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Chapter 10: The Second Shrine
The dawn rose blood-red over the foothills of the Jade Valley.
Ji Sok Han, Seora, Yeonhwa, and Duri made their way across fields of morning mist toward a shrine half-buried in ivy and stone. This shrine, the second lunar key's resting place, was known only in legend—The Shrine of Echoing Waters.
They stepped through an archway etched with ancient moon runes. The moment Ji crossed the threshold, a soft tone rang out—as if a bell had been struck beneath the ground.
Duri's ears perked up. "We're not alone."
Inside the shrine, mirrors covered the walls. Some were broken. Others shimmered with moving images—not of the present, but memories.
Ji saw himself, alone in the palace garden, years ago. His younger self stared at the stars, whispering wishes into the dark.
Yeonhwa saw her father's death, reliving her oath to protect the realm.
Seora turned away from a mirror showing her mother, dying under Baek Rin's flames.
"I hate this place," she muttered.
Duri hovered nervously. "It's testing us. Reflection magic. Ancient and annoying."
A voice echoed through the shrine:
> "Only those who face their truest regret may pass."
Ji stepped forward. The mirrors began to circle him. One showed him refusing to help a boy once bullied in the palace. Another showed him hiding when his mother needed him during the fire.
"I was afraid," Ji whispered. "I failed them."
"You were a child," Seora said. "And now you choose courage."
Ji reached out. His hand touched the mirror.
It shattered—gently, like falling snow.
From the shards rose a silver lotus. In its center, the second lunar key: a moonstone pendant glowing softly.
As Ji picked it up, a howl sounded outside.
Shadow beasts again. And with them—Baek Rin's new warrior: a masked girl with glowing red tattoos and twin sickles of black steel.
She landed in the courtyard like a falling star.
Yeonhwa drew her blade. "She's fast."
Seora's eyes narrowed. "That's no shadow beast. That's a corrupted Guardian."
Ji stepped forward. "We protect the key. No matter what."
And beneath the moonlight, battle erupted once again.
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To Be Continued in Chapter 11: Crimson Moon Sister