The large figure floating in front of Van, Lyria, and Eren appeared to be a fusion of a human and a divine being. Its form radiated a golden-blue light, and its sharp, glowing eyes emitted an aura of honor and unparalleled strength. The entity introduced itself as Aetherius, the guardian of the fourth fragment, and one of the direct creations of the gods.
---
Meeting Aetherius
"Humans," Aetherius said with a resonating voice. "This fragment is a part of a power that once nearly destroyed the world. Why do you seek it?"
Van stepped forward, despite feeling the weight of Aetherius' aura. "I seek it to prevent the rise of the Outsider. The world must not return to the time of destruction."
Aetherius observed them for a moment before responding, "Many have tried to wield this power. Most fell into despair, even madness. To prove you are worthy, you must pass my trial."
Without warning, the floor of the temple shook, and Van, Lyria, and Eren were separated into three different chambers, each with a challenge they had to face alone.
---
Van's Trial: Confrontation with the Past
Van found himself standing on a battlefield, in the ruins of his childhood village. Around him, he saw villagers who once viewed him with hatred.
"What is this? An illusion?" Van thought.
However, a shadow of a little girl appeared in front of him. It was the girl from his dream, her face blurry, but her voice soft and filled with conviction.
"Van, what are you fighting for?" the girl asked.
Suddenly, figures from Van's past appeared villagers who mocked him, monsters he had fought, and even a shadow of his younger self, filled with anger and vengeance. All of these figures attacked him, forcing Van to fight not only their physical forms but also his own trauma and hatred.
"This is your trial," Aetherius' voice echoed. "Can you accept the self filled with sins, and forgive the world that has hurt you?"
The battle against himself was the hardest. Struggling, Van finally realized that his anger only worsened his pain. He dropped his sword, opening his heart to accept all the wounds he had suffered, and slowly, the battlefield began to fade.
---
Lyria's Trial: Courage in the Midst of Darkness
Lyria found herself in a dark, endless space. Strange voices whispered in her ears, tempting and instilling fear.
"Do you really trust Van?" one voice whispered. "He could turn against you at any moment."
"He's just using you," another voice added.
However, Lyria closed her eyes and focused on her heart. "I believe in Van. I believe in the path we have chosen together."
Suddenly, the darkness turned into a direct assault. Huge, terrifying figures tried to bring Lyria down. But she summoned all her magical power, forming an increasingly stronger protective shield. With her courage, she fought until the darkness shattered into bright light.
---
Eren's Trial: The Hidden Secret
Eren, who always appeared relaxed, found himself standing in front of a large mirror. However, what he saw in it was not his reflection but the image of a much younger man.
"Who are you?" Eren asked, but the figure only smiled.
The mirror projected Eren's past when he left his family and betrayed those who trusted him for his own gain. The guilt he had long buried began to surface.
"What are you looking for, Eren?" Aetherius' voice echoed. "Is your adventure just an escape from your sins?"
Eren was silent for a long time. Finally, he answered honestly, "I'm looking for a chance to atone for my mistakes. If this is the path to that, I will continue."
The mirror shattered, and Eren left his trial with a newfound awareness.
---
Reunion
After completing their respective trials, the three of them returned to the main chamber of the temple. Aetherius stood there, smiling with a much friendlier face.
"You have shown steadfast hearts, courage, and sincerity," Aetherius said. "This fragment now belongs to you. But remember, the more fragments you gather, the greater the burden and responsibility you will bear."
Van stepped forward and took the fourth fragment. As soon as he touched it, a great surge of energy flowed through his body, but this time, he felt more capable of controlling it.
---
The Secret of Aetherion
Before they left, Aetherius gave them one last warning.
"Aetherion is the city of the gods, but its fall is a warning. Great power always brings destruction when used with the wrong intentions. You must not only face the Cult of Revival, but also the will of the Outsider itself, which is growing closer to awakening."
With a heavy heart, Van realized that their journey had now entered a more dangerous phase. They left Aetherion through a portal, the fourth fragment in hand, and with hearts more prepared to face the next challenges.