The fissure's tumultuous energy had finally calmed, leaving drifting embers and floating stones scattered across the fractured sky island. Smoke curled lazily into the clouds, and the faint pulsing of the Ethereal Soul lingered, as if observing.
Zephyr descended from the swirling winds, landing lightly on a floating platform. His robe rippled in the breeze, eyes glowing faintly with approval.
"Impressive," he said, voice resonant yet calm. "All of you have grown… far beyond what I expected."
Isaac, still catching his breath, wiped ash from his face.
"Zephyr… thank you. We couldn't have done it without you."
Zephyr shook his head.
"You didn't need me for the fights… just guidance. The courage, the skill, the teamwork… that is all yours. And Lucy—"
He gestured toward the young girl, who was now standing safely behind Helena's protective light. "She will remain under my care for the time being. Until your ordeals are complete, she stays out of danger. I trust you understand."
Isaac nodded.
"We do. Thank you."
⸻⸻⸻
KAEL'S BLATANT CRUSH
Kael, however, had other concerns. His horns twitched, eyes locked on Lucy as she adjusted her cloak and brushed ash from her hair. His usual goofy grin widened into something more… foolishly hopeful.
Kael shuffled closer, trying to act nonchalant.
"Hey… Lucy… uh… so, I kinda—uh… well, you know… I think you're… really cool. Like… super cool."
Lucy looked at him, blinking.
Kael's words stumbled out faster than a burning arrow:
"And brave! And… hot? I mean… not literally! Unless… flames!"
Isaac facepalmed.
Helena pinched the bridge of her nose.
Lucy blinked once, deadpan.
"Thanks… but I'm… not… interested."
Kael's jaw dropped.
"What? No… I mean… I can fight! I can save you! I can—"
Lucy waved, serene as ever.
"You just did. And that's enough."
Kael's horns drooped.
Isaac snickered.
"Maybe stick to swinging that giant sword instead of your heart."
Helena giggled softly.
"Kael… this isn't about romance… yet."
Kael muttered to himself, sulking but still glowing faintly with embarrassment:
"Rude… I save lives and get rejected… I should burn something."
⸻⸻⸻
ZEPHYR'S DIMENTIONAL FRACTURE
Zephyr's expression softened as he observed the interactions, shaking his head slightly at Kael's antics. Then he raised a hand. The wind shifted violently, creating a swirl of light and shadow in the space ahead of them.
"This is a dimensional fracture," Zephyr explained. "It will send you back to Earth. Your journey here is far from over, but for now… you need grounding, rest, and preparation for what comes next."
Isaac looked at the swirling portal.
"Can we come back?"
Zephyr smiled faintly. "Yes. I am granting you a spell to open a dimensional fracture at will. With it, you can travel back here when necessary—or call for me if danger arises. Use it wisely. Abuse it, and the rifts will collapse."
Helena raised an eyebrow.
"Is it complicated?"
Zephyr shook his head.
"No. Concentrate on the flow of energy, call the fracture, and channel your intent. Your connection to the Soul and your own abilities will guide you."
Kael's eyes gleamed.
"Wait… I can go back and swing my sword in this crazy floating island anytime?"
Zephyr gave him a stern look.
"Yes… but try not to burn yourself—or the universe—on your first attempt."
Kael blinked, then grinned sheepishly.
"…Yeah, probably gonna do that anyway."
⸻⸻⸻
LEAVING THE FISSURE
Isaac, Kael, and Helena stepped toward the swirling fracture. The wind tugged at their clothes and hair, the fissure's light reflecting in Lucy's wide eyes. She smiled faintly.
"Be careful," she whispered.
Isaac nodded, gripping his knives, feeling Irithel's echoes surge within him.
"We will. And we'll find the answers… and stop anyone who comes for the Soul."
Kael adjusted his broadsword, flames faintly flickering along the edge, a mischievous grin returning.
"Yeah… and maybe I'll finally impress someone without burning them… hopefully."
Helena floated beside him, serene but alert.
"Focus on surviving first, Kael."
With a gust of wind and a swirl of light, the trio vanished through the dimensional fracture, leaving the fissure behind, the Ethereal Soul's faint pulsing still echoing in the void.
Zephyr watched them go, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"The hunters are moving. The lords are aware. And the Soul… it waits for the next chapter."