Silence followed Rio's decision.
The void did not react. It did not tremble or shift. It remained perfectly still, as if acknowledging the weight of what had been chosen by refusing to interrupt it. That stillness made everything feel final.
"You should understand," the godlike voice said at last, calm and unwavering.
"If you proceed, you will never return to Earth. Your former world will be forever beyond your reach."
No dramatic pause followed. No pressure.
Just truth.
Rio and Filip didn't answer.
They didn't need to.
Their eyes met in the darkness, and that single look was enough. There was fear there—yes—but no hesitation. No doubt. Whatever waited ahead, they would face it together.
The meaning of their choice settled slowly, heavily, like a weight pressing against their chests. This wasn't a game. This wasn't curiosity anymore.
This was goodbye.
"…We accept," the voice said, not as a question, but as a conclusion.
The void shifted—not violently, but purposefully.
"Preparations will now begin."
A faint pressure brushed against their souls, gentle yet unmistakable.
"You will be guided to your new world by a Soul Dragon."
Filip's eyes lit up instantly. "A dragon? Seriously? After all that, now you tell us there's a dragon?"
Rio shot him a tired look. "You're unbelievable."
"The Soul Dragon is not a weapon," the voice clarified. "It is weak. It cannot fight. It cannot travel long distances. In many cases, it is abandoned."
That warning barely registered.
A soft blue light appeared between them, small at first—no larger than a spark. It pulsed gently, growing brighter, warmer, until it took shape.
From the light emerged a creature far smaller than either of them expected.
Tiny.
It had delicate wings made of translucent blue light, large rounded ears, and a long, thin tail that swayed curiously. Its eyes were wide and intelligent, glowing faintly with the same soft hue. It had no legs—its body hovered naturally, as if the void itself held it aloft.
Rio reached out without thinking.
The moment his hands closed around the little dragon, something clicked into place. Warmth spread through his chest—not overwhelming, but reassuring. The dragon let out a quiet sound, almost like a chirp, and leaned closer to him.
"…It's kind of cute," Filip said.
Rio didn't disagree.
"The Soul Dragon has no name," the voice said. "Such beings are named by the souls they bind themselves to."
Rio looked down at the small creature in his hands. It stared back at him, curious and trusting.
"Oathkeeper," he said softly.
The dragon's light flared gently in response. Its tail swayed faster, wings fluttering once in clear acceptance.
"The bond is acknowledged," the voice said. "We may proceed."
The void darkened—and then filled.
Light unfolded into form as dozens of luminous cards appeared around them, floating in slow, deliberate motion. Each one shimmered with symbols, images, and possibilities.
"These represent your future," the voice explained. "Classes and talents. The foundation of who you will become."
Rio and Filip watched in silence.
"First, you must choose your Class," the voice continued. "This choice is permanent. It cannot be changed."
One by one, the cards vanished—until only a few remained.
Only the highest-ranked options.
Rio felt the pull immediately.
Two cards hovered before him.
Dark Magician — power, mystery, forbidden knowledge.
Spirit Ranger — balance, awareness, harmony with nature and spirits.
The first was impressive. The second… felt right.
Meanwhile, Filip's options formed beside him.
Holy Swordsman — reliable, powerful, straightforward.
Sword Magician — undefined. Dangerous. Unknown.
Filip stared at the second card longer than the first.
"No information?" he asked.
"Minimal," the voice replied. "High risk."
Filip grinned. "Sounds like me."
"Once chosen," the voice warned, "there is no return."
"I know," Filip said simply. "I choose Sword Magician."
The card dissolved into light, sinking into him.
That settled something in Rio.
He looked at Spirit Ranger one last time.
"I choose Spirit Ranger."
Light erupted as both remaining cards vanished, absorbed completely.
"The choices are locked," the voice declared. "Your paths are set."
A Spirit Ranger.
And a Sword Magician.
Two souls, bound together, stepping into a world that would test them beyond anything they could imagine.
And yet—
For the first time since everything fell apart, Rio felt hopeful.