Alex and Radna: They returned to the rest of the group, carefully repairing the damage they had caused, sealing fractures in the void and smoothing the warped terrain until the space felt whole again.
Sophi: She finally stepped out of the bubble, eyes still wide. "D-don't ever do that again, mister!" She tugged on Alex's jacket, her grip tight and trembling.
Alex: "Alright, I won't." He ruffled her hair, patting her head a few times in reassurance.
Uriel: His expression darkened, hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "I mean not to sow alarm among thee, yet I fear we stand no longer alone. Too long have we tarried in this place." The others stiffened instantly, slipping into defensive stances.
Valkun: "Heh… clever little Archangel." He manifested within a roaring tornado of green flame, molten cracks glowing across his massive frame as he looked down on the group. "And look at that. Fresh faces."
Radna: He tightened his grip on his hooks, chains rattling softly as he glared up at the towering volcanic tyrant. "So you're the bastard that's been causing all the problems."
Valkun: "Watch your tongue, demon." Flames coiled violently around his forearm as he raised his hand. "You're standing in front of a lord of flame."
Radna: "Lords lose to kings all the time." His eyes burned brighter. "Nothing new."
Valkun: He lifted a massive red ring, its surface pulsing with blood and fire, heat distorting the air around it. "You recognize this, don't you… Demon King."
Radna: He went still, eyes locked onto the artifact. "…Xalmoroth's Ring."
Multhi: "What is that?" He leaned forward through the group, tension clear in his voice.
Radna: "The Hell Titans' final chain." His grip tightened until the metal creaked. "If he breaks that, complete chaos breaks loose."
Valkun: "Everything sits on my shoulders now~." He glared at Multhi, his hand tightening around the ring.
????: "STOP!" A blinding radiance split the air as a golden rift tore open, its edges humming with power. Light poured out in a sweeping wave, warm and steady, washing over every soul present. As it touched their skin, pain dulled, tension loosened, and a profound sense of hope and calm settled deep within their bodies, forcing even hostile auras to waver.
Valkun: He lowered his hand slowly, flames simmering. "This cannot be…" His eyes narrowed, jaw tightening. "He is but a myth." He took a step back despite himself, though the power coursing through him helped him regain a shred of composure.
Tiffany: "He…?" She turned toward the rift, eyes widening as realization dawned. "No way… he's real." A wide smile spread across her face as she pulled Multhi close, hope surging through her veins.
Radna: He smirked, crossing his arms without even turning around. The warmth of the light was more than enough confirmation. "Star."
Star: He strode through the group, golden armor gleaming with warmth and resolve, every step radiating hope. "Things do not have to go this way, Valkun." He raised one open hand. "There must be another way to settle this dispute without further bloodshed."
Valkun: He scoffed, heat rippling from his body. "You come here to appeal to my humanity?" His grin was sharp and cruel. "That's pathetic… especially for someone as legendary as you." He lifted the ring again, eyes sweeping over the group, then paused as an idea took hold. "Still…" His smile widened. "I'll make you a deal."
Star: His expression hardened instantly. "We are not turning over Prince Multhi." He stood firm, white cape billowing behind him.
Valkun: He laughed softly, lowering the ring and slipping it away. "Relax. I don't need him." His eyes gleamed. "I propose a tournament."
Star: He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Explain."
Valkun: "Three days from now, you bring your strongest warriors." Flames coiled lazily around his shoulders. "They fight mine. No tricks. No war. Just combat." His grin turned predatory. "The fate of reality decided cleanly."
Star: He glanced back at his group, weighing the cost, then returned his gaze to Valkun. Accepting would prevent far greater destruction. "Alright." His voice was steady. "We accept your terms."
Tiffany: She opened her mouth to protest, but the resolve in his eyes stopped her. Warmth settled in her chest, and a faint blush crept across her face as she nodded silently.
Valkun: His smile stretched wider, heat rippling through the air. "Train well, and rest easy. When these three days are spent, I shall rain victorious upon you all." With a final flare of green flame, he vanished.
Star: He turned to face his friends and newfound allies, his presence steady and reassuring. "Fear not, my friends. Evil shall not rain upon us, not this day nor any to come." He gestured calmly. "We shall train our finest upon the side of light, and together, we shall vanquish this darkness."
He stepped forward, stopping before Tiffany and Multhi, then lowered himself to one knee. "I have learned of what hath befallen thee. I grieve that I was not present to shield thy parents from such cruelty." His voice softened. "Yet know this. I stand before thee now, and so long as I draw breath, I shall protect thee. Forevermore."
Multhi: He stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of Tiffany, his posture firm despite the weight of the moment. "Then I shall stand beside you." He looked Star directly in the eyes. "I wish to protect my sister. Please… allow me to train beneath your wing, Star the Golden Warrior."
Star: He studied Multhi for a long moment, golden light reflecting softly in his eyes. Then he rose and placed a hand over his heart. "You're brave, Multhi. That resolve matters." He extended a hand toward him. "I'll train you. Not just how to fight, but how to protect what matters."
Multhi: He hesitated only a moment before taking Star's hand. "I won't fail." His voice shook slightly, but his grip stayed firm.
Tiffany: She released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Thank you… Really." Her voice wavered as she bowed her head slightly.
Uriel: He stepped forward, resting the tip of his blade against the ground. "Hope hath returned unto this company. Yet, do not mistake this calm for safety. The days to come shall test thee all." His gaze swept across them. "Harden thy spirits, for trial draweth nigh."
Alex: He exhaled slowly, the last flickers of aura fading from his hands. "Three days…" He glanced at Radna, then back at Star. "We'd better get moving."
Radna: He smirked, chains clinking softly as he rolled his shoulders. "Good. I've been itching for a real fight anyway." His eyes drifted briefly toward where Valkun had vanished. "And I'd love to shut him up."
Star: A faint smile crossed his face as he looked over the group. "Then it's settled." His tone was calm but firm. "We train together. We watch each other's backs. And when those three days are over, we end this."
The last glow of the rift faded behind them, leaving only resolve, quiet determination, and the weight of what awaited them.