"The past does not die in the system. It sharpens… and waits to test the future."
Location: Nexus of Enforcement – Simulation Core
Jiwoon stepped into a room that bent reality.
He was no longer in the Vault.
He was in Reflection Protocol: ECHO_001.
A space built from his memories.
But twisted.
[Simulation Active]
[Purpose: Enforcer-Class Trial]
[Rule: Confront the system's interpretation of your own failures.]
Suddenly, four figures appeared.
The Echo Enforcers
Each one wore a part of Jiwoon's past:
Echo of Rage – The Jiwoon who once sought revenge and almost burned down a whole district.
Echo of Regret – The version who blamed himself for Mira's pain and froze his emotions.
Echo of Compliance – The Jiwoon who nearly submitted to the Tribunal, afraid of the cost of rebellion.
Echo of Mercy – The version that spared an unrepentant sinner… and paid the price.
They stood in a circle, weapons drawn, eyes hollow but knowing.
"You think you've changed," they whispered together.
"Then prove you can face who you were."
Trial Initiated
Jiwoon didn't attack.
He walked toward the Echo of Compliance.
"I remember you. You saved lives by staying silent."
Then, without warning—
The Echo of Rage attacked.
[Combat Initiated: Sin Reflection Tier]
[Effect: All attacks mirror emotional instability.]
Jiwoon's Strategy
He didn't counter with strength.
He countered with acceptance.
One by one, he spoke to each echo.
"I am not proud of you, but I needed you."
"You made mistakes, but you taught me what not to become."
"You broke… so I could rebuild."
The simulation began to destabilize.
System Response
[Echo Enforcers – Status: Dissolving]
[Result: Trial Passed – Emotional Integration Achieved]
But just before fading, the Echo of Regret reached out—
"If you rewrite judgment, be better than us."
And then, silence.
End Scene
Jiwoon knelt alone, but whole.
The chamber collapsed into light, leaving behind only a single shard.
[Fragment 5/7 Acquired – Remnant of Self]
[System Note: The next trial will not test memory…
It will test belief.]
He stood.
And the path to the Origin Throne opened.