As they pushed open the large stone door behind him, a hidden hatchway revealed itself. A dark, spiraling stairwell descended into the depths — this had to lead to the temple they'd been searching for.
They stepped onto the smooth, ancient stone steps, the air growing heavier with each step. The walls pulsed faintly, almost as if the structure itself breathed.
Belial glanced around, eyes narrowing.
"I'm getting crazy amounts of energy from this place," he said.
"Yeah, I agree," Suna added
Azire, unbothered by the weight of the atmosphere, kept moving.
"No matter," he said. "We must keep walking."
The stone path eventually led into a massive underground hall — and what they saw brought them to a halt. Thousands of soldiers stood there, silent and still, all staring at Azire as the group entered. The tension was suffocating.
Azire's voice cut through the silence.
"Where is he?"
From the ranks, a man in a distinct robe stepped forward. Unlike the others, his presence radiated power and demanded respect. As he walked toward them, the soldiers parted like water.
"He's in the medical room," the robed man answered.
Azire's eyes narrowed. "For what?"
"Let him rest in peace. Aren't you like family?"
"Yes," the man continued, "Uno means a lot to me... but not for the reasons you think. In time, you'll understand. If you'd like to see him, I'm more than happy to guide you."
Suna stepped up without hesitation, grabbing Azire's hand. She nodded, and the group followed the man down another corridor.
When they reached the medical room, they saw Uno lying on a bed — breathing, alive.
"UNO!" Suna cried out, rushing forward.
But when his eyes opened, the room fell silent.
They were no longer the warm eyes they remembered. His irises were a deep, menacing purple — a swirling void. Thick chains bound his arms and legs to the bed.
The man smirked. "Would you like to go in?"
Azire didn't hesitate. Emotionless, he stepped into the room and stared at Uno.
"This... isn't him. He died in front of me."
"You're partially correct," the man said. "This Uno has been corrupted by the Hollow Star Temple. This was always his fate — to become a pawn. He lived a good life, yes... but now, his true destiny begins."
Then his smile faded.
"It's time for you to get out of his life."
Without warning, the room filled with poisonous gas. Azire and the others collapsed. Darkness took them.
They awoke outside the temple, tossed aside like trash. Azire stood first, silent, eyes locked on the towering structure. His aura now radiated cold and shadow — a dangerous calm settling over him.
"STOP, Azire!" Maya yelled. "Don't use Cocobeal, please, I beg you!"
"I'm with her," Hollie added. "You'll only hurt us... and yourself."
Suddenly, Suna jumped forward and hugged him tightly, grounding him.
Azire's breathing slowed. The darkness began to fade.