Faro entered the city of Kaiden, the metal card hidden in his pocket.
There was a strange weight — not from the people, but from unseen eyes.
The city was massive, layered, with roads climbing and descending like they were trying to escape themselves.
He passed a central square full of merchants, noise, and shifting neon signs.
In one corner stood a gray building with a curved roof, its door engraved with the words:
"Threshold Society – Lower Gate."
As Faro approached, the door opened without a word.
Inside stood a bald man, eyes shut yet oddly alert, behind a small desk.
"Do you carry something that allows passage?"
Faro silently showed the card.
The man smiled — as if he'd been expecting that — and said:
"The first challenge isn't about strength… it's about decision.
Take the left door. Wait until the second one opens."
Inside, Faro found a white room — windowless, soundless.
As the minutes passed, the light slowly dimmed.
Then came a metallic voice:
"Your first test: remain here for 3 hours.
Every 10 minutes, a question will appear. Answering one consumes your inner energy."
"Answer more than five, and you'll lose consciousness.
Answer none — the second door won't open."
"Choose your balance… or face the cost."
Faro sat down. For the first time, he felt that the silence…
was harder than any fight.
Ten minutes passed.
Then the first question appeared on the wall:
"Are you here to become stronger? Or just to fill your emptiness?"