Elara and Kael stepped through the open gates and entered the legendary citadel of Solara. The air was cool, a soft hum was in the silence. The corridor in front of them was lined with tall columns, on whose walls glowed ancient symbols - they told stories of long past times.
"That's... unbelievable," whispered Elara, sliding her fingers over the runes. "These signs... they feel alive."
Kael watched her carefully. "The citadel is not only a place of knowledge, but also a living being. It responds to those who are worthy to enter."
They went on, their footsteps echoing through the wide halls. Finally, they reached a huge, circular chamber - the Hall of the Elders.
There they stood.
Eight figures, wrapped in long, white robes. Their faces were hidden under deep hoods, but their eyes shone in a supernatural light.
One of them stepped forward.
"Elara. Kael You have survived the tests and found your way to the Citadel. But now the real test begins."
Elara clenched her fists. "What exam?"
Another elder spoke, his voice sounded old, but powerful. "The examination of knowledge. You're looking for answers – but knowledge comes at a price."
Kael nodded. "We are ready to pass any exam."
The elders looked at each other briefly, then a third member rose.
"Then face your first truth."
Suddenly the hall changed. The walls blurred, the light flickered - and Elara found herself in a different reality.
She stood on a battlefield. In front of her lay a destroyed city, burning ruins, screams in the distance. Her heart raced when she realized that she was not alone.
"Elara."
A cold, familiar voice made her freeze.
Slowly she turned around - and saw herself.
But this version of her was different. Her eyes glowed red, and in her hands she held a blade of pure darkness.
"You're not here to save the world," said the dark Elara. "You're here to conquer them.
"No!" cried Elara. "That's not true!"
"Yes, it's true," whispered the dark version of her. "Deep down you know it. You're afraid of unleashing your power because you know what happens when you do."
Elara trembled.
"What if one day you can't tell if you're the heroine or the villain?"
A sword appeared in her hand, shining, vibrating with energy.
"You have to decide," said the dark Elara. "Are you ready to bear the consequences of your power?"
Elara closed her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest.
Then she took a deep breath and opened her eyes again.
"I will determine my own destiny.
With a battle cry, she jumped forward and struck after her dark version. Their blades met, light against darkness, and a huge pressure wave made the battlefield tremble
The elders watched silently. The examination had begun.