The air between Sam and Kaelyn was charged with tension as they stood in the shadowy alleyway, their conversation echoing against the backdrop of Aetherion's dark streets."Listen, Kaelyn," Sam began earnestly, his voice tinged with conviction. "I understand that you needed this power, and I won't pry into your reasons. I’m not sure if you wanted revenge, but I assure you working for me would be beneficial for you. I won't force you, and I can't read minds like Ba’ar, so the choice is yours."Kaelyn's gaze was contemplative, her expression a mixture of uncertainty and cautious consideration. "What if the mark of Ba'ar returns along with that power?" she asked, her voice laden with apprehension.Sam shook his head. "I'm not sure either. The only way to find out is to try it. If the mark returns, I can absorb the spell back. And if the mark doesn't come back, I'll leave the shadow power to you, and you can decide later about being my spy."Sam's words were carefully chosen, his demeano
Sam drifted into the realm of dreams, and he found himself immersed in a surreal landscape unlike any he had experienced before. It began innocuously, with a gathering of children calling him 'Sister Key'. The orphanage setting felt strangely vivid and haunting, yet Sam soon realized that he was not witnessing Friedo's memories but glimpses of Kaelyn's past.Navigating through this dream as Kaelyn, Sam's perspective shifted as if he were truly inhabiting her memories. Before long, the scene changed abruptly, and the towering presence of a familiar structure loomed ahead. It was the very tower in the middle of Aetherion.A figure in blurred silhouette nudged Kaelyn toward the tower's gates, ushering her into the illusion pathway. As they crossed the threshold, the world around them dissolved into a disorienting space of shifting realities. Kaelyn's memories became muddled and distorted. Sam could not see him, but he knew that was Ba’ar. The inside of the tower pathway has been manipula
Sam decided to take the elementalism trial first before dealing with Ba’ar. He thought he might got another breakthrough from it. Sam stood inside the first floor of the elementalism trial, his mind a whirlwind of determination and anticipation. The daemon guide, with its jovial demeanor, greeted him in a manner that belied the gravity of the task at hand."Finally, you come back. Took you long enough to rest," the daemon guide quipped, its voice echoing through the first floor scenery.Sam's expression was resolute, his eyes fixed on the looming challenge ahead. "There are a few things happening. Let's get to the trial," he replied, cutting through the guide's playful banter with unwavering purpose.The daemon guide chuckled, amused by Sam's urgency. "So hasty. What's the matter?" it inquired."I need to finish this fast," Sam insisted.Despite Sam's urgency, the guide seemed unfazed, its demeanor a stark contrast to the weight of the trials that awaited within. The guide's laughter
The daemon continued to chuckle, its ethereal form pulsating with an otherworldly glow. Sam, still reeling from the intensity of the trial, couldn't help but express his frustration."What's so funny? I almost died!" Sam exclaimed."Well, that's just part of the risk. You knew what you were getting into," the daemon replied calmly.Sam's accusatory tone persisted. "The trial was unfair. You copied me but with limitless energy!""Yes, I mirrored all your power and moves, but I have the daemon ley line vortex of this tower to sustain me. It may seem unfair to you, but it's all part of the trial," the daemon explained.Sam's expression shifted from frustration to a smirk. "Well, that trial made me realize something.""And what's that?" the daemon inquired."I'm pretty awesome!" Sam declared proudly."Now that's the confidence I like to see!" the daemon chuckled. "When did you realize that I was only copying you at the start of the trial?""Really? So that's why you didn't copy my last mo
Sam got out of the tower when the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city. He called out Kaelyn's name several times while walking down the street, ignoring other people that were looking at him. His voice echoed through the bustling and quiet streets. From one of the building's shadows, Kaelyn emerged, her expression unreadable."So, you were following me, huh?" Sam said with a hint of humor."No, I wasn't. I just happened to hear your call when I was nearby and chose to show up," Kaelyn replied in a flat tone."It's been three days," Sam reminded her."I know," she replied simply."What's your answer?" Sam pressed, a sense of urgency in his voice."What would you do if I didn't help you? Are you still going to challenge Ba'ar?" Kaelyn countered."Of course, I have personal issues I need to settle with him," Sam affirmed confidently."And how do you plan on doing that? Are you so confident that you can handle his illusions and mind games?" Kaelyn challenged."I ju
As dawn broke over the city, Sam's excitement grew with each passing minute. He spent the day in quiet contemplation, mentally preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Hours dragged by until, finally, the sun moved past its peak, casting short shadows across the cobblestone streets. On that afternoon, Sam made his excuses to Lyra, claiming he needed some time alone to gather his thoughts. Though Lyra looked at him suspiciously, she trusted his judgment and allowed him to go. With a sense of urgency, Sam navigated through the winding alleys until he reached the designated meeting point outside the imposing tower. Standing there, Sam's heart raced as he scanned the area, half-expecting Kaelyn to emerge from the shadows. Suddenly, a figure emerged from a nearby alleyway—it was Kaelyn. Despite anticipating her arrival, Sam was still taken aback by her sudden appearance. Kaelyn's expression was unreadable as she approached him, her movements calculated and precise. "Are you r
Sam and Kaelyn were transported to the next floor of the illusion pathway. The scenery shifted dramatically. They found themselves standing on a magical savannah, bathed in the ethereal glow of twilight. The landscape was surreal, a blend of familiar grasslands and fantastical elements. Trees with shimmering leaves dotted the horizon, and peculiar chimeric creatures roamed the plains. The daemon guide's voice echoed in Sam's mind, breaking the silence of the twilight-lit savannah. "You are already able to make a copy of yourself using shadow magic, but that was the easier task compared to this. You need to create three copies of different daemons here."Sam surveyed the surroundings, his eyes falling upon the strange and wondrous creatures that inhabited this realm. Each daemon bore characteristics reminiscent of animals from the earthly realm, yet they were imbued with a magical essence that made them otherworldly. There were winged serpents with iridescent scales, horned beasts wit
The tenth trial thrust Sam into a harrowing battle within his own mind. It was a relentless onslaught of illusions aimed at exploiting his deepest fears and doubts. As he stood amidst the shifting illusions of his mundane past life, Sam felt the suffocating weight of routine and monotony bearing down on him.Flashbacks flooded his mind with endless days spent in a soul-crushing job, the hollow emptiness of unfulfilled dreams, and the relentless march of time eroding his spirit. The illusions distorted reality, blurring the line between past and present, until Sam felt trapped in a suffocating cycle of despair.“Sam! I’m here!”But amidst the overwhelming deluge of memories, Kaelyn's voice broke through the haze like a lifeline. Her voice echoed in his mind, a beacon of clarity amidst the nightmare. With renewed determination, Sam summoned his inner strength and blasted his energy outward, dispelling the illusions.Sam felt a surge of empowerment. He refused to succumb to the shadows o