Nova's existence had spiraled into a relentless cycle of death and rebirth. Each demise, consumed by flames, led to a harrowing awakening on the battlefield. Bound by a deep legacy with his brother Haizen, Nova felt compelled to escape, not solely for himself but for the ties that bound them. Yet, each attempt ended in meticulously orchestrated failure.During one of these cycles, a critical revelation lodged itself in his weary mind. The figure in glowing armor, commanding the battlefield with an aura of invincibility, was none other than Lord Argent, a general held in high esteem in the annals of Emperor Vixor's history. The historical texts Nova had studied mentioned Lord Argent only briefly, emphasizing his prowess while shrouding his deeper intentions in mystery.With this newfound knowledge, Nova understood that the battlefield was not merely a theater of war but a carefully crafted illusion designed to test and torment him. Despite the recurring pain and deaths, his resolve strengthened. He was determined to confront Lord Argent before the shadow-like creature could restart the cycle of death.As the familiar scene unfolded—with soldiers rallying and enemies approaching—Nova pressed through the ranks. His armor weighed heavily with each step, a tangible reminder of the countless times it had ushered him to his death. This time, however, he was resolute in changing the outcome."He is back! The lord is back! This is our victory!" the soldiers around him chanted, their voices a mix of reverence and fear. Nova's focus, however, was locked on Lord Argent, who stood amidst the chaos, his armor glowing ominously and enveloped in black flames."This is a trap! We are all going to die!" Nova shouted, breaking through the front lines to reach Lord Argent. His voice carried a desperate urgency, aiming to disrupt the familiar, deadly cycle.Lord Argent turned, his expression unreadable beneath the flickering flames. As their eyes met, a sinister smile crept across the general's face. Without a word, he raised his hand, and a torrent of black flame erupted from his palm, directed straight at Nova.The pain was unimaginable, more intense than any previous cycle. Nova's scream was lost in the roar of the fire as it consumed him, reducing him once again to ashes. But this death felt different, hinting at a finality that suggested change.Nova awoke not on the battlefield but in a dimly lit underground chamber. The air was thick and stale, the walls lined with ancient runes that pulsed with a faint, eerie glow. At the center of the room sat a shadowy figure on a throne-like chair, its golden eyes piercing through the darkness.The figure spoke with a voice both mesmerizing and terrifying. "Oh, my, you do know manners. What a good child." A cruel amusement tinged its words. "Did you like the game I prepared for you?"Overwhelmed by a fear so potent it forced him to his knees, Nova struggled to find his voice. The realization dawned on him that Lord Argent was merely a pawn, or perhaps another illusion, in this sinister game orchestrated by the figure before him."I... I need to understand," Nova managed to say, his voice shaky. "Why me? What do you want from me?"The shadow figure's laughter echoed ominously through the chamber. "Hah, that's a very good question. But first, I must ask you this: would you prefer your arm or your brother's life?" The question, bizarre and cruel, caught Nova off guard, deepening his confusion.Driven by the deep familial bonds that transcended his own suffering, Nova replied without hesitation, "I value my brother more than my life."The figure's response was tinged with a hint of surprise, or perhaps amusement. "Hmm, I normally don't do favors, but for you, I can make an exception. And remember, child, the time of humans is coming to an end. Be prepared for what's coming."Nova's heart raced as he processed the ominous warning. "Now you owe me," the figure added, its tone serious yet vague."Owe you? For what?" Nova asked, his confusion mounting.The shadow figure laughed, a sound that seemed to fill the chamber and resonate with a dark energy. "You will know," it said cryptically.Before Nova could press for more clarity, the chamber and the figure began to dissolve around him, the walls fading into a swirling mist of shadows and light. He felt himself being lifted from the reality of the chamber, transported back to a realm he knew all too well—the battlefield.This time, however, Nova stood alone amidst the ruins of what seemed like a previous conflict. The ground was littered with remnants of armor and weapons, a silent testament to the battles that had raged there. The sky above was clearer than he had ever seen it in this cursed loop, a sign that perhaps the cycle had been altered, if not broken.Armed with the cryptic parting words of the shadowy figure, Nova felt a new weight upon his shoulders—the debt he now owed and the impending doom hinted at by the figure's foreboding message. His brother's life, the mysterious favor granted by a powerful being, and the vague prophecy of humanity's end formed a puzzle too complex to solve in the solitude of the desolate battlefield.Determined to uncover the truth behind the shadow figure's words and to protect his brother at all costs, Nova set off from the battlefield. His journey would no longer be just about survival or escape from the illusions; it was now a quest for understanding the deeper forces at play, the nature of the debt he owed, and how to confront the ominous future that awaited humanity.As he walked, the landscape began to change once again, signaling the start of a new chapter in his ordeal.