The next morning, Unit 9 stood before the glowing transport gate. The location set by the map pulsed like a heartbeat—calling them.
Commander Venya gave one sharp nod.
"This trial is different. No instructors. No support. No resets. You either pass… or never return."
No one flinched.
Even Mira, usually hesitant, stepped forward with a steady gaze.
As the gate activated, a strange wind blew through, carrying whispers only Nisa and Bihoo could hear:
> "Do you remember your oath?"
Then—light. Blinding.
And when it faded—
They were standing in the Forgotten Fields.
The Field was vast and empty, covered in silver grass that shimmered like moonlight.
Time didn't seem to exist here.
Kevin muttered, "Okay this place is creepy. Like… 'someone's watching you' creepy."
Suddenly, their jade marks lit up—one by one.
The trial had begun.
First Trial: The Breaking
A massive golden wall appeared in the distance. To move forward, one had to shatter it using raw emotion.
Lara tried first—no effect.
Teaha followed—cracks appeared but not enough.
Then Nisa stepped forward.
Her jade glowed fiercely. Memories surged—her loneliness, her pain, her fight to survive.
She screamed—and the wall shattered like glass.
But as it broke, her knees gave out. Bihoo caught her again, his voice low:
"You keep breaking yourself for everyone else... I won't let it happen again."
Second Trial: The Bleeding
This time, a stone pillar demanded a sacrifice of truth. One of them had to expose a hidden wound—physical or emotional.
Kevin stepped forward. He smiled like always… then tore off the band around his arm, revealing burn scars he never told anyone about.
"I almost died protecting someone who forgot me. I didn't want to be the weak one anymore," he whispered.
The pillar glowed—then dissolved.
Mira looked at him, eyes shimmering. "You're not weak. You never were."
Final Trial: The Choice
Three doors appeared. Only one would lead them forward—but the map was silent.
> "One must choose... to walk alone."
Everyone stared at each other.
Bihoo stepped forward. "I'll go."
But before he could move, Nisa blocked him.
"No. Let me."
They stared.
He reached out—touched her jade.
Their hands trembled.
They remembered flashes of another life—a promise under a red moon.
"I said I'd protect you," he murmured.
"And I said I'd choose you," she whispered.
Together, they stepped through the middle door, holding hands.
The rest followed… and the door shimmered, letting them pass.
Trial passed.
But the moment they entered the next room, a figure in black armor stood waiting. His scarred face twisted in rage.
"You shouldn't have come back," he growled.
Bihoo froze.
"…You," he whispered.
To be continued…