[Tower Fragment – Floor 3: Shadow Realm]
Lohan landed softly on a dark, obsidian-like surface. No sky. No sun. Just endless twilight and a chilling silence that seemed to crawl across his skin.
> [Trial Initiated: Trial of Shadows]
[Objective: Confront the illusions of your past. Survive until judgment.]
[System Note: Divine interference highly probable.]
"So… this is what you've been hiding," he murmured, gripping Eidrasteel. "Let's get it over with."
The world shifted.
Smoke rose.
A burning battlefield emerged around him.
Bodies.
Screams.
Magic devouring the sky.
It was the day of his fall.
---
[Past Reborn – Final Battle Before Death]
His former allies surrounded him—once comrades, now executioners. Among them, her figure stood out.
Justine.
Wearing the same soft smile she wore before plunging a divine blade through his heart.
"Master," her illusion whispered, stepping forward. "Why did you grow so strong… if not to be worshipped?"
"I grew strong," Lohan growled, "to protect. You made me forget that."
---
Illusions Attack
The illusionary figures rushed him—blades, spears, divine spells.
Lohan spun into action.
> [Skill Chain Activated: Phantom Step → Flame Vein Strike → Thunderlash Cleave]
[Damage Amplifier Boost – 120%]
He tore through them.
But the shadows reformed.
Again and again.
Their voices whispered doubt.
"You abandoned us."
"You let your pride kill you."
"You never loved us."
Lohan screamed, pushing through the illusions—cutting through the lies.
And then—Justine appeared again.
But this time, she spoke with her real voice.
"You still dream about me."
---
[Mental Interference Detected – Divine Link Attempted]
> [System Countermeasure Active – Nullifying Interference… Failed.]
Lohan's vision warped.
He stood in a golden garden… a false heaven.
Justine sat on a throne of light.
Her real form.
Her godhood.
She smiled.
"You really did return. And stronger… more dangerous."
Lohan clenched his fists. "Don't worry. I'll repay the favor."
She rose from her throne and walked toward him.
"You taught me everything. Power. Control. Mercy. Then abandoned me."
"I died, Justine."
"Exactly. You left me alone."
She raised her hand, and divine chains wrapped around him. "Come back to me, Master. Be my sword again."
---
[System Override Engaged – Hidden Trait Triggered]
> [Soulbrand Trait: Will of the Rebellious Flame – Awakened]
[Effect: Immune to Divine Mental Control for 10 Seconds]
[Flame Core Compression State – Online]
Chains shattered.
Lohan roared.
His aura exploded in wild fire.
He leapt forward and sliced the throne of light in half.
"I'm not yours anymore."
---
[Trial Complete]
> [Congratulations. You have conquered the Trial of Shadows.]
[Reward: Shadow Breaker Title + Rare Skill: Mind Sever (A-Rank)]
[System Note: Divine Host Justine now considers you a priority threat.]
---
[Reality – Back in His Room]
Lohan jolted awake, drenched in sweat. Breathing hard.
Winter burst into his room, alarmed. "I felt your mana spike—what happened?!"
Lohan looked at her, exhausted.
"I just tore apart my past."
---