The gates of Valendria stood tall before us—majestic and radiant, carved from shimmering crystal and laced with runes of protection. From afar, the city resembled a vision from a divine dream—golden rooftops reflecting the morning sun, towers spiraling with slow-turning arcane rings, and the faint scent of ancient magical flora lingering in the air.
But as we drew closer, something shifted.
A pressure.
Not visible… but undeniable.
The feeling of being watched. Judged. Weighed.
"Valendria," Aurelia murmured beside me. "The crown jewel of Elaria. Beautiful… and deadly."
We passed through the gates in silence, flanked by royal knights in silver-white armor. Their eyes lingered on Aurelia—not just with duty, but reverence. To them, she wasn't merely a noble. She was a symbol.
And I?
An anomaly.
---
The Grand Hall of Echoes – Central Palace
The throne room shimmered with crystal chandeliers and ethereal light. Nobles in robes lined the sides. High mages floated inches above the ground. And at the far end, upon an obsidian platform, sat a woman aged like timeless stone.
Her crown glowed faintly, and her eyes… sharper than any blade.
"So," she said. "The High Human. The stray soul brought by our princess."
"What is your name?"
"Ace," I replied without flinching.
She narrowed her gaze. "And your world of origin?"
I paused only a second.
"That name… burned with the body I left behind. The one who stands before you now is Ace—of this world."
> [Brave Response Chosen – +15 Charisma]
[Political Influence: Increased]
A few murmurs echoed through the hall—some amused, others displeased. But the Queen only smiled, thin and intrigued.
"A bold answer. We'll see if your actions are as strong as your words. Today, your trials begin. Physically. Magically. Spiritually."
---
Trial Arena – Soul Reflection Chamber
A dome of energy formed around me, humming with power. Blue glyphs floated in the air, spinning slowly, casting haunting shadows.
"The first test," a voice boomed. "Face your past. Endure your truth. Remain whole."
Then they appeared.
Visions.
Ghosts of my failure.
Elena's lifeless body.
My mother's tears.
Friends from the world I left behind—crying, blaming, vanishing into mist.
"You should've saved us!"
"You turned your back!"
"You should've died instead!"
> [Mental Stability: CRITICAL]
[Zephyros: "It's illusion—fed by guilt. But your guilt… is real."]
I trembled. My hands clenched. My breath hitched. But even as despair clawed at my throat, I found something within me—raw, wounded… but alive.
"I failed," I whispered. "And I'll fail again. But I'm still standing. Not to run. Not to forget. But to atone."
> [Skill Unlocked: Will of the Redeemed]
(Your strength surges when tested by emotional collapse.)
The illusions shattered. One by one, they dissolved.
And I… remained.
Outside the dome, silence. Then shock.
The High Council didn't speak—but their faces said enough.
The Queen's voice cut through the quiet.
"You pass. For now."
---
Royal Guest Wing – Moonlight Balcony
Later, I returned to my quarters. My body was exhausted, but my thoughts burned louder than ever.
Aurelia stood by the balcony, her hair dancing in the wind, her silhouette glowing under the twin moons of Valendria. Her eyes met mine—not soft… but questioning.
"The Council sees you as a threat," she said. "Or a weapon."
"And you?" I asked. "What do you see?"
She said nothing. But before the silence could deepen, a voice interrupted from behind.
"Can I… talk to Ace? Just for a moment?"
Elena.
Aurelia looked at her. Then at me.
And without a word, she turned and walked away.
Elena stepped forward, her presence quiet but clear.
And as I stood between the two women—beneath the silver sky of Valendria—I finally understood:
I couldn't remain on the fence forever.
Three hearts now walked beside mine.
But soon… I would have to choose.