Rayne planted his great-sword tip-first into the floor, eyes sweeping over the five eager faces ringed around him. “Whenever you’re ready,” he said, voice calm but carrying across the hall. “Come with killing intent.” Tetsuo moved before anyone else could even inhale. Stone gauntlet surging over his right arm, he launched forward like a cannonball. The punch tore a wind-tunnel through the hall, floor tiles cracked beneath the weight of his charge. Rayne slipped aside at the last instant, cloak fluttering in the shockwave. The fist whooshed past, missing by inches but leaving a crater in the barrier-coated floor. “Powerful!” Rayne praised, genuinely impressed. That compliment was the cue Aiko needed. In a flash she swapped places with a piece of debris from Tetsuo’s punch behind Rayne, materialising at his back. Two sharp jabs hammered into his liver-line before he could fully turn. Aiko vanished again, reappearing a meter away with a triumphant grin. Rayne leapt skyward to reset, but the moment his boots left the floor a blue-white bolt screamed out of the rafters. Yoshinori, palm thrust upward, had triggered his lightning. The lightning engulfed Rayne in mid-air, yet when the glare faded he floated back down, armour singed but grin unshaken. “Excellent coordination,” he called, dusting sparks from his cloak. His sword blurred free of the floor with a single tug. “My turn.” He streaked straight for Itsuki. The healer reacted on instinct, flaring a shimmering barrier of pale gold. Rayne’s great-sword crashed into it, glass-like fractures spider-webbed, then the shield shattered in a burst of light. Itsuki was already darting clear, skirts whipping around her. Ryuji slammed in to cover her retreat, body-hardening aura crawling across his skin like liquid steel. Rayne’s next slash met Ryuji’s chest with a bark of metal on metal; the bigger warrior laughed, flexing as the blow slid away with only sparks. “Not bad!” Ryuji taunted, bracing for another. Rayne’s smile widened. “Then let me oblige.” A deep violet pulse ran along the blade’s edge. He pivoted, transferring weight and intent. The charged slash ripped across Ryuji’s torso, gouging the hardened plating and sending him skidding back. Ryuji coughed, wiping a thin line of blood. “Okay, apologies for the cockiness.” Rayne dipped his chin, resetting his stance. “Round two.” Ryuji charged once more at Rayne, determination burning fiercely in his eyes. This time, however, he wasn’t alone. Right as Rayne anticipated Ryuji’s straightforward assault, Tetsuo slammed his stone-covered fist into the ground, creating a platform of rock that rapidly elevated beneath Ryuji’s feet, sending him soaring high above Rayne’s position. Harnessing gravity and momentum, Ryuji hardened his fist, aiming to crush through Rayne’s defense from above. Rayne adjusted his stance, gripping his enormous greatsword, fully prepared to counter Ryuji’s predictable strike. But just before Ryuji’s punch could connect, he vanished instantly, leaving Rayne momentarily stunned by the unexpected swap. In Ryuji’s place appeared Yoshinori, already mid-swing with his lightning-infused blade. The sudden exchange in combatants, combined with their vast difference in height and fighting style, left Rayne entirely off balance. With a sharp, precise movement, Yoshinori drove the electrified blade deep into Rayne’s shoulder. Sparks and arcs of lightning erupted from the blade, searing and crackling throughout Rayne’s body. Rayne’s eyes widened in surprise as the electric surge coursed through him, locking his muscles in temporary paralysis. From behind, sensing the opportunity, Tetsuo swiftly moved in for the decisive blow. With his right hand encased in thick, solid stone, he brought down a thunderous strike aimed squarely at Rayne’s back. Gritting his teeth through the agony of the electricity, Rayne fought the paralysis, breaking free of the stun just in time to raise his sword defensively. His massive greatsword collided powerfully with Tetsuo’s stone gauntlet, shattering it into countless fragments and causing Tetsuo to stumble backward, astonished. Lowering his weapon, Rayne smiled genuinely, acknowledging their skill. “You all have incredible potential,” he praised sincerely. “Your teamwork is impressive, but you still have much to learn.” With calm assurance, Rayne sheathed his greatsword onto his back. Everyone’s eyes widened in shock as they observed the severe wound on his shoulder quickly beginning to close, the torn flesh seamlessly knitting back together as if it had never been struck. Yoshinori, visibly amazed, stepped forward curiously. “How… did you just regenerate like that?” he asked, awe evident in his voice. Rayne glanced at his now fully healed shoulder and answered simply, “That’s my power, Rapid Regeneration.” King Shadis stepped forward, his authoritative presence drawing everyone’s attention. His gaze softened with pride as he addressed the guild. “You’ve all demonstrated incredible resilience and teamwork in recent battles,” he announced firmly. “In recognition of your growth and bravery, I hereby promote all of you to A rank.” Faces lit up instantly with surprise and gratitude, excitement bubbling up from each of them. The king then turned specifically toward Yoshinori, a respectful nod accompanying his words. “Yoshinori, your skill, leadership, and strategic prowess have surpassed expectations. For these reasons, you alone will advance to S rank.” Yoshinori’s eyes widened in disbelief, quickly shifting into quiet gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said humbly, bowing his head deeply. Tetsuo clapped Yoshinori on the back enthusiastically. “S-rank, huh? I knew you’d make it there first. Don’t let it get to your head, Lightning-boy!” Yoshinori smirked lightly, shaking his head. “As if you’re one to talk, Rocky.” King Shadis chuckled softly at their banter before addressing them once more. “Continue to push yourselves. The threats ahead are grave, but with determination, you will persevere.” With a final nod, King Shadis turned and exited the training grounds alongside the Gilded Blades, leaving Rayne alone with the Strongest Guild. Rayne cleared his throat, immediately regaining their attention. “Now that everyone’s been promoted, this will help our cause greatly. Entering the Shadow Realm officially requires at least one SS rank adventurer leading the group, which will be me. However, having you all at A rank, and Yoshinori at S is an advantage.” Ryuji crossed his arms, curious. “So where exactly are we going in the Shadow Realm again?” “Eastward,” Rayne clarified. “We’ll head toward the Cosmic Continent to search for any leads on Shunjiro’s whereabouts. The Northern Shadow Realm lies between the Light and Cosmic Continents. Fortunately, it’s the smallest and safest part of the Shadow Realm to travel.” Aiko raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Smallest and safest, huh? That almost sounds reassuring.” Rayne chuckled softly, but his expression quickly sobered. “Don’t get complacent. The Northern Shadow Realm is home to the Goblin Territory and its ruler, the Goblin King. He isn’t someone to underestimate.” Tetsuo gave a visible shudder. “Goblin King? Why does that sound even worse than what we faced at Oceanside?” Ryuji laughed loudly, slapping Tetsuo’s back. “What’s wrong? Afraid you’ll lose your other eye, too?” Tetsuo shot him a glare but quickly relaxed, letting out a small laugh. “Just trying to be careful, alright?” Aiko, intrigued, asked another question. “What’s our exact travel plan through the Shadow Realm? It doesn’t exactly sound like a casual stroll.” Rayne nodded approvingly. “We’ll set out in exactly three weeks. That gives us enough time to train everyone up to at least S rank proficiency, or close enough. Once we enter, we’ll travel five hours to reach the Shadow Inn, rest safely, and then push seven more hours until we reach the border of the Cosmic Continent.” Aiko tilted her head in confusion. “Shadow Inn? What exactly is that?” Rayne’s tone softened slightly. “There are seven Shadow Inns scattered strategically across the Shadow Realm. They act as safe zones, areas that corrupted beings simply cannot enter. They’re enchanted, ancient, and very secure.” Tetsuo nodded, impressed. “Now that’s useful. Safe spots sound good after what we’ve been through.” Ryuji rubbed his hands together eagerly, his expression brightening. “Three weeks of training, huh? Count me in. I’m ready to bulk up even more.” Yoshinori glanced quietly toward the corner of the room, noticing Itsuki’s silence. Her normally bright presence was subdued, her eyes cast downward and distant. Concern flickered briefly in Yoshinori’s eyes, but he decided against calling her out, understanding her pain all too well. Instead, Yoshinori spoke up, addressing Rayne firmly. “We’ll be ready. Just tell us what you need.” Rayne smiled appreciatively at their dedication. “Very good. Your willingness is the first step toward survival. But remember, training won’t be easy. Prepare yourselves, because I’ll push you harder than you’ve ever been pushed.” Tetsuo pounded a fist into his palm excitedly. “Bring it on!” Aiko smirked playfully. “Careful what you wish for, Tetsuo.” Rayne’s eyes narrowed slightly, amusement glinting through his serious demeanor. “Good attitude. Now let’s rest up. Tomorrow, we train like our lives depend on it, because, very soon, they will.” Itsuki sat at the edge of the training grounds, staring blankly toward the distant horizon. Around her, the air rang with the sounds of blades clashing, spells roaring, and shouts of encouragement as her guildmates honed their skills under Rayne’s diligent guidance. Yet, despite the vibrant energy surrounding her, Itsuki felt as though she existed in a different world altogether, a place cold, empty, and devoid of hope. She drew her knees close, wrapping her arms around herself tightly as if to hold together the pieces of her heart that threatened to break apart completely. Her mind was consumed by images of Suzu: her sister, the once gentle soul who’d been her guardian and protector, now twisted into an unrecognizable monster. Itsuki shivered at the memory of Suzu’s crimson eyes, eyes devoid of love or warmth. They were filled only with rage and a chilling emptiness. Tears stung Itsuki’s eyes. She quickly wiped them away, ashamed of her weakness. She was the healer, the heart of the guild. She was supposed to be the one who stayed strong, who lifted everyone else’s spirits. But how could she carry that weight when she could barely keep herself from crumbling? “Why wasn’t I strong enough?” she thought bitterly, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists. Her memories flashed back to the Oceanside Battle, Hikari’s lifeless body lying in her arms, Tetsuo bleeding heavily, Shunjiro collapsing to the ground, cut down by her own sister. “If I was stronger… none of this would’ve happened.” Itsuki felt the familiar darkness pressing in on her, the shadow of self-doubt whispering cruelly. She wanted nothing more than to talk to someone, but the words refused to come. Every smile, every reassurance from her friends, felt distant, unable to reach her. Her heart ached painfully as her thoughts settled on Shunjiro. He had always understood her, always found the perfect words to ease her pain. If he were here, he’d tell her she wasn’t to blame, that she wasn’t alone. But Shunjiro wasn’t here; he was lost somewhere, leaving behind an emptiness Itsuki didn’t know how to fill. She slowly stood up, her legs weak and unsteady beneath her. She couldn’t bear staying there any longer. Seeing her friends laugh and grow stronger together felt like salt on a fresh wound. Quietly, unnoticed by anyone, she slipped away from the training grounds and made her way toward the nearby forest. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the path. Itsuki wandered deeper into the woods, letting the silence envelop her. Her tears fell freely now, her composure shattering completely under the weight of her grief. She sank to her knees amidst the trees, trembling as a deep despair took hold of her. She remembered how people spoke of corruption, how it fed on pain, loneliness, and despair. She used to think it was impossible for someone like her, always smiling and strong-willed, to succumb to something so terrible. But now, feeling the cold numbness spreading through her chest, she understood. She felt herself teetering on the edge, a whisper away from falling into darkness. A voice echoed in her mind, soft yet vicious: “You’re not good enough, Itsuki. You never were. You let them all down. They’d be better off without you.” “No,” she whispered fiercely, clutching her chest as though she could physically rip the voice out. “Stop it, please.” Yet the voice didn’t stop. It fed on every hidden fear, every doubt. It twisted every failure, making them feel insurmountable. Her vision blurred with tears as she curled up tighter, desperate to silence it. “They’re suffering because of you. Hikari died because you were weak. Shunjiro is gone because you couldn’t protect him.” Her breath hitched. Her body shook. She felt trapped, helpless against her own mind. And then, out of the swirling darkness, clarity emerged, a moment so piercingly clear it hurt: She understood Suzu. The realization struck her like a blade, sharp and unforgiving. In that moment, she saw exactly how her sister had become the monster she now was. Suzu hadn’t always been a killer; she had once been a protector, driven by love. But pain, isolation, and grief had twisted that love into hatred. Itsuki now felt herself standing at the very same crossroads. “No…” she sobbed softly, voice barely audible. “I don’t want to become like her.” In that quiet moment of desperation, her mind clung to a single thought: Shunjiro. She imagined his voice, his easy smile, and his reassuring presence. He wouldn’t give up. He’d keep fighting, no matter how dark things seemed. “I can’t give up yet,” she whispered shakily, her voice gaining strength. “Shunjiro wouldn’t want that. He wouldn’t give up on me… so I won’t either.” Drawing a shaky breath, Itsuki wiped her eyes and slowly stood. Her heart still ached painfully, but a faint ember of determination flickered inside her. She had a choice. She could succumb to the pain or keep fighting, even if every step forward felt impossibly heavy. Itsuki turned toward the distant sounds of the training grounds, her friends’ laughter floating through the trees like a lifeline. They needed her. She needed them. She realized now she didn’t have to carry this burden alone, even if it terrified her to open up. “I can’t let the darkness win,” she promised herself, clenching her fists resolutely. “I have to believe there’s hope. For me. For Suzu. For Shunjiro.” Step by difficult step, she walked back toward her guildmates, back toward the warmth and friendship she’d been isolating herself from. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was hers. And for now, that would have to be enough.