The shattered remains of the frozen Guardian still steamed on the icy floor when Mizu picked up the fourth key. His breath fogged in the frigid air, every heartbeat echoing unnaturally loud in the silent chamber.
"Finally," Sayos muttered, collapsing briefly to one knee. "Please tell me that was the last—"
A sharp cracking sound cut him off.
Thin fractures snaked across the frozen ground, spreading fast, as if something below was waking up.
Lucy's fur bristled, her low growl vibrating through the cold air. "No… this isn't natural. Someone's pulling the strings."
The temperature dropped further, the icy air slicing their skin like knives. Rika clenched her fists, her fire flickering weakly. "This isn't just cold… someone's toying with us."
Then, a voice.
Deep. Calm. Too close.
"So… you've made it this far. Four keys… and yet you still understand nothing."
They all turned at once—
And saw him.
A man stood in the center of the chamber, as if he'd been there all along. His dark-blue cloak drifted in a wind that didn't exist, and his face was hidden behind a smooth, polished mask. His presence made the flames in Rika's hands waver, as if even fire dared not challenge him.
He stepped forward slowly, every movement deliberate, owning the space around him.
"I wonder how long you'll keep pretending to be brave before you break."
Mizu stepped forward, tightening his grip on the key. "Who are you?"
The masked man tilted his head slightly, almost mocking.
"Who am I? … I am the one who will end this little journey of yours."
He raised one hand—and the ground shattered.
The floor split apart like glass, ice and stone collapsing beneath them. They slid into the abyss as his voice echoed cold and steady through the storm:
"Welcome to the final game, Mizu."