The group’s spirits were a mix of hope and trepidation as they ventured toward the Abyssal Trench, the

location of the Sea Shrine. The journey was perilous, fraught with storms, treacherous terrain, and the

looming threat of monsters.

For Kira, the thought of bringing Selvi back was the only thing keeping him moving. Her absence was a

gaping hole in their group, and every step closer to the shrine felt like a step toward redemption.

During a brief rest at a seaside cave, Kira sat alone, his sword resting across his lap. Lyria appeared beside

him, her dragon form shimmering faintly in the dim light.

“You’ve been quiet,” she said, her tone unusually gentle.

“I’m just… thinking,” Kira replied, his voice heavy. “I let her down, Lyria. I won’t let it happen again.”

The AI-turned-dragon gave him a small smile. “You’re growing, Kira. Faster than I expected. But you need to

be ready—resurrection magic isn’t without cost.”

“I’ll pay it,” he said without hesitation. “Whatever it takes.”

Lyria tilted her head, her eyes gleaming. “Good. Because the Sea Shrine is guarded by more than just

monsters. It tests your resolve, your sacrifice, and your strength. Are you prepared to fight for her?”

He gripped his sword tighter. “I am.”

The group reached the edge of the trench after days of grueling travel. The sight before them was both

awe-inspiring and terrifying—a massive chasm plunging into an oceanic abyss, with glowing bioluminescent

plants and creatures illuminating the depths.

“The Sea Shrine is at the bottom,” Lyria explained. “But the trench is guarded by powerful

entities—sentinels of the shrine who will test your worth.”

Darumu rolled her shoulders, her chi crackling around her fists. “Let them try. I’m ready to smash anything

that gets in our way.”

Mira clutched her staff, her expression determined. “For Selvi, we’ll do whatever it takes.”

Kira stepped forward, his sword glowing faintly with arcane energy. “Let’s go.”

As they descended into the trench, the water pressed against them like a living force. Kira used his arcane

magic to create a protective barrier, while Mira infused them with light magic to ward off the darkness.

The first sentinel appeared as they neared the bottom—a colossal sea serpent with shimmering scales that

reflected every color of the rainbow. Its eyes glowed with ancient power as it coiled around the group.

“I am the Guardian of the Abyss,” it rumbled. “Only those with pure intentions may pass.”

The serpent lunged, its movements swift despite its size. The battle was intense, with Kira unleashing a new

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Arcane Blade Wave technique that combined his sword skills with bursts of magic.

Darumu leaped onto the serpent’s back, her chi-infused strikes creating cracks in its shimmering scales.

Mira used her light magic to blind the beast temporarily, allowing Kira to land a decisive blow.

The serpent roared before retreating into the depths, its voice echoing in their minds. “You have proven

your resolve. Continue, but beware—the true trial lies ahead.”

At the bottom of the trench, the Sea Shrine stood like a beacon—a towering structure of coral and crystal,

pulsating with an ethereal glow. The group entered cautiously, the air thick with magic.

In the center of the shrine was an altar, its surface inscribed with runes that seemed to shift and shimmer.

Lyria examined it, her expression grave.

“This is it,” she said. “The magic to resurrect Selvi is here. But Kira… the cost will be tied to your own life

force.”

Kira stepped forward without hesitation. “Tell me what to do.”

Lyria’s dragon form shimmered, condensing into a glowing glyph that hovered above the altar. “Place the

orb here and channel your energy. The shrine will do the rest.”

Kira placed the orb on the altar, closing his eyes. The room filled with a blinding light as the magic activated,

pulling energy from him and into the orb. His body trembled as the strain mounted, but he refused to stop.

The light faded, and the orb cracked open, releasing a surge of energy. From it emerged Selvi, her body

whole but surrounded by a faint, ethereal glow. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around in

confusion.

“Kira?” she whispered.

He stumbled forward, his knees buckling from exhaustion. Darumu caught him before he fell, her expression

a mix of relief and concern.

“Selvi!” Mira cried, rushing to her side.

Selvi blinked, tears streaming down her face as she realized what had happened. “You… brought me back?”

Kira managed a weak smile. “I promised… I’d protect you.”

Selvi knelt beside him, her hands trembling. “Idiot. You almost died for me.”

“Worth it,” he murmured before collapsing into unconsciousness.

As the group tended to Kira, the shrine’s magic began to shift. The runes on the walls glowed brighter,

revealing a hidden doorway.

Lyria reappeared, her expression grim. “The shrine isn’t finished with you yet. Beyond that door lies the key

to defeating the monster that killed Selvi.”

Selvi stood, her bow glowing with renewed energy. “I’m not letting that thing get away. Not after what it

did.”

Darumu smirked, her chi flaring. “Good. I’ve been itching for payback.”

Mira nodded, her staff glowing. “Let’s end this.”

The group entered the doorway, their resolve stronger than ever. The monster awaited, and this time, they

were ready.