Boom—
A surge of ancient energy tore through the skies as the Trial Gate cracked open at the center of Sunlight Rage Academy. Golden and crimson symbols spiraled around its surface like seals unraveling.
Every student froze.
Jin stepped forward, wind blowing through his jacket.
"So… it's real," he whispered. His fingers tightened around the hilt of Laughing Blade. The sword pulsed in response.
Dean Myun's voice echoed from the highest tower, laced with divine command:
"Trial Gate participants—report to the arena. Only those chosen by blade and blood may pass."
Bo elbowed Jin. "If you get turned into a frog, I'm not babysitting you."
"Too late," Jin muttered. "Already cursed with you."
Meanwhile, in her dorm room, Yooha stared at her reflection. She had seen that moon before—the night Ghost Gordon abandoned her. Her hand hovered over Silent Veil. A glow shimmered faintly around her heart, where her linker gene pulsed quietly.
Outside, Xie Luan stood alone under a lantern.
"She's going," he murmured. "So I'll follow… even into hell."
One by one, the chosen entered the arena:
Jin, Bo, Yooha, Xie Luan, Lua Han, and a new girl with long white hair—unknown, unreadable, her eyes glowing silver.
Dean Myun raised his staff.
"The Trial Gate shall judge your soul and summon your path. Survive… or be forgotten."
With a roar of light and wind, the gate swallowed them whole.
End of Episode 24( continue)