Thick black smoke engulfed the battlefield. Zara stood atop the ruins, her breath ragged. The Spirit Relic in her hand felt heavier, as if it too could sense the burden of the decision she had to make. Before her, the darkness raged without mercy. And Kael… stood at the peak of the crumbling temple tower, his eyes blood-red, his soul tainted black.
But amidst the chaos…
Zara heard an old voice.
"Zara… if one day the world changes, promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Don't ever let your heart die."
—Flashback: Two Years Ago—
Zara and Kael sat on the edge of the cliff of the first dimension they had discovered. A soft breeze drifted by, and the stars in the sky seemed closer than ever.
Zara chuckled. "Sometimes you sound like an old soul, Kael. So full of philosophy."
Kael smiled as he gazed at the sky. "It's because I know this world won't always be beautiful. You're going to face a lot ahead. But… if one day I become your enemy…"
Zara laughed. "Don't be ridiculous."
Kael looked at her—serious. "I mean it, Zara. If I change… fight me. Don't let me destroy everything."
Zara fell silent. Then, she took his hand.
"I won't let you be lost. I promise."
—Back to the present—
Zara closed her eyes. That memory weighed even heavier on her heart. That promise… had become a wound. Kael had changed. But the most painful part was that she had failed to keep her promise: "I won't let you be lost."
Ayla emerged from the smoke. "Zara, we can't wait any longer. If we don't destroy that creature, the dimensional borders will collapse. All worlds will merge—and fall."
Zara nodded, though her eyes still lingered on Kael.
"I'll fight. But I want to try one last time. To bring his heart back. If I fail… then I'll end it all."
Ayla hesitated. "You still… love him?"
Zara gave a bitter smile. "Feelings like that don't fade so easily."
With steady steps, Zara leapt toward the tower where Kael stood. The light of the Relic flared brighter—this time, not to attack. But to bring back memories… love… and wounds that had never truly healed.