Kaoru's legs wobbled as trio moved down Riftspire. The air was eerily silent. The oppressive mist that once clung to walls was gone. Now only cracked stone was left. Faint flickering traces of Resonance energy trailed them. The Wraith was defeated or so it seemed. But Kaoru had this unease in his chest.
Rei walked ahead. Her expression was hard and unreadable. Ayaka was close behind, greatsword resting against her shoulder. The tension in her posture was telling. She was exhausted. Kaoru trailed behind. At times he glanced over his shoulder at the crumbling spire.
"Rei" Kaoru hesitantly began breaking heavy silence. "Did we really stop it? The Wraith said it couldn't be destroyed."
Rei paused mid-step but didn't turn to face him. "We severed its connection to the Veil. For now, that's enough. But it's right. The Wraith isn't gone—not completely. As long as the Veil exists, so will creatures like it."
Kaoru's heart felt heavy. The victory felt hollow. He clenched his fists. His mind replayed the Wraith's final words: *You cannot destroy me. I am a part of you.*
Ayaka sighed breaking the tension. "Let's worry about one apocalypse at a time right? We're alive. The Wraith isn't wreaking havoc anymore. That's a win in my book."
Rei finally turned her sharp gaze locking onto Kaoru. "Ayaka's right. But don't let your guard down. The Wraith's influence runs deep. It will exploit any weakness it can find. We need to stay vigilant."
Kaoru nodded. Unease in chest stayed. Refused to fade.
---
By the time they returned to Resistance's base night descended over Kurohama. The once-bustling headquarters was quieter than usual. Its members appeared shaken by Riftspire events. News of their battle had already spread. The looks on everyone's faces varied from awe to thinly veiled fear.
Kaoru felt the weight of their gazes as they walked through halls. Whispers followed him: "That's the kid who fought the Wraith…""They say the Wraith looked just like him." "Do you think he's… dangerous?"
He kept head down. Tried to ignore murmurs. Rei and Ayaka stayed close. Their presence acted as shield against judgmental stares. Reaching the strategy room they found Commander Takeda waiting for them. His arms crossed his stern expression, softened slightly as he looked at the trio.
"You're back," Takeda said. "And in one piece, no less. Good work."
Rei gave curt nod. "The Wraith's connection to Veil has been severed. But we're far from safe. Its influence lingers."
Takeda's gaze shifted to Kaoru. "And you? How are you holding up?"
Kaoru hesitated and was unsure how to answer. "I… I'm fine," he said. Yet his voice lacked conviction.
Takeda frowned but didn't press further. "Get some rest. All of you. We'll debrief in morning."
Rei opened mouth to protest. However a sharp look from Takeda silenced her. She reluctantly nodded and then turned. Motioning for Kaoru and Ayaka to follow.
---
Later that night. Kaoru sat alone in room. He gazed at shattered remains of his Soulclad spear. The spear was laid before him. As he ran fingers over broken pieces a faint golden glow pulsed weakly within them.
He couldn't stop thinking about Wraith. Those words it spoke haunted him. Its voice its gaze. It somehow seemed to know him better than he knew himself.
"You belong here, with me." The memory sent a shiver down his spine. He clenched his fists. Nails dug into his palms.
Knock at door. It broke his spell. "Kaoru?" Rei's voice called out softly. He hesitated before replying. "Come in," he finally said.
Rei stepped inside. Her usual confident demeanor was softened though by a rare hint of concern. She glanced at broken spear on table. She sat across from him.
"You've been quiet," she said. Kaoru shrugged. "Just thinking," he replied.
Rei studied him for moment before speaking again. "The Wraith got to you, didn't it?"
Kaoru looked up sharply. "What do you mean?" he asked. "It's what they do," Rei replied. "They prey on doubts and fears. They make you question yourself. It's part of how they fight."
Kaoru's shoulders slumped further. "It said I was like it. It said I didn't belong in real world. I just… I don't know. What if it's right? What if—"
Rei cut him off. Her voice was firm but not unkind. "Stop. Whatever Wraith said doesn't matter. How you feel right now, doesn't define you. You do."
Kaoru nodded. The doubt in his eyes lingered.
Rei stood then. She placed hand on his shoulder. "Rest," she said. "Tomorrow, we'll figure out next steps. We'll do it together."
---
In another place within Veil, a figure lingered. There amid ruins existed a collapsed core of Riftspire. It was the figure's location. The faint essence of Wraith was all around. This essence swirled. Swirled to come together in a dark energy, shimmering orb.
In a flowing robe the figure was cloaked. The figure reached out. Grasped the orb. A cold smile appeared on lips of the figure. Their words were spoken softly. "The boy resisted," they murmured. Their voice was chilling. The voice was a blend. A blend of curiosity and malice. "But this is not over," the figure added.
The figure turned. Their form dissolved. Dissolved into shadows. The Wraith was gone. But its echoes remained. The echoes were not silenced. And Kaoru's fight had just commenced.
To Be Continued…