Lucian stood alone on the Academy's highest terrace, the wind brushing his black hair across half-lidded eyes. The quiet hum of mana lights glowed from distant towers below as dawn light spilled gold across the silent stone.
He rolled his shoulders slowly, feeling the tension crack along his spine.
"I'm ready," he whispered.
[You're certain?]
The system's voice curled around him, gentle and warm. It didn't sound like a machine. It never had. It was quiet, like an old friend leaning against his thoughts.
"No hesitation," he replied softly, his gaze locked on the sun climbing over the horizon. "Begin."
[Initiating Advancement Trial: Level 3, Rank D.]
[Tower of Reflection – Combat Sequence Initialising.]
The world shattered in an instant.
—
