A whole year had passed since Jin and Velka stepped foot into the ancient Temple of Tumaru. In that time, they had grown together—not just as warriors facing trials, but as two souls learning to understand each other.
Their bond had changed.
Velka, with her golden hair cascading like rays of dawn and eyes shimmering like polished amber, found herself slowly drawn to Jin. There was no specific moment when it happened—no sudden realization—but a series of little fragments stitched together in time: the way he shielded her with his own body during the third mission, how he stood silently beside her when she cried remembering her fallen comrades, and the way he would quietly cook for them at night using the resources gathered between trials.
She laughed more now. Smiled more freely. Yet every glance she gave him held a soft ache she couldn't express.
Jin, however, remained distant—not cold, but unreachable. His eyes often lingered on faraway stars, as if they alone held the answer to his fate. He treated Velka with warmth, protected her fiercely, listened to her stories, and occasionally teased her—but his heart? It was always someplace else.
By now, they had completed ninety-nine out of two thousand missions—choosing only one hundred to unlock the full treasury of the Temple. Each mission grew harder, each scar deeper, each breath heavier… but the two never wavered.
Time passed slowly in the Lunar World, as the days stretched into months. In a quiet sanctuary, away from the turmoil of the outside world, Nyreth devoted himself to caring for the people who mattered most to Jin. As their temporary caretaker, he offered a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty that Jin's absence had created.
Nyreth moved through the halls of the sanctuary with grace, his eyes always observing, ensuring that everyone was comfortable and safe. His movements were deliberate, every step taken with a sense of purpose. He was not just their protector, but their friend, someone who would always stand by them, just as his master Jin had.
Lia, who had been sleeping peacefully for the past few weeks, stirred in her bed. Nyreth sat beside her, keeping vigil over her, watching as her expression softened in her sleep. The connection she shared with Jin was undeniable, and though the world had become strange to her after her return, Nyreth knew she would recover. He gently brushed her hair from her face, a gesture that spoke of the tenderness he felt for Jin's beloved.
Eva, Jin's mother, had taken to wandering the gardens in the morning, seeking solace in the beauty of the Lunar World. Nyreth accompanied her during her walks, speaking little but offering her company. Over time, Eva began to open up, speaking about her past, about Jin's childhood, and the pain of being separated from him for so long. Nyreth listened attentively, never once showing any sign of impatience. He knew that the weight of her words was part of the healing process, so he simply remained by her side, offering what comfort he could.
Han Jin Hyuk, Jin's father, who had once been a quiet, distant figure, now found peace in the warmth of the family that had gathered around him. He often sat with Chris, their conversations mostly lighthearted, but there was an underlying tension, a constant reminder of the loss they shared. Chris, ever the steadfast brother-in-law, would try to cheer everyone up, cracking jokes and sharing stories about his childhood, friendshio between him and Jin. His voice carried a kind of warmth that reminded everyone of the strength Jin had given them.
Arden, Kaelros, Lysander, and Rin spent their time training and sparring, trying to stay sharp in the hope that one day, Jin would return and lead them once more. They kept their spirits high, pushing one another to be better, just as Jin had done with them in the past. Their laughter often echoed through the halls, and Nyreth would sometimes join them, offering his wisdom when necessary.
Athena, ever the calm and composed figure, spent much of her time meditating in the quiet chambers of the sanctuary. Though she had always been a pillar of strength, even she found herself worried about Jin's safety. She confided in Nyreth during their late-night talks, sharing her fears and her hopes for the future. He reassured her with gentle words, his calm presence offering a sense of stability.
One evening, as the sun began to set and the stars began to twinkle in the vast expanse of the sky, the entire group gathered for a simple meal in the dining hall. Golden lanterns lined the walls, casting a soft, warm glow across the long table. Laughter echoed off the stone, light and healing. It was a rare, gentle peace in the storm of their long wait.
Lia sat beside Eva, her fingers gently curled around a ceramic cup. Her eyes shimmered as she looked out the window. "I wonder what Jin is doing right now," she said softly.
Eva smiled, brushing a lock of hair behind Lia's ear. "Probably being too serious again," she chuckled. "You know how he gets—so focused."
Chris leaned back in his chair with a grin. "Knowing him, he's already completed a dozen impossible missions and made five new enemies and three new friends along the way."
"I bet he's acting cool, like always," Lillian added playfully, her eyes bright. "But inside, he's worried about all of us."
Rin, chewing thoughtfully, spoke up. "He always does carry too much alone. I hope he's at least letting someone help him this time."
Kaelros smirked, raising a fork. "If he's not, I'll punch him the moment he gets back."
"After I hug him," Lysander added quickly, drawing laughter from the group.
Arden, ever quiet, finally spoke. "Jin would be proud of this… us being together like this."
At the head of the table, Nyreth stood silently for a moment, his gaze traveling from face to face—each expression carrying warmth, pain, and a fragile, unspoken hope.
He stepped forward, voice calm yet resonant. "When I talk to Master Jin… he never speaks much of his pain. But I can feel it. Deep beneath that cold resolve, there's a storm. You don't see it—but your strength… your love… it's what keeps him from being consumed." He looked toward Lia gently. "Even now, he fights because he wants to come home."
Lia's eyes softened. She whispered to herself, more to the air than to anyone in particular, "I can't wait to see him."
Nyreth caught her gaze and nodded, his voice quiet but steady. "And he can't wait to see you. When I last stood by his side, he held your pendant at night as he meditated. Not once did he let it out of his reach."
Eva turned to Nyreth, her voice more serious and tensed. "Do you think he's safe?"
Nyreth replied with quiet certainty, "He is. I've seen him rise from the edge of death, with only the thought of you all to carry him forward. Jin has endured more than most could bear. And every trial makes him stronger. He will return—changed perhaps, but whole. I saw it in his eyes the last time we parted—his promise to come back to you."
Chris leaned forward. "You talk like you've known him for lifetimes."
Nyreth smiled faintly. "In a way… I have. I have watched him fall and rise more times than I can count. When I talk to him, I see a man who was never meant to be a warrior… but became one to protect what he loved."
Athena, who had remained quiet, finally said, "And we will be ready when he returns. Whatever awaits, he won't face it alone."
Nyreth nodded. "Your strength does not come from the past alone, but from the bonds you share. Each of you has carried the weight of Jin's absence, but you've done so with courage. And now, you must continue to wait—not in despair, but in hope. When I talk to Master Jin, he always speaks of you with reverence. Let this time sharpen you. Strengthen you. Heal you."
For a moment, silence followed. Then, Lillian raised her cup. "To Jin."
Everyone followed, voices united. "To Jin."
Later that evening, Nyreth sat quietly in a corner of the sanctuary, his eyes reflecting the moonlight as he meditated. The peaceful sounds of the world around him were soothing, and for a moment, he allowed himself to slip into his thoughts. He thought of Jin, of the sacrifices he had made, of the battles he had fought. Nyreth had never known a man quite like him. Jin had faced so much in his life—loss, betrayal, and pain—but through it all, he had never lost his compassion, his drive, or his loyalty to those he loved.
As Nyreth's thoughts wandered, his mind often returned to the bonds he had forged with each member of Jin's family. He was more than their protector now; he was their friend, their confidant, their ally in this strange and uncertain time. Nyreth's loyality for Jin was unbreakable.