The ancient temple loomed atop a jagged cliff, its stone walls etched with runes that glowed faintly under the moonlight. Legends whispered that it held an artifact of unimaginable power—the Celestial Prism, capable of amplifying a Starbearer's light and sealing away the deepest darkness.
Itsuki stood at the base of the steps, Starblade in hand, the crescent mark on his wrist glowing brighter than ever. Tsukihime hovered beside him, her silver threads spiraling like living moonlight, while Yukari's eyes scanned the surrounding shadows, bow ready.
"This is it," Tsukihime said softly. "The Celestial Prism lies within, but the temple itself is a test. The Eclipse King's influence has seeped here. Shadows will not merely attack—they will tempt, deceive, and challenge your resolve."
Itsuki nodded. "I'm ready. We've come too far to turn back now."
---
The moment they stepped inside, the temple walls pulsed with a living darkness. Shadows coiled around the pillars, whispering doubts into their minds. Itsuki faltered briefly, memories of past failures flickering in his mind.
> You're weak… You can't protect anyone…
Tsukihime's voice rang in his ear. "Focus, Itsuki. Remember what you fight for. Your light is not just for yourself—it is for everyone who cannot defend themselves."
He clenched his fists. "I… I am not alone. And I will not fail!"
The shadows erupted into solid forms—warriors made of darkness, echoing the faces of those Itsuki had once feared and doubted. But he did not hesitate. He leapt forward, Starblade slicing through illusions with Moonlit Crescent, arcs of silver light dissolving the phantoms.
Yukari's arrows struck with pinpoint accuracy, while Tsukihime's threads amplified every strike, every motion, binding light and intent into a perfect rhythm.
At the temple's heart, the Celestial Prism floated, radiating pure, blinding energy. Itsuki approached cautiously, but a massive shadow lunged forward—a lieutenant the Eclipse King had sent, larger and more fearsome than any before.
Kurogami's voice echoed, though twisted and magnified by the darkness. "The Starbearer thinks he can claim light? You will perish here, boy, and your world will drown in shadow!"
Itsuki's heart surged, but he remembered every battle, every trial, every lesson. "No… this ends now!"
He swung the Starblade, synchronized with Tsukihime and Yukari, and unleashed a Radiant Surge, more powerful than ever. Silver light collided with the lieutenant, tearing through shadows, dissolving the darkness like mist in sunlight.
With a final, decisive strike, Itsuki plunged the blade toward the Celestial Prism. The artifact's energy surged, flowing into him, illuminating every corner of the temple with pure starlight. The shadows shrieked and vanished, leaving only silence.
Itsuki sank to his knees, breathing heavily. The temple was calm, the Celestial Prism hovering before him, its light reflecting in his crescent mark. Tsukihime placed a hand on his shoulder, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"You have done it, Itsuki. You have proven yourself not just as a Starbearer, but as a protector of this world. Darkness will rise again, but light… light endures."
Yukari exhaled, lowering her bow. "Not bad for a kid who used to hide from crows. You've come a long way, Starbearer."
Itsuki looked at them, exhausted but smiling. "We've all come a long way. And I'll keep going… as long as there's light to protect, I'll never stop."
Outside, the first rays of dawn painted the horizon. The forests, rivers, and cities of the world glimmered under the morning sun. Somewhere far away, the Eclipse King watched, but his shadow had been delayed, held at bay by the courage and unity of three who refused to bow to darkness.
Itsuki stood, Starblade raised, the crescent mark glowing steadily. A new chapter awaited him, one of vigilance, hope, and the promise that even in the deepest night, the last light would never be extinguished.
> The Starbearer's journey had only just begun—but the world was safe, for now.
The End