The fog curled like ghostly vines around the eight mirrored doors. Each one shimmered with a symbol—wind, flame, moonlight, shadow, blade, bloom, spirit, and heart. The atmosphere turned heavy, like even the air was waiting for what was to come.
> "Only one way forward," Hansol said, placing his palm on the door marked with a glowing sword—his symbol.
The others followed, stepping toward their respective doors. As each of them touched their mirror, it rippled like water—and swallowed them whole.
Inside Shane's Door – Symbol: Flame
Shane landed barefoot in the center of a burning dojo. The scent of ash filled her lungs.
> "No… not this memory…"
She looked around. Her younger self stood before her—bruised, crying, kneeling beside a broken punching bag.
> "You're weak," said a faceless voice from the shadows. "You only know how to fight. But you can't protect anyone."
The flames roared louder.
Suddenly, she saw her mother watching from a window—disappointed, distant.
> "You're not what a princess should be."
Shane clenched her fists.
> "I'm not weak. I fight because no one else did. I protect because I had no one to protect me."
She took a step forward and punched the flame itself. A golden fire burst from her palm and swallowed the illusion. A sigil blazed across her back: Guardian of Courage.
Inside Luna's Door – Symbol: Moonlight
Luna stood in a giant gallery of shattered paintings. Canvases of her dreams—all torn, colorless, broken.
A voice echoed:
> "You're just a dreamer, Luna. Always watching from the window. Afraid to step outside."
A shattered mirror reflected her loneliness.
Then, a soft light fell upon her. She looked up—and saw a small version of herself painting alone under the moonlight.
> "No one listens to me…" the younger Luna whispered.
She stepped forward, kneeling.
> "But I'm here now. We're not alone anymore."
She touched the younger self's cheek. The gallery lit up, and a moon-shaped crest formed over her heart.
Title earned: Dreamweaver of Light.
Inside Rio's Door – Symbol: Spirit
Rio stood in an ancient temple surrounded by patients calling his name.
He looked down—his hands were stained with blood.
> "I couldn't save them… I wasn't enough…"
A memory of a young girl—his first patient—stood silently, a ghostly smile on her face.
> "You tried your best, didn't you?"
> "But what if my best isn't enough?" he asked.
Then he heard Shane's voice from nowhere:
> "You saved us more times than you know."
He gritted his teeth, then stood tall.
> "I'll become someone who doesn't just try—I will save them."
The room turned gold. A healing aura surrounded him.
New sigil: Spirit Healer of Fate.
Inside Xin's Door – Symbol: Shadow
Xin found himself back in a royal library—one he didn't recognize but felt oddly familiar.
There were people whispering about him.
> "He's too quiet."
"He doesn't belong."
"He'll never be king material."
He stood in silence as shadows began to crawl toward him.
> "They're not wrong," he muttered.
Then, a vision of Shane, Luna, and Rio appeared—laughing, encouraging him.
> "But I belong with them."
He raised a single hand and the shadows evaporated.
His calm eyes glowed faintly.
New title: Silent Strategist of Wisdom.
Back to the Real Realm
One by one, the doors shattered into beams of light. Shane, Luna, Rio, and Xin stepped out together, breathless but stronger.
Hansol watched them, his arms crossed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
> "You passed."
Yen Yu and the others joined next, eyes wide. Each had been marked with something special—a trial, a scar, a strength.
The Academy Master appeared above them all, clapping.
> "Well done. But this was only the beginning…"
Suddenly, a golden scroll appeared in the sky.
> "You've awakened your bloodlines. Now… prepare for the Royal Tournament."
Shane smirked.
> "Tch. Bring it on."
Hansol laughed lightly.
> "Try not to kiss me again in front of the whole realm."
> "I didn't kiss you, I fell! Idiot!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
Above them, the stars glittered brighter than before.
To Be Continued…