Item Description (at the beginning of the chapter):
Soul Mirror: A rare magical artifact used in soul-training dungeons. It reflects the deepest fears, regrets, or desires of the user.
Dream Shard Crystals: Glowing purple stones scattered throughout the dungeon that allow cadets to temporarily resist illusions.
Emotion Resonance Field: A natural field within the trial dungeon that amplifies suppressed emotions and manifests them as illusions.
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The sunlight slanted gently across Star Academy, painting warm golden hues on the training fields and polished towers. After a month-long break, the first semester of the second year began with an unexpected announcement.
"All top-ranked cadets are to report to Arena 9 immediately for a special trial," Professor Avelyn Drake's voice echoed throughout the academy.
Yujin glanced up from his newly-upgraded mana revolver. His crimson eyes narrowed. Something about the tone of Avelyn's voice sounded off—serious, but layered with anticipation.
Within an hour, the elite cadets gathered: Yujin, Kain, Sylvia, Mira, and Taro. Alongside them were a few high-rankers like Norin Vale, Lina Ardent, and Karcel Dustblade.
Avelyn greeted them with her usual stern poise, accompanied by Professor Rowel Vayne. "You are the future of this world. To prepare you, you will enter a trial unlike any before. A soul-training dungeon—the Trial of Soul."
Rowel added, "This isn't about strength of body or magic. This trial will force you to confront the version of yourself you hide from. Only those who overcome their illusions will be allowed to move forward."
With that, the professors activated a teleportation circle. In a flash of light, the cadets were transported to a vast, ancient ruin hidden deep beneath the artificial island of Circle.
The air was heavy. Glowing Dream Shard Crystals lit the path forward. A massive gate loomed before them, etched with ancient symbols of the Old World.
"Once you enter," said Avelyn, "you will face your soul. No one will see what you experience—only you can judge yourself."
The gate opened. One by one, the cadets entered the mist.
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Yujin's Trial
The moment Yujin stepped in, the world shifted. He was no longer in a dungeon, but standing amidst the ruins of a shattered city—the same city where, in his past life, the Unknown Civilization won.
He looked around in horror. Flames crackled. Corpses lay scattered. And in the center stood himself—older, worn, and defeated. "You failed again, Yujin. Reborn or not, you couldn't save them."
Yujin gritted his teeth. "This isn't real."
"Isn't it? You know your potential. You know you're still behind. Kain is catching up. Taro's flames are outpacing your shots. Sylvia's tech has surpassed what you've built. You're not the hero you think."
Yujin clenched his fists, struggling to breathe as doubt wrapped around his soul like vines.
He stumbled through the illusion, desperately reaching a Dream Shard Crystal and touching it.
A flash of clarity.
He remembered his training with his mother, Cha Jinwa—the countless hours of pain, of studying, of rebuilding himself.
"No. I'm not that failure anymore. Not now."
His illusion self vanished in a blaze of red mana as he stood tall. "I am Lee Yujin. And I will fix every mistake—even if it kills me."
---
Kain's Trial
Kain appeared on a barren battlefield soaked in blood. Around him, hundreds of corpses bore the crest of the Sword Guild.
His father—the Sword Saint—stood before him, arms crossed.
"You think you're strong because you've awakened Divine Swordsmanship? You're still not worthy of our legacy."
Kain's grip tightened on his blade. "You never accepted me—not even when I trained alone."
The illusion twisted, showing him Mira, turning her back.
"Even she left you because of your arrogance. You'll always be alone, Kain."
A shadowed version of himself emerged from behind. "You train because you're afraid. Afraid of being useless. Afraid of being a failure."
Kain slashed wildly, but his sword passed through the illusion.
Until he remembered—his uncle Calem, and the words he left with: The only thing holding you back is fear. Cut it down.
Kain roared, divine energy flowing through his blade. The illusion shattered, and the battlefield dissolved.
---
Mira and Sylvia's Trials
Mira stood in the middle of a snow-covered battlefield, facing a version of herself—cold, ruthless, and alone.
"Love is a weakness. It made you soft, made you hesitate."
Mira dropped her staff and whispered, "No. It made me human."
She channeled her mana, melting the snow with radiant magic.
---
Sylvia, meanwhile, faced a hall of mirrors, each showing a different path—scientist, daughter, warrior, guild heiress. Her illusion mocked her.
"You're everything but nothing. Pick one."
Sylvia took a deep breath, pulled out her relic revolver core, and said, "I am all of them. And I'll prove that fusion works."
The mirrors exploded.
---
Taro faced flames—his village, his friends, consumed in the inferno he once couldn't control. A shadowy version of him laughed, drenched in fire.
But the voice of the Inferno Temple Master echoed, Fire only destroys when it lacks control. You've learned better. Show it.
Taro summoned calm flames. They danced like living spirits, turning the inferno into embers.
---
One by one, the cadets emerged from their soul trials, changed. Their bodies bore no wounds, but their eyes told stories.
Avelyn watched them with approval. "You have passed the first part. But tomorrow, comes Part II—the Trial of Choice."
They didn't know yet, but the next test would break their bonds—and forge something stronger.
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End of Chapter 27