Luca's consciousness snapped back all of a sudden.
He had no idea how much time had passed—minutes, hours, or an eternity—but when awareness finally returned, he realized he was enveloped in absolute darkness.
This was not mere shadow. This was a void so profound it devoured even sound itself. No matter how hard he tried to speak, not the faintest trace of a voice emerged.
"You've awakened. That alone means you've passed the first trial."
The same distant, androgynous voice he had heard before echoed faintly—though "echoed" was the wrong word, since the darkness allowed no echoes at all.
"The darkness has not swallowed you completely. That means there is still a chance for you to solve the riddle hidden within it. I will give you one hint—only one. It is the only guidance you will receive."
The voice fell silent for a moment, as though savoring the weight of what it was about to say.
"Face your own heart, Luca."
