Silence still reigned in the temple, heavy, almost sacred. Dust floated in the air like an ancient veil. Ikku lowered his eyes… and saw it.
The ring.
It rested there, simply, as if it had always been waiting for him.
He picked it up carefully, the way one might grasp a fragile promise, and slid it onto his finger.
The moment the metal touched his skin, a storm of emotions washed through him.
Fear.
Pain.
Exhaustion.
But also pride.
Confirmation.
Yes.
Trials are worth it.
Those willing to risk their lives to reach their goal are the ones who truly achieve it.
Ikku slowly raised his head toward the ceiling, eyes burning.
"You see that, Jack? I finally did it."
Suddenly, the silence shattered.
— IKKUUUUUUUUU!!
His friends rushed toward him. Kenny reached him first, nearly out of breath.
— Now that was something, he said with a brilliant smile. Your performance was perfect.
Carla threw her arms around him, holding him tightly.
— I knew you'd make it…
Yumé stepped closer, eyes locked on the ring.
— So that's what a jewel looks like…?
Ikku looked at them really looked.
Everything they had gone through together.
Every time they supported him.
Every time they pulled him back from the edge.
His tears rose. He didn't try to stop them.
— You guys… from the bottom of my heart… thank you.
— No need to thank us, said Kenny with confidence. We're a team. We win and lose together.
— He's right, added Carla. Now, we should leave this temple.
Ikku nodded.
Together, they walked away. Their footsteps echoed through the stone halls.
The Return to the Living
When they returned to the underground kingdom, a wave of cheers greeted them.
Smiles.
Cries of joy.
Tears.
They were welcomed as heroes.
The Elder approached, accompanied by Koman and Ilia.
Ikku bowed deeply.
— Great Elder, Koman, Ilia… we never could have succeeded without you. We are eternally grateful.
— It is we who owe you gratitude, for bringing Ilia back, replied the Elder. The jewel is nothing compared to that.
Ilia examined the ring with serious eyes.
— What is this jewel capable of?
Ikku exhaled slowly.
— In exchange for a portion of my lifespan… I can destroy whatever I choose.
A chill ran through the crowd.
— That is a terrifying power, said Koman. It would be best if no one knew of its existence when you return to the outside world.
— Yes, I thought the same, Ikku replied.
Yumé stepped forward.
— Ikku, did you hear earlier? That knight mentioned someone named Leo. What do you think that meant?
— I have no idea, said Ikku. I heard it too, but I don't think it matters for now.
Kenny stretched his shoulders.
— I think it's time we head home.
— Yesss! said Carla. I don't know about you, but Master Zeno, I really miss him!
— I know what you mean, said Ikku with a gentle smile. I can't wait to see him.
— You think he still eats as fast as always? asked Yumé.
— No doubt about it, replied Carla, bursting into laughter. The others followed instantly.
The Road Back
They set out on the journey.
The first trip had taken more than a month.
But now, their bodies were hardened, their spirits sharp.
This time, the return took less than three weeks.
And when they finally emerged onto the surface…
The sky.
Blue. Vast. Alive.
— I never thought I'd be so happy to see the sky, Kenny breathed.
— I completely agree, said Yumé, lifting his arms toward the sun. Months without sunlight… I feel alive again.
Carla raised a question:
— So, how do we get back to Kul-Elna?
— We just contact Master Zeno. He'll send a plane, Kenny replied.
— Right, but… our phones are all dead, Carla reminded them.
Ikku smiled.
— Not a problem. We're right next to Saymar. If we return to the LVD district, we'll have everything we need.
They walked only a few minutes before reaching it.
Ikku was welcomed by all the LVD members.
Hugs. Stories. Laughs.
He told them about the trials.
They told him about Now that Saymar was independent.
He was home.
Once his phone was charged, Ikku sent a message.
Instant reply.
Plane landing in Saymar airport in 30 minutes.
They headed there.
The plane was already waiting.
And Zeno stood beside it.
Expressionless. As always.
They tackled him in a full-force group hug.
— MASTEEEER ZENOOOOO!!
He collapsed under the weight.
— Easy… easy… you're suffocating me…
— We're so happy to see you again! said Yumé.
— You did miss us, right? added Carla.
— We have so much to tell you! said Ikku.
— And you're treating us to food, aren't you? concluded Kenny.
— Calm down. Get on the plane first. Then we'll eat. You must be starving.
— The Topura tribe's food? Yeah, I'm not gonna miss that, Kenny laughed, triggering another wave of laughter.
Kul-Elna… and Tenma
They arrived in Kul-Elna.
Reported to the King.
He understood the scale of the discovery.
— This information must remain secret. Even within Nexus.
Then:
— Your rooms have been cleaned and prepared. Rest well.
They left with Zeno.
— So now, Master Zeno? asked Kenny.
— Now… we go eat.
But a distant voice suddenly thundered:
— MAAASTER ZENOOOOOOOO!!
Zeno sighed deeply.
— That child will never learn…
Ikku turned.
A young man was sprinting toward them. Fast. Too fast.
— Is that…? Ikku whispered.
— IKKUUUUUU!!
Tenma.
Exactly the same. Full of life.
He jumped—
Ikku didn't even have time to brace—
Both crashed to the ground in a tangled mess of limbs.
— I'm so happy to see you! I didn't know you were back!!
Ikku burst out laughing.
— It's been a while, Tenma. How are Fenrir and Nina?
— They're great! They'll be here soon, I ran ahead!
But then… Tenma's expression shifted.
His eyes sharpened.
His presence grew heavier.
— Ikku.
— Yes?
— I can feel it.
You've gotten stronger.
I want to see it for myself.
Let's fight again.
Ikku's lips curved into a slow, confident smile.
— Very well.
In two days.
They stood facing each other.
The air already crackled.