The days that followed were filled with grueling training under the watchful eye of Lumis. The sanctuary's vast halls became his battleground, where he sparred against constructs conjured from celestial magic. The kitten, ever curious, often perched on high Ashelves, watching with keen interest while Erynn observed silently, ready to assist when needed.
You've gotten better," Lumis said after one such session. Riku stood panting, his hands faintly aglow with dark energy. The remnants of a defeated construct dissolved into shimmering particles around him.
"Thanks, I suppose," Riku said, though his legs felt like jelly. "But I still don't feel like I'm in control. The Shadow Star. it's always there, waiting.
"That will never change," Lumis said, his voice somber. "The darkness within you is a part of you now. What matters is how you choose to wield it."
That evening, as the sun set below the peaks, the group assembled in the sanctuary's central chamber. Lumis spread a large map across the stone table, its surface glowing faintly with celestial energy.
"Our next step requires leaving the sanctuary," Lumis began. "Riku has stabilized his connection to the Shadow Star, but to fully harness its power, he must face a more dangerous trial."
Riku groaned. "Another trial? Can't I just take a vacation or something?"
Erynn shot him a warning look. "What kind of trial?"
Lumis traced a finger along the map, stopping at a jagged outline to the east. "The Abyssal Rift. It's a chasm where the boundaries between light and shadow are thin. The energies there will push you to your limit, Riku, but if you succeed, you'll gain mastery over the Shadow Star's influence."
Riku furrowed his brow. "And if I fail?"
Lumis didn't respond.
"I hate it when people do that," Riku said.
They started their journey to the Abyssal Rift at dawn. Lumis had supplied them with rations and had warned them: the rift was not only a place of immense power but also a stronghold for shadow beasts attracted by its energy.
The route back down the mountain was just as hazardous as the climb. The snow gave way to scree, and the air warmed as they plunged into a dense forest at the base of the mountains.
Erynn led, her staff glowing dimly as she cast a sort of protection against any beast that might lurk in the darkness. The kitten padded by Riku's side, its small form oddly unafraid of the crushing mood.
"Do you really think this trial will help?" Riku asked, breaking the silence.
Erynn glanced back at him. "It's your best chance. The Abyssal Rift is dangerous, but it's also a place of transformation. Many who have faced its trials emerged stronger."
"And the ones who didn't?"
She hesitated. "We don't talk about them."
"Comforting," Riku said dryly.
They made camp that evening near a riverbank. The forest around them was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of wildlife absent. Riku couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, though every time he looked around, there was nothing but shadows.
"Something's not right," he said as he poked at the fire.
Erynn nodded, her gaze scanning the darkness. "The Rift's influence extends even here. We'll need to stay alert."
The kitten sat up straight, its ears perked, and a low growl rumbled from its small throat, surprising both Riku and Erynn.
"What's spooked you?" Riku leaned in closer to the firelight.
Erynn didn't get a chance to answer before a shadowy figure stepped into the clearing.
The figure was shrouded in a cloak, and its face was covered by a hood. It moved with unnatural grace, its footsteps silent even on the rocky ground.
"Who is there?" Erynn demanded, raising her staff.
The figure stopped a few paces away, its hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I mean you no harm," it said, its voice calm and melodic. "I come seeking the bearer of the Shadow Star."
Riku's heart raced. "That's me. Who's asking?"
The figure lowered its hood, revealing a pale, sharp-featured face framed by silver hair. Its eyes, a striking shade of violet, seemed to glow faintly in the firelight.
"My name is Kael," the stranger said. "I am a servant of the Celestial Order."
Erynn stiffened. "The Celestial Order? What are you doing here?"
Kael's gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. "I am here because of him," he said, nodding toward Riku. "The Shadow Star is a threat to this world, and I have been tasked with ensuring it does not fall into the wrong hands."
"Wait," Riku said, holding up a hand. "Are you here to help or to fight?"
Kael smiled faintly. "That depends on you. The Order believes the Shadow Star is too dangerous to exist. But if you can prove that you can control its power, I may be persuaded to let you live."
Riku bristled. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence."
Erynn stepped between them. "Kael, if you're here to really test him, then you should know he's passed the trials of the Astral Peaks. He is more than capable of handling the Shadow Star."
Kael tilted his head, his eyes fixed on Riku. "Perhaps. But the Rift will reveal the truth. If he falters, I will ensure the Shadow Star is destroyed—no matter the cost.
The tension in the air was palpable. Riku clenched his fists; his chest ached because the mark flared faintly.
"Fine," he said, his voice steady. "You want to judge me? Then come with us to the Rift. But don't expect me to back down."
Kael nodded, his face unreadable. "Very well. I will accompany you. But remember, bearer-your choices will determine your fate.
The fire crackled softly as the group settled for the night. Kael kept his distance, his gaze never straying far from Riku.
"You trust this guy?" Riku whispered to Erynn.
"No," she admitted. "But we don't have much of a choice. The Celestial Order is powerful, and if Kael decides to oppose us, we'll need to be ready."
"Great," Riku muttered, glancing at Kael's silhouette. "Another thing to worry about."
Erynn smiled faintly. "Just focus on the Rift. One step at a time."
Riku nodded, though sleep seemed impossible. The Abyssal Rift awaited, and with it, another chance to prove himself-or lose everything.