The moon hung low over the city, a pale witness to the devastation that had reshaped the world. From the rooftop of his new home, Kairis Ash stretched, muscles still burning from the day's grueling training. The sit-ups, push-ups, jumps, and 100-kilometer run had pushed him to the brink—but the Trial of the Apostle of Void demanded more.
He wiped sweat from his brow and let out a long breath, the night wind carrying faint hints of smoke and ruin from the outskirts of Vardra. His gaze shifted toward his siblings, Elyra and Aeren, sleeping soundly in the adjacent room, protected for now by Kaiyara, who had insisted on staying close.
> "Two days… just two more days," he muttered, voice low. "And I'll be ready. I have to be."
Even under the light of the moon, Kairis continued. The system flickered in front of his eyes, his interface displaying current level: 20, HP 6,500, MP 3,500, and his stats climbing into the 40s and low 50s.
He focused on refining Aerial Step, practicing walking across the air above the ruins of the street below, each step precise, each movement balancing the gravity around him. Small bursts of Gravity Falls practice were done cautiously—he could feel the strain on his body if used prematurely—but even minor activations allowed him to simulate battlefield pressure.
The night air bit at his skin, mixing with sweat, blood, and exhaustion, but he pressed on. Endurance, focus, control—the Trial would not forgive weakness.
By the time the clock neared 11:45 PM, Kairis stopped, letting himself slump against the rooftop ledge. The city below slept uneasily, a few flickering lights and distant cries the only reminders of life continuing in the apocalypse.
Kairis activated his communicator.
> "Kaiyara," he said, voice steady despite the fatigue. "Come over. I need you."
It took only a few moments for her to arrive, her steps quiet but purposeful as she ascended the rooftop. The moonlight illuminated her face, a mix of concern and curiosity painted across her features.
> "Kairis… what's going on?" she asked softly, her brown eyes scanning his form, noting the exhaustion and the faint glow of purple at the corners of his eyes.
Kairis turned to face her, coat flaring slightly in the breeze. He let out a breath before speaking, words deliberate, heavy with the weight of the future.
> "I have to go," he said, voice low. "Something important… something that will decide not just my future, but the future of everyone I protect—Elyra, Aeren… you too."
Kaiyara's eyes widened, the wind catching her hair as she stepped closer.
> "Go? Where? What… what is it?"
Kairis shook his head, a faint smirk touching his lips despite the gravity of the moment.
> "I can't tell you everything," he said. "But I need you to watch over them while I'm gone. I… can't risk anything happening to them."
She hesitated, words caught in her throat, but then she nodded.
> "I will," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'll protect them. You… you have to come back, Kairis. No matter what. Do you understand?"
He nodded slowly, taking a careful step forward. Without warning, he embraced her, wrapping her in strong arms, feeling the warmth and the fragility of the moment.
> "I will," he murmured, pressing a hand to the back of her head. Then, softly, almost gently, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead.
Kaiyara's breath hitched, and tears began to spill down her cheeks. She buried her face in his chest, her voice cracking:
> "Promise me… promise me you'll come back. I don't care what happens, you can't disappear. Not like them. Not like…"
Her words faltered, but Kairis's grip tightened slightly, a silent assurance more powerful than any verbal promise.
> "I promise," he said firmly. "I'll come back. And when I do… everything will be different. We'll all be different. I'll make sure of it."
They stood there for a long moment, the city below silent but watching, the moonlight pooling around them. Kairis let the embrace linger just enough to comfort her without faltering. He could feel the responsibility pressing down on him, heavier than any monster he had faced.
> This is why I fight, he thought. Not for glory. Not for power. For them. For everyone I protect.
When he finally stepped back, Kaiyara's tear-streaked face met his, and she gave a small, determined nod.
> "I'll be ready," she whispered. "For them, for you… for everything."
Kairis's eyes softened for just a moment before hardening with resolve.
> "Good. Stay sharp. I leave at first light."
He turned toward the horizon, looking out over the ruins of the city and the dark forests beyond. His system interface pulsed faintly, reminding him of the Trial of the Apostle of Void in just two days. The stakes had never been higher.
> No mistakes. No hesitation. No weakness.
With that thought, Kairis Ash leapt into the night air, letting Aerial Step carry him briefly above the rooftops, feeling the pull of gravity beneath him, the hum of power through his veins.
And somewhere deep in the primordial void, Lucien Dreamveil observed, expression unreadable, yet a faint smirk playing across his lips. The boy was ready.
The night whispered its approval—or perhaps it was warning.