The air inside the cavern was colder now, as if the loss of Selvi had left a mark on the world itself. Kira’s spirit

was heavy, his movements mechanical as the group pressed forward. The faint glow of the orb in his hand

was the only thing guiding them deeper into the crystalline labyrinth.

But even in the depths of despair, hope flickered.

As they descended further into the cavern, the orb began to emit a soft, rhythmic pulse. Lyria floated beside

Kira, her expression unreadable.

“This is new,” she muttered, tilting her head.

“What’s happening?” Kira asked, his voice hoarse.

“The orb seems… agitated. It’s resonating with something,” Lyria said, her tail twitching.

Darumu stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “What does that mean? Is it a threat?”

“No,” Lyria replied, her voice softer now. “It’s not hostile. It feels… healing.”

Kira’s heart skipped a beat. “Healing? Could it—could it help Selvi?”

Lyria hesitated, her eyes meeting his. “The Ocean’s Heart holds many secrets, Kira. Some of them could be

tied to life and death itself. If we can complete the trial, there may be a way to bring her back.”

Kira’s grip on the orb tightened, his determination reigniting. “Then we’re not leaving until we find it.”

The cavern opened into a massive chamber, its walls lined with glowing crystals that seemed to pulse like a

heartbeat. In the center stood a towering altar of sapphire stone, surrounded by a swirling vortex of water

and light.

As the group approached, the vortex expanded, forming into a shimmering humanoid figure—a sentinel of

pure liquid, its eyes glowing like twin stars.

“I am the Keeper of the Heart,” the figure intoned, its voice echoing in their minds. “To claim its power, you

must prove your worth.”

Darumu stepped forward, her fists glowing with chi. “What kind of trial are we talking about?”

The Keeper raised an arm, and the room shifted. The ground beneath them warped, forming separate

platforms suspended over a chasm of swirling, endless water.

“Each of you will face your own trial,” the Keeper said. “Your greatest fear, your deepest regret, your truest

self. Only those who emerge whole may proceed.”

The platforms began to glow, and one by one, the group was separated, each transported to their own

challenge.

Kira found himself standing in a void, surrounded by mirrors. Each one reflected a different version of

himself—weak, broken, afraid.

“You’re not strong enough,” one of the reflections sneered.

“You let her die,” another whispered.

Kira clenched his fists. “I know I failed. But I’m not giving up.”

The mirrors shattered, and the void shifted. Before him stood a twisted version of Selvi, her eyes hollow, her

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

body covered in wounds.

“Why didn’t you save me?” she asked, her voice laced with pain.

“I tried,” Kira said, his voice cracking.

“But it wasn’t enough,” she replied, stepping closer. “What makes you think you’ll succeed next time?”

Kira felt the weight of her words, but he forced himself to meet her gaze. “Because I’ll keep fighting. For

you, for everyone. I won’t let this end here.”

The image of Selvi smiled faintly before dissolving into light. The void shifted again, returning him to the

chamber.

Darumu found herself in a familiar place—a burning village, her home from years ago.

“Darumu!” a voice called, and she turned to see her younger siblings running toward her, their faces

streaked with ash and tears.

She reached for them, but no matter how fast she ran, they stayed out of reach. Behind her, the fire roared,

consuming everything.

“You couldn’t save us,” the voice echoed, overlapping with her own thoughts.

Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees. “I was too weak. But not anymore.”

Her chi flared, and the flames receded. She stood, her resolve unshaken. “I won’t lose anyone else.”

The illusion faded, and she returned to the chamber.

Mira stood in a garden of withered flowers, her hands glowing with healing magic. No matter how hard she

tried, the flowers refused to bloom.

“You can’t save them,” a voice whispered. “You’re not strong enough.”

Her knees buckled as she clutched her staff. “I don’t need to be strong,” she said softly. “I just need to keep

trying.”

The garden slowly came to life, the flowers blooming in vibrant colors. Mira smiled through her tears as the

trial ended.

When they all returned to the chamber, the Keeper watched them silently. Finally, it spoke.

“You have faced your fears and proven your resolve. The Ocean’s Heart accepts you.”

The vortex expanded, revealing a crystalline pedestal with a glowing orb at its center.

Kira stepped forward, his heart pounding. As he touched the orb, a flood of energy coursed through him.

Images of Selvi flashed in his mind—her smile, her determination, her sacrifice.

Then, a voice echoed in his mind. “There is a way. Seek the Sea Shrine beneath the Abyssal Trench. But

beware—the cost will be great.”

As they left the cavern, Kira shared the revelation with the group.

“We can bring her back,” he said, his voice filled with hope. “But it won’t be easy.”

Darumu placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes fierce. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”

Mira nodded, her determination matching his. “For Selvi.”

Even Lyria seemed moved, her usual teasing replaced with a quiet resolve. “Looks like our journey just got a

lot more interesting.”

The group set their sights on the Sea Shrine, their bonds stronger than ever. But the path ahead was

treacherous, and the cost of resurrection would test them in ways they could never imagine.