The echo of the Shadow Beast's death still lingered in Andy's ears as the cavern gate shattered into shards of light, dissolving into the night.
He stumbled out first, dragging his chipped blades against the dirt, every muscle screaming in protest. Behind him, Nia emerged — her robes torn, silver hair coated in dust and sweat. She nearly lost her balance until Andy instinctively caught her arm.
"You okay?" His voice was hoarse, low.
Nia's lips parted, breath ragged. "I should be asking you that. You look like you're about to collapse."
Andy chuckled faintly despite the blood crusted on his chin. "Then we make quite the pair."
For a moment, they simply stood there, breathing in the fresh night air. Above them, the stars glittered in cruel contrast to the suffocating darkness of the dungeon. It felt almost unreal.
Then the System's voice chimed in, cold and clear:
> [Guardian Defeated]
[Arc 1 Complete: Trial of the Forgotten Cave]
[Bond Level: 70%]
[Rewards Granted]
– Dual Synchronization Skill: Mana Resonance
– New Feature: Shared Inventory
– Hidden Reward: Unknown Key Fragment (Sealed)
Andy blinked, rubbing his eyes as a glowing panel flickered in front of them.
"…Shared Inventory?"
To test it, he picked up a small stone and tossed it into the glowing slot. It vanished instantly.
"Wait—"
"Andy!" Nia yelped as the stone dropped out of her panel, clattering onto her foot. She winced, hopping on one leg. "Ouch! What was that for?!"
Andy scratched his cheek, fighting a grin. "Guess it works."
Nia glared, cheeks flushed. "This is dangerous. What if you put something ridiculous in here?"
"…Like what?" Andy teased, tilting his head.
"Like… dirty laundry!" she snapped back, flustered.
Andy burst out laughing — the first genuine laugh since the dungeon. It was raw, tired, but real. "Don't tempt me."
Despite herself, Nia's lips curved upward in the faintest smile. The tension that had bound them through blood and terror loosened, just for a moment.
But peace was never meant to last.
From the distance, horns blared across the night. The sound of riders approaching — disciplined, heavy. Torches flickered like a serpent of fire along the winding road.
Andy's body tensed, hand on his blade. "More trouble already?"
Nia froze, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the crest on the banners.
"That's… the Everhart crest."
Andy's chest tightened. Nia's family. Nobles who would never approve of their bond.
The trial inside the cave was over — but outside, a new trial was just beginning.
---