(Inside the Medical Hall—Kael's Room)
(Kael stretches his arms, feeling much better after hours of rest. The healers insisted that he stay longer, but he had enough of lying in bed.)
Kael (grinning): "Alright, I'm done being a patient. Time to get back to work."
(He swings his legs over the edge of the bed, but before he can stand—)
Liza (firmly): "You're not going alone."
(Kael looks up, surprised to see Liza standing there with her arms crossed. Her emerald eyes hold a quiet determination.)
Kael (smirking): "What, worried about me?"
Liza (huffing): "After what just happened? Of course, I am! I'm coming with you."
(Kael blinks. A small part of him—deep inside—feels strangely happy. Maybe... maybe she really does care about him.)
Kael (grinning, teasing): "Oh? Don't tell me you like me or something."
(Liza turns red for a second, then—WHACK!—she smacks his arm.)
Liza (annoyed): "Idiot! That's not why!"
Kael (laughing, rubbing his arm): "Alright, alright. You can come."
(But the warmth in his chest lingers.)
---
Meanwhile—In the Abyssal Void
(A place beyond mortal reach, where shadows coil like living beings. A towering fortress stands at the center of an endless darkness. Inside, a figure kneels before a massive throne.)
Zeph, the Abyss Walker.
Zeph (calm, yet serious): "I've come with urgent news."
(The air crackles with an oppressive force. Before Zeph, seated upon the throne, is a being wreathed in black fire—the First Final Boss. His name... unknown to most, but his presence alone is enough to shake the void.)
Zeph: "The boy... he might truly be the vessel. We must act before—before it happens again."
(But the throne-bound entity does not react with interest. Instead—)
??? (voice dripping with disdain): "Shut up, peasant."
(BOOM—!!!)
(A powerful force crashes down on Zeph, forcing him lower. The dark flames around the throne burn hotter, consuming everything nearby.)
??? (growling): "You speak out of turn. You will only speak when I allow it."
(Zeph clenches his fists, but does not fight back. He knew this would happen—but still, he had to try.)
Zeph (gritting his teeth): "...Forgive me."
(The dark ruler exhales, the pressure fading slightly.)
??? (low, dangerous tone): "You worry too much, Zeph. The vessel is unawakened. He is nothing yet."
(But deep down, even the He knows—Kael is a threat. And threats must be dealt with.)
---
Next: Kael and Liza step out into the world again—while the Abyss begins to move.