Back in the temple, Kaalkrit rose once more, bleeding shadows. But this time, Aarav stood radiant, calm.
Kaalkrit lunged.
Aarav didn't flinch.
With a single step and a whisper of wind, he moved behind him.
With a touch of fire, he burned away the general's cursed armor.
And with the Third Truth, he released him—from pain, from hate, from the chains of vengeance.
Kaalkrit collapsed, not slain, but redeemed—his memories returning before his eyes dimmed.
The temple sighed, and the echoes stilled.
His mother stood beside him now, strong and whole once more.
"You have done what I never could," she said, touching his face. "But this is only the beginning."
Aarav turned toward the horizon, where new stars were rising.
The war had been delayed—but not ended.
The real enemy still watched from the shadows beyond the sky.
And the journey of the last warrior had only just begun.