The forest temple shook with distant thunder. Lucien's battle with the Shepherd had scarred the land, but here—inside the hollow heart of the temple—the true battle was far more personal.

  Jonax's blade screamed against Marian's boot dagger, the sparks from their clash painting brief flashes across Jonax's vacant, glassy eyes. She moved like a puppet pulled by invisible strings—fast, sharp, merciless. Every strike was heavier than it should have been, every parry shaking Marian's wrists to the bone.

  Marian (gritting her teeth):

  "Jonax! Damn it, you're better than this—stop swinging like a mindless soldier!"

  No response. Only the hollow, mechanical motion of her next strike.

  Rej darted in from the side, parrying with his short blade, deflecting Jonax's wild slash with a clang that rattled his bones.

  Rej (panting):

  "She's not even trying to dodge! It's like—like fighting a storm that knows your every move!"

  Cedy raised her staff from behind, muttering a quick incantation. A soft wave of energy pulsed out, but Jonax barely flinched.

  Cedy (frustrated):

  "It's like something's shielding her mind. I can't get through."

  Iver's voice cut in, low and commanding, as his sword intercepted Jonax's next thrust. Sparks cascaded as he twisted the blade, forcing her blade upward.

  Iver:

  "Don't fight her like she's the enemy. We can't hurt her. Keep her pinned, break her rhythm!"

  But Jonax was relentless. She spun with a fluidity that didn't belong to her—a dancer caught in someone else's choreography. A knee to Rej's stomach sent him staggering back. Her blade followed instantly, forcing Marian to shove Rej aside and barely block the slash that would've carved through his ribs.

  From the rear, Lily shifted unsteadily against Glint's side, still pale and bandaged from her earlier wounds. The Whisperlight Deer's starlit antlers glowed faintly, casting soft light across the temple floor.

  Lily tried to push forward, her hand gripping the wall for balance.

  Lily (hoarse but firm):

  "Jonax... this isn't you. Please."

  Her voice cracked, weak but full of emotion. Jonax didn't even blink—she only turned, slashing with deadly intent toward Rej.

  Lily (desperate, to Josh):

  "Josh! She'll kill someone! Do something!"

  Josh stood frozen for a heartbeat, his knuckles white around the hilt of his broken sword. His mind screamed against what his eyes were seeing.

  Jonax.

  Jonax.

  The girl who used to laugh at his dumb jokes, who called him "a walking headache but my headache."

  Now her eyes were empty—like the Shepherd had scooped out every piece of her and left only this cold weapon.

  And Lily—injured, helpless behind him. He had already failed her once.

  Josh (muttering, breath shaking):

  "No... no, not again..."

  His thoughts drifted back to Lily—her blood on his hands, her soft gasp of pain when his recklessness cost her. He couldn't let that happen again. He wouldn't.

  Jonax's attacks came faster. Iver swept his sword low to trip her, but she vaulted over the sweep like she had trained for this moment. Marian lunged in with a tight slash—Jonax twisted and countered, forcing Marian back with a brutal elbow to the ribs.

  Marian (wincing):

  "Damn it, she's faster—"

  Rej dove back in, catching Jonax's sword on his cross-guard, locking it for a split second.

  Rej (gritting his teeth):

  "Josh! Do something! Snap her out of it!"

  Josh blinked, his breath ragged.

  Josh:

  "I... I don't know how!"

  Lily (cutting in, shouting):

  "Yes, you do! Stop thinking. Just move!"

  With a sudden twist, Jonax shoved Rej's guard aside and whirled toward Cedy, her sword flashing silver in the dim temple light. Marian barely blocked in time, but the impact forced her backward. Her heel skidded against the floor, her guard faltering for half a second.

  Jonax saw an opening.

  She lunged.

  Then...

  Something inside Josh snapped.

  He saw Marian's wide eyes, saw the strike coming—too fast for her to block. Without thinking, he threw himself forward.

  Josh (shouting):

  "JONAX!"

  The world slowed.

  He didn't swing his broken blade. Didn't raise his guard. He simply moved. His arms wrapped around hers, his body between her and Marian—

  The blade sank into him.

  A sharp, wet sound.

  Josh's breath hitched as pain exploded through his chest, stealing the air from his lungs.

  ...

  For one endless heartbeat, everything stopped.

  Jonax's blade trembled in his body, her hands still gripping it, her empty gaze locked onto his face. Blood ran down Josh's side, dripping onto the temple floor.

  But Josh—smiling through the pain—looked directly into her eyes.

  Josh (whispering):

  "...I'm right here. You're not gone. Come back to me."

  For a moment, no one moved.

  Blood trickled from the blade now buried in Josh's chest, glinting under the dim light. Everyone froze, the air thick with disbelief.

  Lily (horrified):

  "JOSH!"

  Her scream cracked through the temple, raw and shaking. Glint's antlers flared brighter, as if mirroring her panic.

  Iver (furious, shouting):

  "You IDIOT! What are you doing!?"

  Rej (eyes wide, stumbling back):

  "Oh my god—he... he just—what is he thinking?"

  Marian (snapping, voice tight):

  "Josh, let go! You'll die if you keep—!"

  But Josh didn't let go. His bloodied hands clenched tighter around the steel, holding Jonax's sword in place, locking her movements.

  Josh (through clenched teeth, voice shaking):

  "I... I don't know what I'm doing. I'm an idiot, after all."

  He coughed, blood spraying his lips, but his gaze didn't waver.

  Josh (weak laugh):

  "I don't know if what I'm doing is right... or wrong. I can only trust my instincts..."

  His knees buckled slightly, but he gripped the blade harder, his fingers trembling as blood streamed between them.

  Josh (voice breaking):

  "Jonax... I'm sorry. I keep messing up. I've always been this... useless, loud idiot who ruins everything..."

  He gasped for breath, his eyes glistening.

  Josh (hoarse):

  "I know I'll mess up again. I'll probably keep screwing things up forever... but that's why I need you by my side. I need you to yell at me. To scold me. To keep me in line."

  His tears mixed with the blood running down his face.

  Josh (pleading):

  "Please... don't leave me. Not like this."

  From above, a sudden flash of white.

  The mystical White Fox—the spirit he encountered earlier in the forest—descended silently, its fur glowing with ethereal light. It landed softly on Jonax's forehead, pressing its small paws against her skin.

  A pulse of warmth surged from the fox, a ripple of magic flowing over her face like moonlight cutting through storm clouds.

  Jonax's grip on the sword trembled.

  Jonax (voice faint, cracking):

  "J... Josh...?"

  Josh's breath hitched. His lips trembled—but his eyes burned with hope.

  Josh (shouting, desperate):

  "We're reaching her! Cedy! Lily! HELP OUT!"

  Lily wiped her tears with the back of her hand, fire returning to her gaze.

  Lily (commanding):

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  "Glint! Give her light—now!"

  Glint the Whisperlight Deer stepped forward, its antlers glowing like dawn breaking in the temple's heart. A wave of starlit energy rolled outward, wrapping around Jonax and Josh like a soft shield.

  Cedy raised her staff, calling forth her Spiritual Jellyfish. The luminous creature floated above, tendrils of light cascading like threads of hope.

  Cedy (pleading):

  "Please... help her. Guide her back. Bring her home."

  The jellyfish drifted closer, its glow merging with Glint's light and the White Fox's pulse. The combined magic rippled across Jonax's body.

  Jonax's hands began to shake violently. Her breathing hitched.

  Jonax (whispering):

  "...I... I can't... I—"

  Josh's arms tightened around the blade, his blood staining her hands.

  Josh (screaming through pain):

  "Yes, you can! Come back to me, Jona! COME BACK!"

  The light intensified—Glint, the Jellyfish, and the Fox's essentia merging into a radiant burst as if the world itself was pulling Jonax out of the Shepherd's grip.

  Jonax's body trembled as the light surged around her—white, gold, and soft blue, wrapping her like threads unbinding chains.

  Her eyes flickered, darkness giving way to glimpses of the girl they all knew—the stubborn, fiery Jonax who never backed down from a fight, who always teased Josh for his clumsy bravado.

  Jonax (weak, trembling):

  "...Josh...?"

  Josh forced a grin through the blood on his lips, his voice cracking.

  Josh (hoarse but teasing):

  "'Bout time you noticed me... Took a sword through the chest just to get your attention, huh?"

  Her breath hitched. Her grip on the weapon faltered.

  Jonax (voice breaking):

  "No... no, I—I hurt you... I—"

  Josh shook his head, tightening his hold on the blade, his own blood still flowing.

  Josh (pleading):

  "It's not your fault. None of this is you. You're Jona. The one who calls me out when I'm being an idiot. The one who..."

  He coughed, more blood spilling from his mouth. His voice dropped to a whisper.

  Josh:

  "...The one who makes me want to keep fighting. So... if you can hear me... just come back. Please."

  Lily (gritting her teeth):

  "Glint! Now!"

  The Whisperlight Deer's antlers blazed like twin suns, pouring a surge of healing light onto Josh and Jonax. The glow wrapped around Josh's wound, slowing the bleeding, while also striking at the dark haze that clung to Jonax's mind.

  Cedy (soft but firm):

  "Wink, don't stop! Anchor her soul!"

  The jellyfish's tendrils pulsed, weaving luminous threads into Jonax's chest. The White Fox pressed its forehead against hers, releasing one final pulse—a pure, resonant note that filled the temple like a bell.

  The darkness shattered.

  Jonax screamed, a raw, agonizing cry as if ripping herself free from invisible chains. The sword slipped from her hands with a metallic clang as she collapsed forward—right into Josh's arms.

  Jonax (sobbing):

  "Josh! I'm so sorry—I—"

  Josh (weak laugh):

  "Don't... apologize. You're here now... that's all I wanted..."

  Rej (exhaling hard):

  "Holy crap. I think I just aged ten years watching that."

  Marian (kneeling by Josh):

  "Idiot, you can't just take a sword like that! What were you thinking?!"

  Josh (with a faint grin):

  "Wasn't thinking. That's kinda my specialty."

  Iver (gritting his teeth, pressing on Josh's wound):

  "Hold him steady! We're not losing him after all that!"

  Lily dropped beside Josh, her hands trembling but steady as Glint's light flowed through her palms.

  Lily (focused):

  "I can slow the bleeding. Just... hold him still!"

  Cedy joined in, her staff glowing as Wink descended to pour healing energy into Josh. The two bonds worked in tandem, stabilizing him enough for him to breathe without choking on his own blood.

  Cedy (to Jonax):

  "You need to stay calm. He's alive. But we have to work fast."

  Jonax clutched his hand, her tears falling onto his bloodstained shirt.

  Jonax (whispering):

  "I... I'll never forgive myself if you die because of me..."

  Josh's bloodied hand weakly squeezed hers.

  Josh (faintly smiling):

  "Then don't let me die. Stay with me. Deal?"

  The temple rumbled faintly. Something deep within its walls shifted—a reminder that their fight wasn't over.

  Iver looked up, tension settling on his face.

  Iver:

  "Everyone, focus. We've got Josh alive for now, but this place... it's not done with us."

  The White Fox yipped sharply, darting ahead as the temple shook like the world's bones were breaking. Ancient columns splintered and toppled, and the ceiling rained dust and jagged stone chunks.

  Iver (gritting his teeth, hoisting Josh over his shoulder):

  "Alright, team, we're leaving. Now!"

  The Drakehound barreled forward, smashing falling debris with its armored snout, while Scruffler scooped up a weakened Jonax, carrying her like she weighed nothing.

  Lily clung to Glint's neck, the deer bounding gracefully but with noticeable strain, its antlers glowing to deflect rubble.

  Rej (ducking a falling chunk of stone):

  "NOTHING SAYS FUN LIKE BEING CRUSHED BY ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE!"

  Marian (dodging a pillar):

  "Rej, shut up and run!"

  Josh (weakly, from Iver's back):

  "Ugh... is it just me, or... is the ceiling trying to kill me specifically?"

  Cedy (shouting from behind):

  "Yes, Josh. The ancient temple definitely woke up this morning and said, 'You know what? Josh's skull is my primary target!'"

  Josh (groaning, smirking despite the pain):

  "...Knew it. My luck's cursed."

  The Fox yipped again, darting left as a massive slab of stone slammed down where Rej had been seconds before.

  Rej (gasping):

  "Okay, that's twice I almost died today! I'm starting to feel targeted too!"

  Marian (grinning mid-run):

  "Relax, if anyone's going to die, it'll be Josh. He's one foot is already on the grave."

  Josh (weak laugh):

  "Thanks... for the pep talk..."

  Lily (riding Glint, voice strained but sharp):

  "Stop joking around! Focus on running!"

  Rej (grinning):

  "Ohhh, Lily's in leader mode again. Should we salute or keep screaming?"

  Lily:

  "Keep screaming. It suits you."

  A beam collapsed ahead, blocking the exit. Scruffler growled, leaping over the obstacle with Jonax clutched in its vine like a knight saving a princess.

  Jonax (still dazed, murmuring):

  "...Am I... dreaming...?"

  Josh (calling out):

  "Nope! Welcome back! You're just in the worst chase scene ever!"

  The Fox yipped again, darting through the last collapsing hallway.

  Iver (breathing hard, to Josh):

  "Hold on, we're almost there."

  Josh (half-delirious, grinning):

  "If we make it out... drinks on me... assuming I'm still alive..."

  Cedy (laughing):

  "Alive or not, you're paying, Josh!"

  Rej (yelling):

  "HEY! If this place comes down, at least someone tell Rica I died heroically! Or, like... at least dramatically!"

  Marian (snorting):

  "Dramatic death? Rej, you'd trip over your own sword."

  The team burst through the temple entrance just as the roof caved in behind them. The ground shook, sending clouds of dust billowing into the forest.

  Everyone collapsed onto the grassy clearing outside, panting, coughing, alive.

  Josh (still bleeding, faint grin):

  "...Did... did we just outrun death? Or did death... let us win?"

  Cedy (grinning, pointing at Josh):

  "Death probably looked at you and said, 'Not worth the paperwork.'"

  Rej (lying flat on the ground):

  "Next time... let's not anger any ancient ruins, okay?"

  ...

  The forest clearing was calm again, but only because the temple behind them had collapsed into a mountain of rubble. Dust floated in the fading light like golden snow, and the team sat or sprawled across the grass, each catching their breath.

  Lily sat with her back against Glint, the Whisperlight Deer lowering its glowing antlers as if to shield her from the world. She winced as Cedy tightened a bandage around her thigh.

  Cedy (gentle):

  "Hold still. You're lucky this didn't go deeper. Another inch and Glint would've been carrying you on a stretcher."

  Lily (hissing through teeth):

  "Yeah, yeah. Just... don't wrap it too tight. I don't want to lose the whole leg before I kick someone with it."

  Cedy rolled her eyes, smirking.

  Nearby, Josh sat propped against Iver's side while Marian tied a cloth around his stomach, right where Jonax's blade had pierced him.

  Marian (stern):

  "Don't you dare pass out. I don't know if I can punch you back to life, but I'll try."

  Josh (grinning faintly, through the pain):

  "Relax... I've survived worse. Like that one time with the angry goose."

  Rej (raising a brow):

  "You're comparing this to a goose attack?"

  Josh:

  "...You didn't see that goose."

  Iver (flat, glaring):

  "Josh. You jumped in front of her sword. What were you thinking?"

  Josh coughed, a bit of blood speckling his grin.

  Josh:

  "I told you... I don't think. I just... trust my gut. Even if my gut gets skewered for it."

  Jonax stirred beside them, leaning weakly against Scruffler, her breathing uneven but eyes finally clear. She looked around in confusion, then at Josh—and her gaze dropped to the bandages wrapped around his wound.

  Jonax (voice trembling):

  "...You... idiot."

  Josh looked up, smiling softly despite his pale face.

  Josh:

  "See? I need you. You're the only one who'll call me out when I'm dumb enough to do something like that."

  Jonax's lips trembled, but she couldn't find the words. Instead, she clenched her fists and looked away, as if holding back tears.

  A soft sound broke the heavy silence.

  The White Fox.

  It stood on the edge of the clearing, watching them. The same one Josh had seen before—its fur glowing faintly under the fading sun, eyes calm and knowing.

  Josh blinked, his breath hitching slightly.

  Josh (softly):

  "...It's you."

  The fox tilted its head, ears flicking.

  Josh (smiling faintly):

  "You're... the one who gave me that berry, huh? Back when I was being a hopeless mess."

  He pushed himself to his feet—slowly, painfully—and crouched toward it.

  Josh:

  "I... I never thanked you. You helped me get back on my feet when I didn't think I could. So... if you want... why don't you come with me? I've already got Hornbeast, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a fox buddy."

  The fox stepped forward. Slowly. Gracefully.

  Josh's grin widened.

  Josh (whispering):

  "Yeah... that's it. Come on, girl. Let's—"

  The fox padded right past him.

  Josh:

  "...Huh?"

  It walked to Jonax and stopped, its glowing nose brushing her knee.

  Jonax blinked, startled, staring down at it.

  Rej (bursting into laughter):

  "OH MY GOD. Even the magical fox thinks you're an idiot, Josh!"

  Josh (dumbfounded):

  "Wait. Wait, no—this is a mistake. I was the one talking! I was the one—"

  Marian (grinning):

  "Guess the fox knows who the real hero was."

  Jonax looked at the fox, unsure. The white creature's tails swayed slowly as if asking a question only she could hear. She reached out, trembling slightly.

  The fox yipped, and a faint glow surrounded her hand.

  Josh (throwing his arms up):

  "...Okay, fine! Betrayed by a fox! I see how it is!"

  Jonax's hand hovered just above the White Fox's fur, hesitant at first. But the creature leaned into her touch, its soft glow warming her trembling fingers.

  Jonax (quietly):

  "...Why me?"

  The fox tilted its head, then yipped softly—as if to answer a question she didn't know how to ask. In that moment, her bond with it ignited. A faint halo of white light enveloped her hand, trailing down to her heart like a pulse of trust and acceptance.

  Jonax gasped softly, her eyes glowing faintly for just a second. The fox's presence settled within her like a second heartbeat.

  Cedy (smiling):

  "Well... looks like someone just got an upgrade."

  Josh (still sulking):

  "Yeah, great. Perfect. The fox ditches me for Jonax. Amazing."

  Rej (grinning):

  "Don't worry, Josh. Maybe next time you'll get a... squirrel. Or a rock. Something more your style."

  Josh (glaring):

  "Shut up, Rej."

  Jonax glanced at him, a faint smile breaking through her exhaustion.

  Jonax (softly):

  "...Thank you, Josh. For not giving up on me."

  Josh paused, blinking. For a moment, his usual humor faltered.

  Josh:

  "You kidding? I'll always jump in like an idiot if it's for you guys."

  (He gave her a sheepish grin.)

  "Even if it means getting stabbed. Again."

  Before the mood could settle, a heavy sound of footsteps approached. The group turned as Lucien emerged from the ruins, dust falling from his armor, and Rhogar trailing behind him in humanoid wolf form, sparks of lightning still crackling faintly around them.

  Lucien's expression was cold. Frustrated.

  Lucien (gritting his teeth):

  "He got away."

  The group fell silent.

  Lucien (snapping):

  "Not just him. The Fourth Key to Magnus' Seal. It was right there, and I let it slip."

  His fist tightened around his spear as the memory of the Shepherd's grin flashed through his mind. But after a deep breath, he straightened, looking at the rest of them.

  Lucien (firmly):

  "...This isn't over. We'll deal with that failure later."

  (He looked around the group.)

  "Right now, your leader and the others are facing the full force of the Aequinox."

  The words sank like a hammer blow.

  Cedy (wide-eyed):

  "Wait right—all seven of them!"

  Lily (grim):

  "We thought they'd split forces, but they didn't. If all seven are there..."

  Marian (frowning, voice tense):

  "They'll be overrun."

  Josh (forcing himself to stand):

  "Then what are we sitting around for? We need to move—ouch."

  Jonax:

  "Calm down, you injured you idiot."

  Lucien (nodding):

  "Exactly. Every second counts."

  The group exchanged looks. Worn. Bloodied. Some barely standing. But there was no hesitation.

  Iver stepped forward, his expression firm and voice unwavering.

  Iver:

  "They need us. Ren needs us."

  He looked at each of them—Josh clutching his side, Jonax leaning on Scruffler, Lily still pale but resolute, Marian and Rej trying to hide their own fear, and Cedy gripping her staff tightly.

  Iver (commanding):

  "We move now. No excuses. We don't let them fight this war alone."

  The team nodded, fire returning to their eyes.