The moment Rodensky and Emmanuel stepped onto the Ninth Floor, the atmosphere shifted. A deep, eerie silence enveloped them, and the vast, featureless expanse felt suffocating. The system's voice echoed ominously:
"Welcome to the Ninth Floor. This is the Trial of the Soul. To pass, each challenger must confront their inner demon. Success will grant you strength; failure will leave you trapped here forever. Good luck."
Rodensky turned to Emmanuel, but his friend was already fading into the distance, swallowed by the void. A moment later, Rodensky was alone.
---
Rodensky's Trial
Rodensky found himself standing in a dense forest bathed in twilight. Shadows twisted and danced between the trees, whispering in familiar voices. Suddenly, a figure stepped forward—himself, but twisted.
This version of Rodensky sneered, his eyes cold and calculating. "You think you're a hero, don't you? Always trying to save others, but deep down, you're just a scared little boy hiding behind his friends."
Rodensky clenched his fists. "You're wrong. I've faced everything head-on."
The shadow laughed. "Have you? Or are you just running from your past—your father's death, your mother's choices, your own insecurities? You play the leader, but inside, you're terrified of being alone."
The forest began to close in, the trees warping into grotesque forms. Memories of his family struggles, the loneliness he felt before meeting Emmanuel, and the weight of his responsibilities resurfaced.
But then, Rokura's image flashed in his mind—his first beast, loyal and strong, always by his side.
"You're right," Rodensky admitted, his voice steady. "I am scared, but fear doesn't make me weak. It drives me to protect what matters."
With that, he summoned his courage, and the shadow dissolved, leaving behind a brilliant orb of light. The system's voice chimed:
"Trial complete. Courage recognized."
---
Emmanuel's Trial
Emmanuel stood in a blood-red desert, the air thick with tension. A figure appeared before him—an older man, his face a mix of pride and disappointment.
"Father?" Emmanuel whispered, his voice trembling.
The figure scowled. "You've always sought power, Emmanuel, but at what cost? You abandoned your family, left your roots, all for a dream of taming dragons. And now you think you're strong, but you're still a child chasing fantasies."
Emmanuel's heart clenched. The memories of his family back in Nigeria surfaced—the sacrifices they made, the expectations they had for him. Guilt threatened to overwhelm him.
"No," he said, shaking his head. "I didn't abandon them. I chose my own path, and I'll prove it's the right one. Power isn't about destruction; it's about protecting those you love."
The desert began to quake, the oppressive atmosphere lifting as Emmanuel's resolve solidified. The figure faded, replaced by a golden orb of light.
"Trial complete. Resolve recognized."
---
The System's Announcement
Rodensky and Emmanuel reappeared in a luminous chamber, their trials behind them. The system's voice returned, but this time, it was lighter, almost congratulatory:
"Congratulations, challengers. You have completed the Training Hall. You may now choose to return to the real world. Do you wish to return?"
Rodensky's instincts flared. Something about the system's tone felt off. "Emmanuel, don't agree just yet."
Emmanuel hesitated, nodding. "System, we refuse to return."
A moment of silence followed, then the system responded:
"Clever. Most would have accepted without question. As a reward for your prudence, you are granted access to the Vault of the Gods."
A golden portal appeared before them.
---
The Vault of the Gods
Rodensky and Emmanuel stepped into the Vault, their eyes widening at the sight. The chamber was vast, its walls lined with divine equipment, shimmering artifacts, and radiant eggs emitting mystical auras.
The system chimed again:
"Challengers, you may each choose one item from the Vault. To assist you, a new skill has been added: 'Eye of Truth.' Use it wisely."
Skill acquired: Eye of Truth
Description: Allows the host to analyze a target's status, abilities, and origin. Limited to one detailed analysis per day.
Emmanuel activated his skill first, his gaze drawn to a massive black egg. The aura it emitted was unlike anything else in the Vault—dark, ancient, and powerful.
The Eye of Truth revealed:
Name: Unknown
Species: Long-Forgotten Black Dragon
Potential: ?????
Status: Alive (Hatching conditions unknown)
"I'll take this," Emmanuel declared, cradling the egg.
Rodensky activated his skill, scanning the room until his attention landed on an ancient map. Its surface glowed faintly, and the Eye of Truth provided:
Name: Map of Astralis
Type: Artifact
Details: Reveals the locations of hidden ruins, dungeons, and mythical beast's lairs. Critical for uncovering the secrets of Astralis.
Rodensky nodded, picking up the map.
---
Final Message
As they prepared to leave, the system spoke one last time:
"You have proven your worth. The journey ahead will be perilous, but you now possess the tools to shape your destiny. Return to Astralis and claim your legacy. Good luck!"
A new portal appeared, leading them back to the game world. With their newfound treasures, Rodensky and Emmanuel stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited them.