Dawn crept over the Ravine, casting pale light through the dense canopy. The forest seemed less threatening in the soft glow, but the exhaustion in their bones reminded them the worst was yet to come.
Kaito, Hina, and Riku stood before a massive stone archway covered in ancient runes— the entrance to the Heart of the Ravine, where the final trial awaited.
Riku's expression was unreadable. "This is it. The last test before the Tensei Trial is complete."
Hina cracked her knuckles. "Let's finish this."
The archway shimmered and vanished, revealing a cavernous chamber pulsing with dark energy.
Inside, a colossal Seiki beast—twisted and crowned with black crystals—loomed. Its aura crushed the air, oppressive and immense.
The Ravine Monarch.
Kaito's Void stirred violently, but this time, the hunger was tempered by his vow.
The beast roared, sending shockwaves through the chamber.
The battle erupted in a storm of Seiki and fury.
Hina's blazing fists clashed against crystal claws, Riku's threads darted to distract and slice, while Kaito's void tendrils wove through the shadows, consuming the beast's energy.
The Ravine Monarch fought with terrifying power, each strike threatening to shatter their defenses.
At one point, the beast pinned Kaito, its black crystal maw inches from his throat.
Kaito's vision blurred, the Void whispering for release, for destruction.
He gritted his teeth, calling on his vow: "I protect what I have left."
A surge of controlled Void energy burst forth, unraveling the beast's core.
With a final, unified assault, the trio shattered the Monarch into shards of darkness and light.
Silence settled.
The chamber walls glowed with ancient script—a sign of their success.
Exhausted but victorious, they emerged from the Ravine as dawn broke fully over the horizon.
Riku smirked. "Congratulations. You've passed the Tensei Trial."
Hina grinned. "But this is just the beginning."
Kaito looked toward the rising sun, feeling the weight of his vow—and the unknown price it would demand.
Beyond the forest, a shadow moved—a silent figure watching, waiting.
A new chapter was about to unfold.