing magic. You keep us together.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away. “Thank you, Kira. That means a lot.”

As the group settled in for the night, Lyria perched on a rock near the fire, her tail swaying lazily. She

watched Kira with an amused expression.

“You’ve got quite the harem forming, don’t you?” she teased.

Kira groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t start, Lyria.”

She chuckled. “What? It’s true. Darumu, Selvi, Mira—they’re all drawn to you in their own way. And let’s not

forget me.”

He gave her a flat look. “You’re a part of the system.”

“Correction: I was the system. Now, I’m so much more,” she said with a wink.

Kira sighed. “I don’t even know how to handle all of this. I’m just trying to survive.”

Lyria leaned forward, her tone suddenly serious. “Then focus on what matters most. The orb chose you for

a reason, Kira. But you can’t carry this burden alone. Let them help you—let them in.”

Her words lingered in his mind as he lay down to sleep.

The next day, the group came across a natural hot spring tucked away in the jungle.

“This… might be the first good thing we’ve found all week,” Darumu said, already stripping down to her

undergarments.

Mira blushed. “Darumu! At least wait until we check if it’s safe!”

“It’s safe,” Lyria said, stepping into the water with a contented sigh. “And it’s heavenly.”

Selvi rolled her eyes but followed suit, her bow and quiver set carefully aside.

Kira hesitated, but the others insisted. Soon, the group found themselves soaking in the warm, soothing

waters.

For a brief moment, the tension melted away.

Darumu leaned back, her arms draped over the rocks. “This is exactly what we needed. A little break before

we dive back into the chaos.”

Selvi smirked. “Even you have to relax sometimes, huh?”

Darumu raised an eyebrow. “Don’t get used to it.”

Kira, sitting near the edge, tried to keep his focus on the conversation, though his gaze occasionally

wandered.

Lyria noticed and grinned. “Enjoying the view, Kira?”

He nearly choked. “What? No—I mean, yes—wait, I didn’t mean—”

The group burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the jungle.

As they packed up to leave the hot spring, Lyria’s expression grew serious.

“Kira, the closer we get to the Ocean’s Heart, the more dangerous things will become. The trial there isn’t

just about power—it’s about your soul.”

Darumu frowned. “You’ve mentioned this trial before. What exactly are we facing?”

Lyria hesitated. “The Heart will test your deepest fears, your strongest desires, and your darkest secrets. It

will strip you bare and force you to confront yourself.”

Mira shivered. “That sounds… terrifying.”

“It is,” Lyria said softly. “But it’s necessary. Only by facing the truth can you unlock the orb’s full potential.”

Kira nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “Then we’ll face it together.”

Darumu smirked, Selvi gave a small smile, and Mira reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.

As the group set off once more, their bonds felt stronger—but so did the shadows looming on the horizon.