As Caelum pushed forward, the twisted version of the path seemed to fight back, the ground buckling beneath him, the air growing heavier with each step. But still, he did not falter. His heart was steadfast, fueled by the love he held for his friends and the world he was determined to save.
Ahead, he saw a figure standing in the middle of the path. It was his father, standing tall and proud, just as he remembered him.
"Caelum," his father said, his voice booming like thunder. "You have failed me. You have failed this world."
"No!" Caelum shouted, stepping forward. "I've done everything I can. I'm doing this for you, for all of us!"
The vision of his father reached out to him, his eyes dark with disappointment. "You are weak. You'll never be able to free yourself from the sword's curse. You'll never be enough."
But Caelum stood his ground, shaking his head. "I won't let fear control me anymore."
With a shout, he drew on the strength in his heart, banishing the illusion of his father. The vision shattered, and the twisted path slowly began to return to its natural form.
The voice, now softer, echoed once more: "You have passed the first trial. There is more to come, but you are on the right path."