Darkness.
That was how Auren felt after choosing the Lost Destiny Path.
His body could not bear the energy explosion from a system that was unknown to anyone.
His consciousness faded.
And now...
---
"KAELIS!!"
A cold, stern voice pierced his ears.
Auren was jolted awake—his eyes shot open and his body lifted off the academy floor.
Trainer Shaya Rendt stood in front of him, arms crossed, an angry yet confused expression.
> "You were unconscious for three whole hours in the middle of the activation hall.
The other students thought you were... dead!"
Auren held his head—the faint throbbing was still there,
but deep inside he knew something had changed drastically.
> "Sorry... I accidentally... went in too deep."
Shaya narrowed her eyes, then pointed at him.
> "You will be tested earlier than the other students.
See if your recent mess is worthy of a second chance."
---
Direct Test: First Arena - Garden of Illusions
Shaya led Auren to a peaceful-looking garden,
surrounded by white flowers that swayed gently in the wind.
But Auren knew that this was no ordinary garden.
The Garden of Illusions was the earliest training ground,
where intelligence, strength, and self-control were tested simultaneously.
---
"Enter, and do not leave until you have defeated the illusion of your 'Weak Self'."
Auren's steps slowly entered the garden,
and suddenly the atmosphere changed—
the ground turned red,
the air became heavy,
and before him appeared...
a version of himself.
A lowly, cowardly, and full of doubt.
> "You are nothing, Auren."
"You will only be reduced to dust like those who try to be heroes."
But Auren clenched his fists.
A faint silver aura emerged from his body,
and behind him, the system screen appeared by itself.
> [Activate: Echo Burn — Max (Level 1)]
The illusory body instantly burned in a soundless flame,
and disappeared like mist touched by sunlight.
---
From outside the arena, Shaya watched silently.
> "That fire... that's no ordinary skill."
"You're not just a chosen one...
You might be the inheritor of something that shouldn't have returned."
---