Chapter 1: Birth and Beginnings
Tika Datta Guragain was born on the island of Little Garden, under the bright, ever-burning sun that cast its golden glow over the chaotic and prehistoric world. A place of towering trees, colossal creatures, and timeless battles. His arrival into this world was far from ordinary. Born with the weight of destiny pressing upon his tiny shoulders, his first breath was not a quiet one; rather, it was a cry that echoed the turmoil already lying dormant within him, a cry that would eventually become the foundation of his existence.The island was a peculiar one, full of wildness and danger, yet it had a kind of harmony that could only be understood by those who called it home. Tika's parents, deeply devoted to their priestly practices, had no idea how their son would grow up to become a chaotic, unpredictable force that would challenge even the most seasoned warriors of the world. His birth itself was foretold by ancient astrological charts — charts that spoke of a boy who would be both a creator and a destroyer, a leader and a messiah to some, and a disruptor to others.As Tika grew, his earliest years were filled with training. His mother, Tulasha, was gentle and nurturing, always speaking of the importance of discipline, of knowing one's place in the world. His father, Bishnu, was a priest who dedicated his life to rituals and prayers, hoping that his son would one day follow in his footsteps. But Tika's heart was a strange one — wild and untamed. He didn't care for the long prayers or the slow, meditative chants. His thoughts raced faster than anyone could comprehend, and his curiosity could never be contained.The first hint of his true nature emerged when he was just three years old. As he watched his father perform a ritual, Tika, in a fit of childish rebellion, knocked over the sacred altar with a well-placed kick. The room went silent, save for his father's deep, long sigh. But instead of scolding him, his father looked at him with a complex mix of frustration and awe. He saw something in his son — something he hadn't expected."He's different," Bishnu murmured to himself, as he began to realize that Tika's destiny would not be one of quiet devotion but one of chaos, laughter, and struggle.Tika didn't understand the gravity of that moment. All he knew was that the act of destruction, in that instance, had felt liberating. It wasn't until later that he began to understand the consequences of his actions. But for now, it was just fun — playful chaos, the kind only a child could experience.When Tika turned five, his life took another unexpected turn. He was outside playing in the vast, untamed wilderness of Little Garden when a massive beast — a creature older than time itself — appeared before him. The towering creature, with its blood-red eyes and iron-clad scales, stared down at the young boy with an intensity that would have paralyzed anyone else in an instant. Tika, though, had the audacity to stare back. Fearless, full of brash confidence, he didn't flinch."Are you going to eat me?" Tika asked, his voice curious, more amused than afraid.The beast, taken aback by the boy's boldness, let out a low, rumbling growl. It had been years since anyone had shown such courage in its presence.In that moment, the island itself seemed to pause, as if holding its breath. For reasons that defied logic, the beast did not attack. Instead, it lowered its head to Tika's level and gave him an almost respectful nod before lumbering off into the jungle.That was the first sign that the island's creatures saw something in Tika that the people did not fully understand — something primal, something destined to change the world.As Tika reached the age of eight, his training became more serious. His father, seeing that his son was too unpredictable and free-spirited to remain bound by tradition, began to teach him the ways of combat — but not the typical, rigid style of the island. No, Tika needed to fight his own battles, in his own way.His mother, too, contributed to his growth, but in a way that would never fully satisfy the expectations of his lineage. Instead of enforcing the idea of patience and discipline, Tulasha focused on the importance of connection, of understanding the nature of others, and the need for balance between inner strength and external forces.By the time Tika was ten, he had already become something of a legend on Little Garden. His reckless courage, impulsive nature, and disregard for authority made him a figure of both admiration and annoyance. People whispered about him as the boy who would one day lead great adventures — or destroy everything in his path.But for Tika, it didn't matter what anyone thought. His thoughts were a mess. He constantly wondered if he was even doing things right. "Who cares?" he'd often mutter to himself, his mind jumping from one thought to another. He was a bundle of contradictions: **lazy yet driven**, **chaotic yet thoughtful**, **immature yet somehow wise beyond his years**.On his sixteenth birthday, something strange happened. Tika, already accustomed to the whispers of people around him, suddenly felt a strange, pulsing sensation deep within his chest. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before — a power, a presence, something new. At first, he dismissed it as some strange feeling that would soon pass, but it didn't. It only grew stronger.And then, in a moment that changed the course of his life, Tika heard the voice — a voice so clear, so distinct, that it seemed to come from the very core of his being."You have been chosen," the voice said, its tone both commanding and soothing. "A power lies within you, one that has been dormant. Use it well, and your destiny will unfold."Tika's heart raced. He didn't know what this was, but he knew one thing for certain — he was no longer a mere boy. He was something far greater.In that moment, the island around him seemed to shift, the trees swaying in rhythm with his pulse, and the beast that had once respected him now watched from the distance, silently acknowledging what was about to unfold.Tika Datta Guragain was about to embark on a journey that would take him far from Little Garden and change the world in ways that no one could have predicted.
Chapter 2: The Awakening of Summons
The dawn light filtered through the colossal ferns of Little Garden, painting the stone-laid training grounds in hues of amber and gold. The world felt ancient here—each rock, each leaf bore the weight of countless ages. It was in this primeval amphitheater that Tika Datta Guragain would test the first tremors of the power that had stirred within him on his sixteenth birthday. The air was thick with the scent of moss and the distant echo of prehistoric roars, a grand stage befitting the awakening of a force long dormant.Tika stood barefoot on the rough stone, heart hammering like a war drum. His fists clenched at his sides, nails digging crescent moons into his palms. Around him, the towering trees seemed to lean in, curious—ancient sentinels witnessing the birth of something new. He inhaled, the breaths coming sharp and ragged. He could feel it again: that pulse, that voice. Electric energy danced under his skin, coiling around his ribs like a caged serpent."Fuck, why's my heart gotta feel like it's trying to punch its way out?" he thought, eyes flicking to the horizon. "Get it together, Datta. You're not a fucking kid anymore."He dropped into a crouch, summoning every lesson his mother and father had ever tried to teach him—discipline, ritual, restraint. But those lessons felt like shackles now. The voice from within whispered: **Summon**. And he knew, with a bone-deep certainty, that he would.Tika closed his eyes. The world's grandeur—the ancient stones, the oppressive forest canopy, the distant cry of a wild beast—faded into a silent void. In that silence, he reached inward, seeking the spark that had ignited the day before. His mind raced, chaotic as ever, but he corralled it, weaving a tenuous thread between thought and reality."Okay, uh, big space, big power, big... summon circle? Right," he muttered under his breath, voice trembling. He crouched lower and pressed his fingertips to the ground, tracing an impromptu sigil in the dust. The lines were shaky—childish almost—but each stroke burned with intention.A low hum began in the earth. The stones vibrated. Birds stilled in the trees. Tika's breath hitched as the sigil glowed with an otherworldly light. The patch of ground within the circle shimmered like heat haze."Holy shit…"Before he could second-guess himself, the shimmering coalesced into a shape. First a silhouette, then form—broad shoulders, a confident stance. When the light dimmed, standing in the circle was **Izuku Midoriya**, the green-haired hero who would become Tika's vice-captain. Izuku blinked, taking in the primal landscape, adjusting the straps of his gloves."Where... am I?" he asked, voice calm but firm. He scanned Tika, curiosity in his emerald eyes.Tika staggered back, heart in his throat. "Shit, it worked. You—you're real." He ran a hand through his hair. "You're, uh, Izuku Midoriya. Vice Captain material, right? Let's, uh, let's roll."Izuku offered a polite nod. "I'm here to help. What's our mission?"Tika's chest tightened. "Mission? We're—uh—we're building a crew. You're my second-in-command." He swallowed hard. The ancient world around him felt impossibly large; he was terrified he'd fucked it up. But Izuku simply smiled, stepping forward."Then lead the way, Captain."A rush of relief and adrenaline flooded Tika's veins. The forest seemed to exhale. Yet in that triumphant moment, his thoughts spiraled: **What the hell have I done?**The rest of the day blurred into action. Tika summoned Artoria Saber with another hastily drawn sigil—her golden armor gleaming even under the dense canopy—and Soma Yukihira, who arrived complaining about the lack of a proper kitchen. Each arrival bent the world's grand scale to Tika's chaotic will. By nightfall, he had called forth Senku Ishigami and Edward Elric. The ancient beasts of Little Garden prowled beyond the clearing, respectful now, as if acknowledging the rising of a new power.As the moon climbed high, Tika collapsed against a stone pillar, knees caving inward. His crew—five of ten—stood ready, awaiting his orders. The enormity of it crashed down on him."Fuck, I'm the captain of… of a shit-ton of legends," he thought, voice barely a whisper. "What do I even do next?"Saber approached, her presence calm and commanding. "Rest, Captain. Tomorrow, we chart our course."Tika nodded, exhaustion and exhilaration warping his features into something between a grin and a grimace. The circle's glow faded, but the bond had been forged. Under the silent gaze of Little Garden's colossal trees, a ragtag crew and their impulsive captain prepared to step into a world of untold adventure.And so, with the grandeur of an ancient world bearing witness, Tika Datta Guragain's journey truly began. The summoning system had awakened, and with it, the promise of legends reborn.
Chapter 3: Trials by Fire
The dawn broke with a fury of crimson and gold, painting the sky above Little Garden in apocalyptic hues. Jagged silhouettes of primeval trees stood like silent sentinels against the blazing horizon. A distant roar—part beast, part storm—shook the air, announcing the day's first trial. It was as if the world itself sought to test the fledgling power that now pulsed within Tika Datta Guragain.Tika's eyes snapped open. His senses screamed: heat, motion, danger. The training grounds had transformed overnight. Where serene stone once lay, rivers of molten rock now flowed, carving channels through the ancient rock. The trees were scorched at their bases, leaves wilting under the unnatural blaze. In the center stood a creature of living flame—a Salamander Colossus, its body a writhing inferno that cracked and hissed with every movement.His heart thundered. The grandeur of the scene was breathtaking, but Tika's mind was a riot of panic. *Holy shit, did I do this?* he thought, scrambling to his feet, robes whipping around him. *Maybe I'm not ready. Fuck, why does every morning have to feel like the end of the world?*He glanced at his crew. Izuku Midoriya's eyes were narrowed, determination sharpening his features. Artoria Saber's hand rested on the hilt of her sword, her posture poised and unflinching. Soma Yukihira was already digging through his bag for ingredients—if there was a cooking solution to molten rock, he'd find it. Senku Ishigami was crouched, examining the cooled edges of lava with scientific curiosity. Edward Elric flexed his automail arm, itching for action. Renji Abarai scanned the perimeter, and Asuna Yuuki readied her bow. Asia Argento hovered nearby, healing charms at the ready, while the Robot and Beast stood guard.Tika swallowed. "Alright," he rasped, voice cracking. "Let's… let's do this."He stepped forward, summoning the sigil's glow once more. The earth trembled as he traced the summoning circle, mind racing: *Focus, dammit. Don't fuck this up.* The molten ground hissed beneath his fingertips.Before he could finish, a wave of heat slammed into him, throwing him backward. He skidded against a rock, pain flaring across his back. "Shit!" he gasped, clutching the welt.Saber was at his side instantaneously. "Captain, move back!" Her voice cut through the chaos, calm and commanding. She drew her blade, meeting the Colossus's fiery limb with a shower of sparks.Izuku launched himself upward, rocket-like, landing on the creature's shoulder and unleashing a Detroit Smash that cracked the beast's armor of flame. The Salamander roared, swinging a molten fist. Izuku tumbled free, coughing but smiling. "Keep going!" he yelled.Tika's pulse hammered. He wanted to help—he had to—but his power felt unpredictable. *Summon… something to control fire? A cook? No, a warrior.* He scoured his mental roster. *Edward's good, but alchemy and lava mix badly. Robot? Terminator tunes?* He settled on Asuna. With a shaky breath, he re-drew the circle.The glow flared and Asuna materialized in mid-air, landing gracefully. "Captain?" she asked, concern in her voice."Use your arrow—pierce its core!" Tika shouted. Asuna nodded, nocking a silver-tipped arrow that gleamed even in the inferno. She let it fly; it struck the creature's chest, burying itself in molten flesh. The beast shrieked, staggered, and for a moment, the world held its breath.Tika felt a surge of pride—then horror as the ground cracked beneath him. A river of lava snaked toward his crew. "Move!" he screamed.Renji dove, grabbing Tika's arm and hauling him out of harm's way. The two tumbled clear as the lava consumed the spot they'd stood. Tika lay panting, adrenaline burning through him. *That was too close. I almost killed everyone.* His gaze flicked to the Salamander, now faltering under combined attacks.Soma seized the moment of distraction. He slapped together a makeshift cooking stove—rocks, charcoal, stray leaves—and with theatrical flair, prepared a concoction that absorbed heat. He hurled it at the molten river; it sizzled, hardened, and formed a temporary dam. "Bon appétit, magma!" he crowed.Senku rushed forward, analyzing the dam's composition. "Structurally sound for thirty seconds! Move!" He pointed to a safer ledge. The crew scrambled up as the dam held just long enough.With a final coordinated strike—Saber's Excalibur-laced slash, Izuku's full-power smash, Asuna's precision shot, and Beast's roar-fueled pounce—the Salamander Colossus collapsed, its flames extinguishing in a hiss of steam.The clearing fell silent, save for the crew's ragged breathing. Tika stood at the edge, chest heaving. The grandeur of the fallen beast and the scorched arena contrasted sharply with his racing, terrified mind.He stumbled forward. "We… we did it." His voice was small. The enormity of victory weighed on him. *I led them. I... fuck, that was insane.*Saber stepped beside him, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. "You led us well, Captain."Izuku gave him a thumbs-up. "You've got this, Tika."Tika closed his eyes, letting the praise wash over him. His thoughts were a jumble: *God, I hope they don't realize how scared I was. I almost collapsed. But we did it. We actually did it.* He exhaled shakily. "Next… next time, maybe less fire?"Laughter rippled through the crew—light, relieved, real. Even Tika managed a grin. The world's grandeur had tested them, nearly consumed them, but together they'd prevailed.As the sun climbed higher, the squad gathered around Tika. He looked at each face—so powerful, so trusting. His heart swelled with something fierce and unsteady: responsibility. The chaotic panic was still there, buzzing behind every thought, but now it was tempered by something new: purpose.The trials of Little Garden had only just begun, and Tika Datta Guragain felt the weight of command settle onto his shoulders. He was terrified—and that was exactly why he was the right person for the job.With a shaky breath, he raised his voice. "Alright, crew… on to the next adventure."And with that, they marched forward into the heart of Little Garden, where legends were born in fire and chaos bent to the will of a boy who refused to be ordinary.
Chapter 4: Depths of Doubt
A pall of mist clung to the shores of the hidden lagoon, turning every sound into a whisper and every silhouette into a specter. Little Garden's terrain had shifted once more—no fiery rivers today, but a vast, mirror-still expanse of water framed by jagged stone spires. The world's grandeur lay in the hush: the glassy surface reflecting the towering cliff-faces, the sky's bruised lavender at dawn, the promise of unseen depths beneath. It was beautiful. It was deadly.Tika Datta Guragain stood at the water's edge, boots sinking slightly into the wet sand. He could feel the power thrumming beneath him—his summoning sigils had stirred the island's primal forces again. But this time, the tremor within him was laced with doubt. Around him, his crew moved with practiced confidence: Izuku Midoriya inspecting the shoreline for threats; Artoria Saber running her blade along the waterline; Soma Yukihira muttering about the lack of breakfast; Senku Ishigami sketching rock formations; Edward Elric testing the salinity with a quick transmutation; Renji Abarai leaning against a mast, arms crossed; Asuna Yuuki checking her bow; Asia Argento preparing healing salves; the Robot humming a soft tune; Beast padding restlessly.Tika's pulse thundered. The lagoon seemed to watch him, dark and patient. He swallowed. *Fuck, what now?* His inner voice was frantic: *Last time was fire and death. Now it's water. I can't drown my crew.* He glanced at the horizon, where pale light shimmered. *Summon someone who can handle this shit.*He bent, tracing a new circle in the sand. Each stroke was uncertain, fingers trembling. The sigil glowed pale blue. The lagoon stilled further, as if curious. Tika closed his eyes, willed the power inward, then outward in a controlled burst. *Come on.*The water rippled. A swirl of droplets coalesced into form. When the mist parted, standing at the circle's center was **Ren**—a warrior from a distant land, master of water techniques and silent as the deep sea. His dark hair clung to his forehead; his eyes were the color of storm-tossed waves. He bowed once to Tika."Captain," he intoned, voice low as an undertow. "I answer your call."Tika exhaled. "Uh, welcome… Ren. Nice timing. We've got to cross." His words sounded hollow even to his own ears. *Cross where?*Ren's gaze flicked to the water. "The path lies below. I will guide you."Tika forced a nod. The lagoon's surface pulsed. Without warning, the water surged upward, forming a twisting corridor of liquid. The walls gleamed wet, alive with movement. From somewhere below came a distant, sonorous hum—like the beating of a colossal heart.The crew exchanged glances. Izuku tightened his gloves. Saber's hand hovered over her scabbard. Even Soma looked serious, folding away his spatula. Tika gulped. *Shit.*He stepped forward, Ren at his side. The others followed, boots splashing in the shallow water. Each footfall echoed. The corridor arched overhead like a cathedral, water droplets cascading in silent prayer. Light fractured through the liquid walls, casting trembling patterns on the stone floor.Halfway through, the floor gave way to a deeper channel. Tika slipped; Ren caught him. "Steady yourself," Ren murmured.Tika glared at his own feet. *Great job, genius.* He righted himself, cheeks hot. The water rose to mid-calf, then waist, then chest. Panic rippled through him. *I can't swim! I fucking hate deep water!*A pressure wave rolled through the corridor. From the watery gloom emerged creatures shaped like serpents of glass—kalathas, guardians of the depths. Their bodies shimmered, fins trailing like silk. They circled the crew, silent sentinels.Tika's heart seized. "They're… they're gonna kill us, right?" he thought, adrenaline spiking.Ren stepped forward. Whispered words in an ancient tongue drifted over the water. The kalathas paused, heads bobbing. Ren held out a hand, palm open. The creatures retreated, forming a protective arc around the crew.Tika blinked. *Did he just negotiate with fish ghosts?* He swallowed hard. "Thanks, Ren," he managed.Ren inclined his head. "They guard the passage. Show respect, and you will pass."Tika nodded, though he had no idea how to show respect to translucent sea serpents. He cleared his throat. "Uh, big respect. Please don't eat us."A kalatha drifted forward, circled Tika's leg, then slid away. The corridor floor tilted downward. Water surged over Tika's shoulders. He spluttered, eyes wide. *Oh fuck, I can't breathe.*Asuna dove under the water, reemerging with a breath-holding trick. "Stay calm, Captain. Follow me." She took his hand and led him through the deep section. Each step was torture; Tika's lungs burned. His inner voice screamed: *This is it. You die like an idiot.*He kicked upward, following Asuna's calm rhythm until the corridor shallowed. They emerged into a cavern lit by bioluminescent algae—walls glittering like stars beneath the waves. The water here was calm, clear. The crew gathered, gasping but alive.Tika sank to his knees. "Holy shit…" He swallowed seawater. "Never again."Izuku laughed, offering him a water flask. "You did great."Tika took a swig, choking. "Fuck you." He coughed, then cracked a grin. "But thanks."Soma clapped him on the back. "Adventure's better with a little drowning risk!"Tika glared but laughed. The grandeur of the sunken grotto, the silent guardians, the living cathedral of water—it had nearly killed him, but it had bonded the crew tighter. He looked at each member, chest swelling.His thoughts tumbled: *I almost killed them. But we survived. We're still a crew. I... maybe I'm doing okay.*Ren approached, water dripping from his hair. "The path continues. Are you ready?"Tika stood, legs wobbly. He squared his shoulders. "Yeah. Let's go. And keep the water monsters away from me, okay?"Ren's lips curved. "As you wish."Hand in hand, crew at his back, Tika stepped forward into the deeper darkness, the lagoon's glow fading behind them. The world was grand, indifferent, and alive—and he would face it, one terrified step at a time.
Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past
The cavern's bioluminescent glow faded behind them as Tika Datta Guragain and his crew ventured deeper into the earth's living veins. The narrow tunnel opened into a vast subterranean hall, its vaulted ceiling lost in shadow. Roots thicker than a man's arm wove through ancient stones, pulsing with a faint green light. Dripping stalactites caught the luminescence, casting a kaleidoscope of trembling reflections on the damp floor. This place felt older than Little Garden's surface—an underworld of secrets, of history buried and waiting.Tika paused, chest tight. The grandeur was overwhelming. Each breath tasted of damp stone and something older—memory, regret, promise. He swallowed, forcing his racing heart to settle. *Keep it together, captain. You're not a dumb kid in diapers.*Behind him, Izuku Midoriya scanned the walls. His brow furrowed. "These roots… they're organic, but infused with some kind of energy. I've never seen anything like it." He knelt, pressing a gloved hand to a glowing tendril. It pulsed under his touch.Edward Elric stepped forward, alchemy circle drawn on his palm. He traced the energy flow, eyes narrowing. "Alchemical resonance—this place was engineered. Not natural. Someone built this."Tika's mind spun. *Built? By who?* He felt a chill. "Built… by who?" he echoed.Before Edward could answer, a tremor shook the hall. Dust rained from the unseen ceiling. A low, mournful hum rose from the roots. The green glow intensified, bathing the crew in eerie light.Soma Yukihira frowned, balancing a frying pan in one hand. "Great. Haunted forest meets haunted cave." He sighed theatrically. "Can we get a little less ambiance and a little more solid ground, please?"A distant rumble answered him. The floor cracked. From the fissure emerged shapes—figures encased in stone, humanoid forms frozen in mid-stride. Their faces were twisted in agony, as if trapped in their last moment of terror. They were guardians, petrified sentinels of this forgotten place.Tika stumbled back. "What the hell…"Artoria Saber stepped forward, sword drawn. "They remain still. Perhaps they will not awaken unless provoked." Her voice was calm, but Tika saw her grip tighten.Senku Ishigami knelt by one statue, tapping his staff against the stone. "Judging by the mineral composition, they were alive once—transformed into this by some transmutation or curse." He tapped again. "And the energy flows through them. They're keyed to the root network."Renji Abarai's laugh echoed in the hall. "Perfect. Stone zombies. Just what we needed." He stretched, readying his blade. "Anytime they move, I'll cut them back down."Tika's panic spiked. *Stone zombies?* He swallowed. "Okay, team—when they move, we fight. I'll try not to die."He summoned Asuna Yuuki with a trembling hand. She materialized beside him, bow at the ready. "Captain?" she asked softly."We need to scout ahead," Tika said. "You and Renji take point. Saber, Izuku, cover the rear. Everyone else stay ready." His voice wavered, but the crew fell into position.They advanced. The petrified figures lined the corridor like silent witnesses. Every step echoed. The hum grew louder. Tika's mind raced: *Don't trip. Don't look at the faces. Just—just move.*Halfway through, the hum peaked. The statues' eyes glowed green. Stone cracked. Limbs shifted. With grinding echoes, the first sentinel broke free, its stony fist swinging toward the crew.Renji leapt, spirit energy igniting his blade. He sliced through the arm; stone shards rained down. Asuna loosed an arrow at the next sentinel; it struck true, shattering a shoulder.But there were more. From alcoves emerged wave after wave. The crew sprang into action. Saber's blade sang; Izuku's fists glowed with One For All as he smashed through armored chests; Edward transmuted the floor into molten metal traps; Senku coated roots with rapid-hardening compound to slow advancement; Soma tossed incendiary spice bombs that exploded in fragrant fire; Beast roared, pouncing and mauling stone forms.Tika backed toward a root-woven wall. He felt the panic rising: *This is too much. We're gonna drown in stone.* His hands shook. The sigil circle lay unfinished in the dust at his feet.He took a breath. *Focus. Summon.* He scrawled the circle with determination. The root network pulsed around him. The cave trembled.Light burst from the sigil. A figure emerged—**Asia Argento**, her gentle smile cutting through the chaos. She raised her staff; healing light rippled outward, mending cracks in the ground and knitting wounds of allies.Tika exhaled. "Thanks, Asia," he murmured.She nodded. "Stay safe, Captain."With renewed strength, the crew rallied. Under Saber's leadership, they formed a defensive perimeter. Izuku anchored the front line; Renji and Asuna picked off stragglers; Edward and Senku disabled root traps; Soma cheered them on; Beast shielded the more vulnerable.The tide turned. The petrified guardians fell, one by one, into rubble. The hum subsided. The root network dimmed, the cavern growing silent once more.Tika dropped to his knees, chest heaving. The grandeur of the hall—its ancient terror, its primeval beauty—pressed in. His crew gathered around him. Their faces were streaked with sweat and grime, but their eyes shone with triumph.Izuku offered him a water flask. Tika took it, hands trembling. "You okay?" Izuku asked.Tika nodded slowly. "I… we did it." His voice cracked. *We survived your stupid test.*Artoria sheath her sword. "Your leadership held, Captain."Tika looked up, meeting each gaze. Fear still churned within him, but beneath it lay something stronger: trust. Purpose. Belief.He swallowed. "Alright," he said hoarsely. "Let's keep moving. And maybe—maybe find a roof that doesn't try to kill us."Laughter rippled through the crew. Tika allowed himself a small smile. The grand echoing hall, the whispered past, the stone guardians—they were behind them now. Ahead lay deeper mysteries, greater challenges.Tika rose, brushing dust from his clothes. His thoughts tumbled: *I almost shit myself. But they saved me. We're a crew. We can do this.*With a nod, he led the way forward, into the unknown depths, where the past whispered and the future waited to be forged by a boy who summoned legends—and found his own.