A hush rolled over the arena so thoroughly that even the ever-roaring magma lines beneath the stone seemed to pause—to listen.

The dwarven spectators, who normally brimmed with rough laughter and booming cheers, now sat still as carved statues. Wide chests rose and fell slowly, thick fingers curled around stone railings, beards swayed faintly in the furnace-warm breeze. Not a soul spoke.

Only the human side broke the silence—

click—flash—click—click—CLICK—flash—

Magical cameras glimmered like fireflies trapped in crystal jars, each spark of light reflecting off polished armor, jeweled hairpins, and eager eyes.

The reporters leaned forward so far over their stands it looked like they might topple in.

"Another elder challenge—!"

"Capture that moment—yes, yes, from the right angle!"

"Is that… the Fairemoore girl? Count Fairmore's lineage?"

Their excitement was feverish.

Almost hungry.

In contrast, the dwarves whispered with deep, grumbling disapproval—gravel scraping gravel.

"Hmph… another human child who thinks she's forged of steel."

"Overconfidence. The fall will be loud."

"She'll scream once Huldor activates his rune chains."

Every comment vibrated through the arena air, but Lilliane did not flinch.

She stood alone in the center—shoulders straight, fingers loosely curled, the faintest shimmer of wind magic brushing the tips of her hair. Her face held the serenity of someone walking into a storm by choice.

Above her, in the nobles' platform, richly dressed humans leaned forward, their jeweled rings glinting.

"That is indeed Count Fairemoore's daughter."

"A child under the Sword Duke's patronage—interesting."

"This could be… entertaining."

Lilliane ignored them all.

Her heartbeat steadied to a quiet rhythm—thump… thump… thump…

She raised her chin toward Elder Huldor.

He rose from his stone throne with the weight of a mountain shifting.

Massive arms folded behind his back.

His armor pulsed softly with embedded runes—each symbol glowing like embers of an ancient forge.

His beard, braided in thick cords, trembled faintly as molten-orange gemstones along it flickered with inner heat.

When his eyes—deep, heavy-set, and glowing like smoldering coals—landed on her, the arena felt several degrees hotter.

He didn't walk forward.

He strode—each step a deliberate echo, as though the arena floor itself bowed beneath him.

Then, with a voice deep enough to make dust fall from the high pillars—

"Why do you want to challenge me, girl?"

Lilliane's breath caught for a heartbeat.

Not out of fear—just surprise.

Neither Kyle nor Aurelia had been asked any questions.

This was new.

Unexpected.

Her fingers tightened at her sides… then slowly relaxed.

A faint gust curled around her ankles, brushing at her cloak with gentle encouragement.

She drew in a breath, let it settle into her chest, and raised her gaze.

When she spoke, her voice was soft—

but steady enough to cut through the silence.

"Because of your mastery of runes, Elder Huldor."

His brows lifted slightly.

The crowd murmured—confused, intrigued.

Lilliane continued, lifting her chin just a little higher.

"Since childhood, I have heard stories of you. Stories of your unparalleled skill in carving runes—of weaving them into weapons… and of commanding them in battle as freely as breath."

The wind stirred around her, lifting strands of her pink hair.

"I do not seek just a weapon or armor. I seek control—precision. Runes are the path to that. And your mastery… is unmatched."

A thoughtful weight settled across Elder Huldor's expression.

He ran one thumb slow and deliberate through part of his beard—

a dwarven gesture of contemplation.

---

In the challengers' stand, Sylthara blinked in clear confusion.

Her ears twitched sharply.

"…Runes? Why runes?"

Tower Master's eyes, half-lidded behind her veil, softened at the edges with quiet amusement.

"She is smart," she murmured with a tone that carried more praise than most people would ever hear from her.

Sylthara angled her head toward her. "Explain?"

The Tower Master folded her hands in her lap, posture as impeccable as polished jade.

"Rune-making requires extreme elemental control. Each stroke—each subtle curve—is a negotiation of mana. Only those with precise command of their affinity can hope to use them effectively."

She glanced forward, eyes settling gently on Lilliane.

"And your friend possesses all basic and advanced elements. For someone with that vast potential… rune mastery is one of the greatest paths."

Sylthara's brows dipped thoughtfully.

"But… isn't the Crucible for forging weapons or armor?"

Luca responded before Tower Master could.

His eyes softened, his elbows resting casually on his knees as he leaned toward Sylthara.

"That's the mistake most people make," he said quietly.

"Who said a bond is only for weapons or armor?"

Sylthara's eyes widened, realization dawning across her face like a rising twilight.

A technique bond.

A control bond.

A mastery bond.

This was Lilliane's path.

---

Down below, Elder Huldor finished stroking his beard and let his hands fall to his sides.

His rune-etched armor pulsed once—

a low thrum that vibrated through the entire arena.

He looked down at Lilliane—not dismissively, not condescendingly.

But with the respect of a craftsman recognizing someone reaching toward a worthy forge.

His voice came low, deep, and final.

"…Fine."

A collective breath left the arena.

Lilliane exhaled slowly—her fingers unclenching, wind curling softly around her like a quiet embrace. She bowed deeply, her posture respectful yet radiant with determination.

The third challenger of the Forgeheart Crucible had been accepted.

And she would be facing—

Elder Huldor Forgevein, Master of Runes, Guardian of Flame-carved Law.

The arena settled into a low, anticipatory hum as Elder Huldor stepped forward, the soft glow of runes rippling across his armor with each movement. He studied Lilliane for a long, steady moment before speaking, his voice carrying through the stone-laced air like the deep roll of distant thunder.

"Rune craft," he began, lifting a hand and letting a single rune shimmer at his fingertip, "is not born from power, but from the mind. Carving runes requires stillness and strength in equal measure. Those who lose themselves… lose their craft."

Lilliane's posture straightened—not rigidly, but with a quiet precision, as though aligning herself with the weight of his words. Wind brushed against her hair in a single controlled flutter.

"Patience. Clarity. The ability to stand even when the mind is assailed."

Huldor's palm opened, and the rune expanded into a circle of symbols that spiraled outward beneath Lilliane's feet. They pulsed once—slow, steady, like a heartbeat.

"This trial tests those foundations."

He lowered his hand.

And the runes rose.

A soft hum pulled the arena into silence as light coiled around Lilliane—then folded in on itself like a veil dropping over her senses.

Outside, her body went still—eyes unfocused, breath smooth, standing as if rooted to the earth. Only the faint ripple of wind around her ankles hinted she was still conscious somewhere far away.

Inside the Illusion

Lilliane blinked—and the arena vanished.

A ruined battlefield spread around her: cracked earth, broken stones, an abandoned shrine half-swallowed by vines. The smell of smoke clung to the air.

Shadows twitched behind her.

She turned sharply.

Cultists emerged—masks cracked, robes stained with strange symbols, weapons dripping with dark sludge. Their bodies jerked unnaturally, as though pulled by invisible strings.

Lilliane didn't flinch.

She drew in a breath—her wind magic circling her like a tightening spiral.

The cultists rushed forward.

She moved.

A pivot of her foot.

A sharp twist of her wrist.

Wind compressed and cracked through the air—

SHING—!

A whip of pressure sliced through the first cultist, unraveling its form into smoke. She ducked beneath a blade and flicked her fingers upward—wind exploded beneath the second cultist's legs, sending it flipping violently before dissolving.

Her movements were efficient, calm, precise—like she had repeated these motions a thousand times in training.

Two more lunged at her from the sides.

She didn't panic.

She didn't hesitate.

Her eyes narrowed, and she stepped in—too close for them to react—and released a burst of compressed air point-blank.

Both illusions shattered into dust.

The field went still.

Lilliane exhaled through her nose, steady.

These were easy.

---

Outside The Illusion

On the empty arena ground, Lilliane stepped, pivoted, ducked—fighting enemies no one else could see.

Sylthara whispered, "Her movements… she's fighting."

Luca leaned forward, eyes sharp.

"She's facing combat illusions," he murmured. "These are the warm-up ones. Good—her breathing's controlled."

The Tower Master remained still, fingers laced loosely, expression unreadable—but a faint nod betrayed approval.

---

Inside The Illusion

The battlefield dissolved.

She stood in a forest.

A familiar forest…

Dark roots twisted along the earth like veins. The trees leaned inward, suffocating the air. The smell of iron… thickened.

Lilliane's steps slowed.

Up ahead, a woman knelt beside a fallen tree, hair long and tangled, body shaking as though sobbing. Her arms cradled something small against her chest.

A little girl.

Pale. Limp. Her tiny hand hung motionless, fingers curled slightly at the tips.

Lilliane's throat tightened.

The woman's shoulders convulsed—and slowly, she moved towards the girl's neck as she dunked her teeth onto it, as the blood started spilling.

Drinking.

The sound was faint—soft, wet—but it hit Lilliane like cold water to the spine.

Her breath caught.

Her eyes trembled.

Her heart lurched violently.

Then she closed her eyes for a single second and whispered:

"…This is an illusion. We already saved the girl."

When she opened them again, her gaze was steady—cold with resolve.

Her hand lifted.

A clean arc of wind shot through the clearing—

fwip—

The mother dissolved in a soft sigh of black dust.

The forest peeled away around her.

Still… her fingers were curled, nails digging into her palms.

Her breathing had thickened.

That one hurt.

But she walked forward anyway.

---

Outside The Illusion

Lilliane's jaw tightened.

Her lashes fluttered once—subtle, not noticeable unless someone watched her closely.

Luca's brows furrowed.

"She stabilized… but that one rattled her."

Selena watched her with narrowed, observant eyes—reading the tension in every small movement.

The Tower Master's gaze sharpened ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing with quiet understanding.

---

Inside The Illusion

The forest tore itself apart—

—and Lilliane found herself standing in the grand hall of Fairemoore estate.

Her breath froze.

This place…

Tall stained-glass windows.

Velvet banners with the Fairemoore crest.

Candles flickering with warm light.

Soft footsteps echoed through the hall.

She turned.

Her father stepped into view.

Count Fairemoore's stern eyes softened when they landed on her.

A warmth she always recognized—subtle, reserved, but real—glimmered beneath his strict exterior.

"Father…?" she whispered.

He didn't answer.

A long beat stretched—

—and then his expression… shifted.

Cold.

Blank.

Like he didn't know her.

"Lilliane Fairemoore," he said, voice hollow, empty, "you are no longer my daughter."

Her lips parted.

No breath came out.

Her fingers shook at her sides—barely, but uncontrollably.

"No…" her voice cracked. "No, you—you wouldn't—"

He turned away from her.

Like she didn't exist.

Her vision blurred.

Tears spilled before she noticed them.

"F-Father, please—Father, don't—!"

She stumbled forward, reaching out, forgetting entirely—

This is an illusion.

Her shoulders trembled.

Her breath broke in pieces.

She looked so small in the massive empty hall.

Then—

A thought flickered.

A memory.

Her father's hand on her head… her first spell… his quiet pride…

Father loves me.

Her teary eyes widened.

Her breath steadied.

"…No," she whispered. "The real you… would never say that."

She stepped forward.

The illusion cracked at her feet.

Her father faded, the hall dissolving into white dust.

---

Outside the Illusion

A tear slid down Lilliane's cheek.

Not dramatic.

Not loud.

Just a single, quiet tear.

Sylthara's ears stiffened.

Luca's heart sank a little.

But—

Her face relaxed.

Her shoulders loosened.

She had broken through it.

Luca exhaled, relieved.

"She's… doing incredibly well."

Inside The Illusion

Darkness swallowed her whole.

Not the soft kind behind closed eyes.

Not the comforting kind of a moonless night.

This was the suffocating void of a cave.

A cave she knew.

A cave she wished she never had to see again.

Her breath faltered as the world materialized around her.

Cold stone walls.

Rotting wooden crates.

Chains scattered on the ground like shed skins of suffering.

The stale smell of damp earth mixed with dried blood.

Her chest tightened.

Her pulse spiked.

"…No," she whispered, voice barely a breath. "Not here… please… not here."

A sharp clinking echoed.

She turned slowly—

—and froze.

There, lying on the cave floor, was herself.

Not a younger version.

Not a distorted image.

The exact version of her from five months ago:

Clothes torn.

Blood pooled beneath her ribs.

Skin drained of color.

Breathing so faint it barely stirred the air.

Her illusion-self's eyes fluttered weakly, glassy, unfocused.

Lilliane's knees buckled.

She staggered forward, dropping beside her own body, hands trembling violently as they hovered above the wound.

"I…I remember this…" her voice cracked. "I…I was… bleeding out…"

Every detail returned with terrifying clarity:

The crushing pressure in her chest.

The numbness spreading through her fingers.

The distant, fading echo of her own heartbeat slowing—like the world was pulling away from her.

Her illusion-self gasped.

Lilliane flinched, heart clenching painfully.

She reached out, touching her own cheek.

Cold.

Clammy.

Half-dead.

Her illusion-self's lips parted—barely.

"N…no…don't…"

The sound was a broken whisper, frayed and soaked in terror.

Lilliane's breath shattered.

She saw it—

her own fear.

Not the fear of a child.

The fear of someone who understood she was dying.

The helpless shaking.

The desperate clutching at the air.

The silent begging for someone—anyone—to come.

Her fingers dug into her hair as she collapsed forward, shoulders trembling.

"I don't… I don't want to be here again…"

Her voice broke, splintered.

"I don't want to see myself die…"

Her illusion-self convulsed once—

then went still.

A sound escaped Lilliane's throat—half-sobbing, half-choking—as she pressed both palms against the stone floor.

She forgot it was an illusion.

All she could feel was the suffocating terror she once drowned in.

The cave flickered—

the darkness pulsed—

and for a moment, she felt that same cold numbness creeping up her fingers—

the same hopelessness—

the same fading light behind her eyes—

"Don't go… don't go…"

Her voice trembled as she touched her own lifeless cheek.

"I…I don't want to be alone…"

---

Then—

A voice.

Soft.

Warm.

A desperate whisper cutting through the choking darkness, her own voice.

"Aren't you my friend?"

Lilliane's breath stopped.

Her head lifted sharply.

That voice—

She remembered that moment—

how he kicked down the entrance to the cave.

how his eyes burned with fear and anger

how she made her first friend.

How others came rushing knowing she was in danger, Aiden, Kyle, Aurelia.

She felt it—

A sudden, overwhelming warmth surging through her chest, flooding every corner of her fractured mind.

She remembered—

She wasn't alone.

She hadn't died alone.

She lived—

because they came.

Her tears fell silently.

She placed a hand on her illusion-self's shoulder and whispered—

"…They came for me."

A breath—deep and steady—filled her lungs.

"This is not real."

Light cracked through the cave walls—

splintering the darkness—

breaking the scene apart.

Her dying self crumbled to dust.

And the cave dissolved into a bright, clean void.

Lilliane stood in the center of it—

no trembling,

no confusion,

only quiet, unwavering strength.

She had faced her death.

And walked past it.

And then her eyes widened , her breathing slowed as she saw…

A golden haired boy with golden eyes and sword in his hands , he turned back to Lilliane…

When she could only mutter, "A-aiden?"

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