Penelope...

[So, you still refuse to accept yourself?]

The words appeared.... as soon as Aether stepped out from the white door.

He didn't respond, his silence laden with frustration.

Aether frowned deeply, his mind racing. He had thought that was the final test, the last hurdle, and yet it seemed this torment was far from over.

He glanced at his level bar, noticing with dismay that it had dipped slightly lowered towards '😇'.

The sight made him sigh inwardly, a small victory that he had managed to keep his emotions in check.

But the nagging thought remained:

what would he have done if he had lost control?

Suddenly, the void around him brightened, and the reels of his memories began to play once more.

Aether's eyes narrowed in irritation.

"Tsk, just how many times is this going to..." His complaint trailed off as the memories unfolded before him, sharper and more painful than before.