The Council Tower loomed above them — a spiral of crystal, gold, and glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. Only royals, guardians, and chosen souls could enter.
The Bonded Four—Shane, Luna, Rio, Xin—stood in front of its ancient gate.
Beside them, the nobles Hansol, Yen Yu, Selen, and Sheha appeared. The eight's presence caused the tower to hum, sensing the long-separated energies returning.
Suddenly, the Academy Master appeared with four kings and queens behind him—Shane's mom glared at her, still fixing her shoulder straps.
> "You skipped combat class for this?"
Shane looked away.
The Academy Master raised his hand, voice echoing like thunder.
> "To determine if you are truly the Lost Children of the Realms, and if you are ready to hold your royal titles—step forward and face the Tower's Trial!"
Each of the four stepped ahead.
First Test: The Flame of Spirit.
A golden flame floated before Shane.
> "You must face your greatest weakness."
Suddenly, an illusion formed—Shane, alone, abandoned, powerless, crying in a cold dojo where everyone mocked her.
Her fists trembled.
She looked up and said, "I am who I am because I fought through it!"
The flame exploded, turning into a golden aura that wrapped around her. She passed.
Second Test: Mirror of the Heart – Luna's trial.
A silver mirror floated before Luna, reflecting her... with empty eyes.
The voice whispered:
> "You are afraid you're not strong enough. That you're just a dreamer."
Tears welled, but Luna took a deep breath.
> "Dreamers don't run from fear. They shape worlds."
Her moonlight magic lit the room. She passed.
Third Test: The Healer's Burden – Rio's trial.
A giant stone child appeared before him, wounded.
He tried to heal, but the wound reopened.
The voice whispered:
> "You blame yourself for every failure."
Rio knelt, placed a hand on the illusion, and whispered,
> "Not every pain can be healed—but I'll keep trying."
Light burst from his hands. He passed.
Fourth Test: Judgment of Mind – Xin's trial.
A dark figure mirrored Xin's own face.
> "You don't trust anyone fully. Not even yourself."
Xin didn't speak—but walked calmly through the illusion, shattering it.
> "I don't trust easily... but I trust my bond."
He passed.
As the final test ended, the Tower itself roared open—its core revealing ancient royal sigils swirling in gold and light.
The kings and queens gasped.
> "They are truly the Bonded Four... our children."
Suddenly, Hansol stepped forward—but a shadow flickered behind him. Luna's eyes widened.
> "Something's watching us…"
To Be Continued…