The next morning, excitement buzzed through Sunlight Rage Academy. Teams gathered at the eastern gate, where a towering stone arch shimmered with pale blue light—the entrance to the Wind-Walk Labyrinth.
Professor Lin raised his voice. "This trial is designed to test your unity, perception, and strength. The labyrinth shifts. What you see, what you feel—it may not be real. But the pain? That's yours to carry."
Bo Lang whispered to Meiqi, "Can illusions hit my ego? Because I'm already too fabulous."
Meiqi smirked. "I hope it shaves your eyebrows."
"Don't joke like that. My face is national treasure level!"
Jin stepped forward as the team leader. "Ready?"
Xie Luan nodded. "Let's finish it without losing anyone."
Yooha's gaze flickered, a storm hidden in her irises. She didn't reply—but she took her place beside Jin.
They stepped through the arch. Instantly, the world shifted.
The air thickened. The sky turned a twilight hue. Floating islands hovered above a winding maze of vines, broken bridges, and spectral trees. Voices echoed—soft, familiar, haunting.
Rei Han gasped. "This place... it feels like someone's whispering to me."
"It's reading us," He Wang muttered. "Sensing fears. Regrets."
A path split into three.
Jin clenched his fist. "We split into pairs. Me and Yooha, Bo and Meiqi, Xie and Rei. Stay sharp."
Yooha narrowed her eyes. "Jin, don't lose focus."
"I never do," he replied, smirking. "Unless Bo's being annoying."
Bo shouted from behind, "Love you too!"
As they moved deeper, the illusions began—some beautiful, others terrifying. Yooha suddenly froze.
In the mist, a small girl stood. She looked just like her.
"Don't forget who you are," the illusion whispered.
Jin noticed Yooha's hands tremble. Quietly, he stepped closer—not touching, just near.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
Yooha didn't look at him. "This place... it remembers me."
End of Episode 40( continue)