Kara awoke with a groan, her body sore and bruised from the fight. Her vision blurred at first, but soon, she realized she was lying on the cold stone floor of the cave. She blinked several times and pushed herself up, wincing from the pain in her side. Her head was still spinning, but as the haze lifted, she saw Ray standing by the entrance, watching her intently.
"You're awake," Ray said, his voice calm, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "How are you feeling?"
Kara hesitated, still a little dazed. She glanced down at her hands, still clutching the treasure she had managed to escape with. Her fingers curled tighter around it, a quiet relief washing over her. Despite her injuries, she had made it out. And it was thanks to Ray.
"Thank you," Kara said, her voice soft but genuine. "If it wasn't for you, I... I wouldn't have made it out alive."
Ray gave a small, acknowledging nod. "You were in a tough spot. But it wasn't just me. You fought hard."
Kara's cheeks flushed, and she turned her face slightly, trying to hide her embarrassment. He fought for me... The thought lingered in her mind. And he didn't ask for anything in return.
She couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her chest. Ray had not only helped her escape but had done so without hesitation, even when the odds were against him. She had expected him to be like everyone else—a cold, calculating fighter only out for himself. Instead, he was... different.
Why am I blushing so much? she asked herself, feeling her heartbeat quicken. It's not like he did anything special... I mean, it's just common decency, right? He's just helping me out... But even as she thought that, her cheeks still burned.
Kara quickly cleared her throat, trying to dismiss the feelings growing inside her. "Well, I guess I should be going now. I've kept you long enough."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "You're not in any condition to keep going. You should rest a bit longer."
She smiled weakly, even as a sense of pride stirred in her. "I'll be fine. Besides, you've helped me enough. I don't want to owe you more than I already do."
Ray watched her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But... just be careful. The trial isn't over yet."
Kara's gaze softened as she met his eyes. She felt a strange flutter in her chest at his words, but she quickly shook her head, pushing away the growing affection. She wasn't here to fall for someone—not during the trial, at least.
"Thank you again," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she stood and took one last look at him. Her heart was still racing, but she could tell he didn't notice. She wanted to say more, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she turned away and made her way toward the exit, the treasure clutched firmly in her hands.
Ray's voice called out to her one last time, snapping her from her thoughts. "Kara."
She paused, her back to him, but didn't turn around. "What?"
"Stay safe," he said quietly.
Kara bit her lip, her mind racing. She nodded, though she didn't think Ray could see it. "You too."
She left the cave, her legs shaky but determined. Her thoughts kept returning to Ray, to his calm demeanor and his unexpected kindness. What's wrong with me? she thought. It's just that he's different from all the others. I don't know why I'm... why I'm thinking like this. But...
She quickly shook the thoughts from her head. She had a mission, a goal, and the treasure was just as important as the trials themselves. She couldn't let herself be distracted. Not now.
---
Meanwhile, Ray stood in the cave, watching her leave. He felt a strange sense of satisfaction, but he couldn't place why. He had helped her, sure, but it was more than that. There was something about the way she looked at him, something in her eyes that made him feel... appreciated.
But he didn't have time to dwell on it. His own path lay ahead.
With his new abilities, especially the telekinesis, Ray felt a surge of confidence. He had learned how to harness his power in battle, using his lightning-enhanced weapon and controlling it with his mind. It felt like a new chapter was opening for him, and he was eager to push forward.
Kara had taken her leave, and now it was his turn to move on. The Red Zone was where the real challenge awaited. His new powers would be tested there—he had no doubt about that. The monsters would be stronger, more vicious. But he was ready. For the first time in a long while, Ray was not afraid. He was eager.
He turned toward the cave entrance, looking toward the horizon, where the Red Zone awaited. The trial was only going to get harder, but Ray felt a fire inside him that hadn't been there before. He wasn't just participating now; he was determined to rise to the top.
And with that thought, he stepped forward, leaving the cave behind and setting his sights on the challenge ahead.