With Sora's amulet clutched in my hand, I walked away from the testing grounds, tears blurring my vision. I turned in the amulet, completing the test, but the announcement over the loudspeaker—"Whoever turned in their amulet gets to join the academy"—felt hollow. There was no joy in my heart, only a deep, aching void where Sora's presence used to be. The reality of his death hit me with renewed force. He was gone, and nothing would ever be the same.
I trudged to my dorm room on campus, my steps heavy with grief. Once inside, I penned a letter to our parents, detailing the tragic news of Sora's death. I could only imagine the depth of their sorrow upon reading it. After sealing the letter, I took Sora's necklace and held it tightly in my hand, feeling its weight as a tangible reminder of his absence. I cried the entire night, the sadness consuming me. As I lay in bed, I could almost sense a presence beside me, a faint echo of Sora's spirit.
The next morning, I was stirred from my fitful sleep by Akari's voice.
"I am sorry for your loss," Akari said gently. "I know he meant a lot to you, but I will help you become a god. This is where your story begins."
The words, though comforting, felt like a distant promise. I nodded silently, the reality of my new path settling in. Becoming a god was no longer just a distant goal—it was a promise I made to Sora, a way to honor his memory and avenge his death. As I looked out the window of my dorm, a cold determination settled over me. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one forged in loss and driven by the need for justice.