The moon bathed the sanctuary in its silver light, illuminating the ancient tiles and the talismans swaying in the gentle night breeze. Yoshinori, his posture slightly stooped, walked Kazuo toward the exit, their footsteps echoing softly on the worn stone path. Despite the calm surrounding them, Kazuo could sense a heaviness in the air—a weight reflected in the words the old man was about to speak.
"The second phase is complete. You've shown discipline and skill, Kazuo," Yoshinori began, his hands clasped behind his back. "But this is only a step along your journey."
Kazuo nodded silently, his thoughts still lingering on the exercises he'd just finished. Mastering occult energy had drained him, yet he felt an odd sense of peace, as though a fragile balance had settled within him.
"What comes next?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.
Yoshinori stopped walking and turned to face Kazuo, his gaze serious and almost piercing.
