The light of victory was still fresh in Orin's chest, but he knew that the hardest trials lay ahead. The Nine Worlds were safe for now, but the battle was not yet won. Even as Aurelius's voice faded into the ether, a creeping sense of dread settled over him. The figure had been a test, but there was more—far more.
Kai, ever the optimist, clapped him on the back again. "You did it, Orin! The whole world's behind you!"
Riven's brow furrowed as he scanned the horizon, his hands tightening around the hilt of his sword. "Don't get too comfortable. We're not out of the woods yet."
Orin turned to his friend, sensing the unease in his voice. "What do you mean?"
"The final trial was a test," Riven said, "but Tenebris is still out there. We haven't dealt with him yet. He was never part of this trial."
Zaria crossed her arms, her face set with determination. "Riven's right. Tenebris hasn't been sitting idly by. He's been preparing for something. And whatever that is, it's going to be far worse than anything we've faced so far."
Orin clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their words. "Then we stop him. We stop him together, no matter what it takes."
A shadow seemed to pass over the group as they stood on the edge of the chamber. It wasn't just the fading light that made the air feel colder. It was as though the world itself was holding its breath. They had won a battle, but the war was far from over.
As they made their way out of the chamber, Aurelius's voice echoed in their minds, an ancient, weary sound. "The time has come for the final confrontation. The Nine Worlds are connected, and only through unity can they be saved. The real battle awaits. Prepare yourselves."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "That's it. The Nine Worlds are at stake. We need to find Tenebris and end this—once and for all."
Zaria raised her hand, her eyes locking with Orin's. "We've got your back. No matter where this goes, we'll fight to the end."
Orin felt the strength in their words, the bond between them tightening. It wasn't just about saving the Nine Worlds anymore—it was about fighting for each other. The past battles, the sacrifices, and the friendships they'd forged were the true power they wielded.