"He was like a big brother to all of us… before he became Master," Dora said in a soft, nostalgic tone, as if recalling something precious.
"Big brother?" Aether raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed..." Dora nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Since he was an apostle of our previous generation, he had a kind soul, just like Luna... though, unlike her, he wasn't naive. He had wisdom and foresight, the kind that only experience can grant. But Luna… she trusted too easily." She chuckled softly before shaking her head. "You know, it's impossible to become a Sovereign while being naive. The world simply doesn't allow it."
Aether nodded in understanding.
Whether someone was good or bad… these Trials forced them to face reality.
They stripped away illusions, exposing the truth hidden in one's heart. They dug deep into a person's soul, pulling out their deepest desires, their rawest emotions, and the ugliness they tried to hide.