Chapter 6:
The Hall of Echoes was unlike anything the candidates had seen.
Carved into a crystalline mountain within the Central Land, it shimmered with otherworldly light. Pillars of pure energy hummed with resonance. This was where the final and most mysterious test would take place—the Spiritual Health Evaluation.
Only 132 candidates remained.
No machines. No instructions.
Only silence… and a voice that echoed within each of their minds.
"The soul is not judged by strength nor blood. You must face yourself in stillness—and remember what connects all living things."
The candidates each stepped into individual spirit chambers, guided by invisible force. Once inside, time ceased to exist.
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🜂 Solla's Awakening
Solla stood beneath a massive tree in full bloom.
Birds sang. Wind danced through golden leaves.
Then he saw them—his parents. They stood smiling, arms open.
"Mama… Papa?" His voice broke.
"You've grown so much," his father said.
His mother touched his cheek. "You kept your promise—to be kind, even when the world wasn't."
Tears filled Solla's eyes. "I wanted to make you proud."
"You already have," she whispered.
Solla fell to his knees, overwhelmed.
A warmth flowed through his chest. A golden mark appeared on his right palm: a circle of vines—the Emblem of Compassion.
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🜂 Van Staden's Awakening
Van stood alone… or so he thought.
Then, a child version of himself appeared—innocent, unburdened, holding a wooden toy crown.
"You forgot about me," the child said.
"I tried to protect you," Van whispered. "From the palace. From the lies."
"But I'm part of you," the child said.
Van knelt, holding his younger self tightly. "I'll never hide you again."
The child smiled, fading into light.
From the shadows, Queen Martha appeared.
"I always knew you'd choose your own path," she said gently. "You were born with the power to break tradition—not follow it."
A white light bloomed around Van Staden's chest. A glowing sigil appeared—a crescent wrapped in thorns: the Emblem of Truth.
⸻
🜂 Doniglao's Awakening
Don's chamber was quiet.
No voices. No visions.
Until… Ariane's laughter echoed.
Then his cousin, Dantiglao, appeared.
"Where are you?" Don shouted.
But no answer came.
Instead, a voice whispered, "Sometimes strength is knowing when to move forward alone."
Don bowed his head. "I wanted to carry them with me…"
"They will catch up. You must keep the fire lit."
His hooves sparked against the ground. A flame burst in his chest.
From it emerged a glowing glyph: a hoofprint fused with a star—the Emblem of Endurance.
⸻
🜂 Nate's Awakening
Nate stood in a lush garden filled with mirrors. In each reflection, he was a different version of himself—tiger warrior, king, monk, peasant.
Then all mirrors shattered—except one.
In that last mirror, he saw himself… as he was.
Simple. Honest. Brave.
"I don't need to be more," he whispered. "I am enough."
His chest glowed with golden light. A lotus flower bloomed in the air.
He had received the Emblem of Balance.
⸻
🜂 Suthra's Awakening
Suthra stood in a stream that turned into sky. The stars flowed around her.
In the distance, she saw the ghosts of Riverland—her ancestors.
"You survived for a reason," they said in unison.
"I will carry you with me forever," she whispered. "Through my joy. Through my strength."
The water swirled around her, forming a halo.
From it emerged a watery rune—shaped like a teardrop and a wave—the Emblem of Memory.
🜂 A Heartbreaking Moment
In the aftermath, the 132 were gathered in the great atrium.
A list of final passers appeared.
Only 31 names glowed green.
Solla. Van Staden. Doniglao. Nate. Suthra.
But not… Ariane.
Not… Kurosawa.
Don's eyes darted to the list in disbelief.
"No… no, that can't be right," he said, breath short.
Ariane walked forward, holding back tears but smiling.
"I didn't pass," she said softly. "But you did."
"I won't go without you," Don whispered, voice cracking.
"You must," she insisted, gripping his shoulders. "You are the hope for both of us. Don't you see that?"
Solla stepped forward, watching silently.
Van Staden placed a hand on Don's back. "She's right. The ones who pass carry those who don't."
Don fell into his sister's arms one last time.
Ariane kissed his forehead. "Promise me you'll make our names known."
"I will," he said, voice breaking.
They parted, not as losers and winners, but as family divided by fate—yet forever connected by love.
to be continued…