Kaito climbs the steps that take him back to the top of the chamber, the heavy pickaxe slung over his shoulder and the Lunar Crystals carefully stored in his inventory. His body is sore and tired, but determination burns in his eyes. He knows that he has made significant progress by collecting all these Moon Crystals, and this drives him on.
However, when he finally climbs onto the lid of the chamber, he looks around but doesn't see Aria, his mount, anywhere.
"Aria?" Kaito calls out, his voice echoing through the empty corridors.
However, the only sound he hears next is the distant echo of his own voice, quickly dissipating between the tunnels. Kaito frowns and looks around more carefully. Aria would never abandon him like that. She's loyal, though not very brave, and even accompanied him there. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling a wave of worry grow inside him.
