The doors of the ancient temple creaked open, revealing a glowing hall carved with ancient symbols and whispers of long-forgotten legends. The six stepped in cautiously—each one sensing a strange pulse tugging at their core.
Mira stopped suddenly. "Did you hear that?"
A whisper echoed through the chamber, not from one voice—but from many. It called their names one by one.
Lara's hand tightened around Teaha's. "This place... it knows us."
Suddenly, the room shifted. The floor beneath them split, dividing them into pairs:
Nisa and Bihoo
Mira and Kevin
Lara and Teaha
Each pair was thrown into their own illusionary trial.
Nisa & Bihoo's Trial
They landed in a frozen battlefield, facing their own reflections—shadow versions that mocked their insecurities.
Bihoo looked at Nisa, who stood tall despite the cold.
"She's strong," he thought. "But she carries something deep..."
As Nisa fought her shadow, her jade began to glow. Bihoo stepped forward, slicing through his own reflection, and finally stood beside her.
Together, their jades pulsed—intertwining light. Their gaze met for a breath too long. Neither spoke.
Mira & Kevin's Trial
A library of memories. Mira saw her past—every failure, every moment she cried in secret. Kevin was silent… then suddenly shouted,
"Mira! You are not weak! You're the strongest girl I've ever met!"
He took her hand. The library faded. The illusion broke.
Lara & Teaha's Trial
They faced the ghosts of their past. Lara trembled, but Teaha whispered, "I chose you in this life. And I'll keep choosing you."
Their bond became their strength, burning away the haunting echoes.
The six awoke, back in the center hall—temple quiet, mist clearing.
Suddenly, six symbols glowed beneath their feet—they had passed.
A stone tablet rose, revealing the next location.
But before they could react, a deep voice echoed:
"Only those who accept their truths may awaken their fate."
Nisa touched her jade, heart pounding. Bihoo's hand brushed hers just slightly—unnoticed by the others.
To be continued...