“Phase 3: The Path of Solitude”

Phase 3: The Path of Solitude

The room was shrouded in an unnatural silence. Machines hummed along the walls, and in the center stood a metallic capsule, surrounded by intricate mechanical systems. The water inside was still, almost inviting—a deceptive peace before the trial began.

Selene:

"Welcome to the third phase—the Path of Solitude."

Her voice was calm, yet her words carried a weight that lingered in the air. No echo, no unnecessary explanations.

Liebe:

"What exactly awaits us?"

Selene:

"You will enter—alone. This machine will confront you with what lies deep within you. You must find a way out. But not through strength or speed—through understanding."

Some exchanged questioning glances, others silently stared at the capsule.

Neo:

"Will it be the same for everyone?"

Selene:

"No. Each of you will face what you fear. What you suppress. What defines you."

A faint hum filled the room as the machines powered up.

Ezryel stepped forward first. His gaze was focused, but no one could tell what was going through his mind.

Rex:

"If you get stuck—just call for help."

A slight smirk passed through the group, but no one truly laughed. They knew this was no ordinary trial.

Selene:

"Ready?"

Ezryel nodded. He stepped into the capsule, the cold water enveloping him. The lid closed with a hissing sound. On the monitors, blurry images began to appear. Shadows from his past.

The room remained silent. The only movement came from the monitors, flickering like cold, watchful eyes. The capsule in the center of the room gleamed under the sterile machine lights, filled with a translucent liquid that pulsed slowly—as if breathing.

Selene stood before it, unwavering.

Selene:

"This is the Path of Solitude."

The words echoed. No one spoke, but the tension was palpable.

Neo:

"So, another simulation?"

Selene:

"No. Not a simulation. A truth you have suppressed or wanted to forget. But it is real."

Her voice remained calm, but everyone could hear the unspoken verdict within it. There was no escape.

Ezryel stepped closer.

Liebe:

"He looks as unimpressed as ever."

Rex:

"Not surprising. The ice block."

Ezryel looked at the capsule, his fingers tingling. Something inside him resisted, yet he moved forward anyway.

Selene:

"Are you ready?"

He said nothing, but his gaze spoke for him.

Slowly, he stepped into the capsule. The water was cool, but that wasn't what disturbed him. The lid sealed with a quiet hiss.

The monitors flickered. Then everything went black.

The Illusion Begins

Heat.

The scent of sand and wood. Voices.

Ezryel blinked.

Before him stretched a village—his village. The mud huts with their thatched roofs stood close together, while colorful fabric banners fluttered between the wooden poles of the market stalls. The aroma of roasted corn and spiced stew filled the air. Women with intricately braided hair carried water jugs on their heads, children ran laughing across the dusty ground, while men with strong arms stood at the well, sharing jokes. A sense of warmth washed over him—something that almost felt like home.

Then he saw him.

William Ashford.

His best friend—yet a stranger among this world. His golden-brown hair gleamed in the sun, a rare sight among the sea of black curls and shaved heads. His fine clothing stood out against the village's simple garments, yet his smile was genuine—a sign that he belonged here, no matter what his appearance suggested.

William:

"Here. This is for you."

Ezryel took the small amulet in his hand.

William:

"Promise me you'll always wear it. No matter what happens. Everything will be fine."

Ezryel swallowed. He didn't remember hearing these words before.

The scene changed.

Suddenly, the sky turned dark. The cheerful voices shifted into screams. A foul smoke filled the air. People collapsed to the ground, their bodies convulsing, their eyes wide with pain.

Ezryel staggered backward.

Ezryel:

"No… what's happening? Why are you all lying on the ground?"

He turned, searching for someone, but all he saw were the dying villagers. Their skin was covered in dark veins, their bodies twitching as they struggled to breathe.

Villagers:

"Why are you still alive…?"

Their voices were whispers, echoes that surrounded him.

Villagers:

"Why aren't you like us…?"

Ezryel gasped for air.

"I don't know…"

Then his gaze fell to his chest.

The amulet.

It was glowing.

His hands trembled as the realization hit him. William had given it to him. William had known something was going to happen.

And Ezryel was the only survivor.

The world began to flicker.

Villagers:

"Why didn't you die with us?"

Ezryel fell to his knees.

Ezryel:

"I… I don't know."

But then—

He took a deep breath.

He was tired of running. Tired of pushing the truth away.

Slowly, he stood up.

Ezryel:

"I won't run anymore."

The shadows began to fade. The voices grew quieter.

Ezryel (softly):

"I remember."

The voices of the dead had gone silent.

Not because they had disappeared—but because he had finally listened.

He lifted his head, his eyes clearer than before.

Ezryel:

"I will find him. And I will uncover the truth behind this curse."

Selene nodded, as if she had been expecting this answer.

Selene:

"Then you have chosen your path."

With those words, Ezryel stepped out of the darkness of his past—into the future.

The capsule opened.

Ezryel opened his eyes.

He was back.

The Reaction of the Other Candidates

The monitors still displayed the final images of his past. No one spoke until Neo finally broke the silence.

Neo:

"Damn… that was brutal."

Liebe:

"I… I had no idea it was that bad."

Rex (whispering):

"These people… I know them. They are from…"

Ezryel took a deep breath as he stepped out of the capsule. His gaze was clearer than before.

Stella:

"And what will you do now?"

He looked at her, then at the monitor, where his village still burned.

Ezryel:

"I will find William."