There was one final test before I could ascend the System Spiral.
A mirror.
But not like the first one.
This one didn't show reflections.
It showed outcomes.
In it, I saw a version of myself who never woke up.
Who followed the rules.
Who fought monsters.
Who gained fame.
Who "won" the game.
He looked happy.
But when he saw me,
he whispered:
> "You are the one who lived.
I only survived."
And I knew…
even if I walked alone,
> I had chosen the real path.