The road leading from the kingdom wound through glowing meadows and old, whispering trees. The sun dipped low, painting the sky with warm golds and oranges. It was almost peaceful... almost.
Kai flipped a rice ball into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully as he sat on the back of a slow-moving spirit beast.
"I know we're headed to a place called the Hollow Vault, but can we pause at a hot spring or something first? These vibes are way too grim."
Ren (smirking): "Only if you're paying."
Haru (grumbling): "Let him pay. He owes me from that last training match."
Aiko chuckled, walking beside Yuki. Her fingers were glowing faintly as she spun a tiny orb of light between them.
"You're all loud… but it's kind of nice. Like we're real people again."
Yuki walked quietly, the weight of the scythe on his back, but a rare smile crossed his face.
"I don't remember the last time it felt this… calm."
Himari, ahead of them, stopped briefly and turned. Her voice was soft.
"It won't last. So let's not waste it."
They stopped at a small ridge overlooking a quiet village below... lights twinkling in the dusk. They set up camp near a clear stream, and for once, there were no battles, no visions, no ancient beings whispering in the void. Just laughter, bad jokes, training, and stories by firelight.
Tiny Moments That Matter...
Ren and Jinrai spar lightly, both testing out new rhythms, and Ren surprisingly lets loose a genuine laugh when Kai throws a potato at him mid-spin.
Haru trains in silence, punching trees until bark explodes... until Aiko drapes a towel over his head and scolds him with a smile.
Himari quietly tends to everyone's gear, adding minor enchantments as she hums an old song that makes Yuki pause... he knows that song from his dreams.
Yuki sits beside Kairo, who has been unusually quiet.
"Something's coming," Kairo says finally, opening one eye. "But for once, it's not screaming. Just… watching."
The night ends with the group asleep. Yuki stares into the stars. And in the woods, unseen by all, a pair of hollow golden eyes glint… then vanish.
The Depths of the Forgotten Forge...
Akuro stood before the heart of the forge, embers dancing across his crimson scarf. The chamber pulsed like a beating heart. Every few seconds, the walls seemed to whisper in an old language... long before the mythic age.
Ashir, standing beside a newly shaped blade glowing faintly, watched him.
"The Vault is about to awaken… and your mark will guide him."
Akuro stared into the fire. "The one who bears the scythe will be tested. But so will the rest. We need to be ready."
Ashir placed his hand on the pommel of a blade made for no one yet. "Even gods forget where they came from… that vault doesn't."
The Hollow Vault – Outer Edge...
The group arrives. Towering iron doors covered in ancient script. The air is heavy... like it remembers battles long past. Cracks on the ground pulse faintly.
Kai whistles. "So… who votes we don't go inside first?"
Ren, already walking forward, places a hand on the door. His soulbond blade Jinrai hums softly.
Yuki steps forward, his scythe reacting... the black edge begins to glow faint blue.
"It's calling to something inside. Or someone."
Suddenly, a flare of mythic energy bursts out. The doors unlock with a deep clang, and slowly swing open.
Inside the Hollow Vault...
The inside is vast. Not stone… but memories hardened into space. Flickering scenes of wars, betrayals, and sacrifices swirl along the walls.
Each person is drawn to a different chamber... a separate trial.
Ren enters a wind-swept arena with echoing thunder... to prove his spirit is still his own.
Haru faces a massive beast forged from compressed pain... a trial of emotional control.
Kai finds himself in a dark chamber filled with weaponry. And in the center, Ashir stands waiting with folded arms.
Ashir: "You're late."
Back to Yuki...
Yuki stands before a sealed chamber. A thin line of void energy cracks the air.
Kairo, beside him, eyes narrowed. "This is yours. But remember what it cost me. And what it might cost you."
Yuki enters. Inside... shadows twist, and a younger version of himself steps out of the darkness.
Young Yuki (voice echoing): "You can't wield a scythe like this unless you know who you really are."