“Phase 3: The Path of Solitude – Kirah’s Illusion“

The metallic capsule hummed softly as the water inside filled. Kirah stood before it, her breathing steady, her hands relaxed at her sides. Yet, in her eyes, there was a tension she couldn't fully grasp. She knew this phase of the trial wouldn't be a simple fight. No sword, no resonance power would help her here. This was something else.

Selene:

"Kirah. You're next."

The other candidates watched, some with curiosity, others with serious expressions. Kyro leaned against the wall, appearing at ease, but his sharp eyes followed every movement. Neo seemed indifferent, while Nia had a hint of concern in her gaze.

Ezryel:

"Good luck."

Kirah said nothing. Words held no value here. She stepped into the capsule, and the cold water closed around her body, pulling her deeper into a world that belonged to her alone.

The Illusion Begins

An endless hall of mirrors.

Each one was shattered, broken into a thousand fragments. In every shard, a possible future reflected back at her—an echo of what could have been, what would be, and what she could never prevent.

She saw herself fighting. She saw herself crying. She saw herself failing.

Her comrades fell—again and again. No matter which decision she made, the end was always the same. A loop with no way out.

She staggered backward, her breath uneven. The images around her shifted rapidly, jumping from one fate to the next, while the voices of the fallen echoed in her mind.

Reflections:

"Why didn't you save us?"

"You should have known."

"Your gift is useless if you do nothing."

Kirah dropped to her knees, her gaze flickering from one mirror to another. Her fingers brushed against the cold, smooth surface of a broken shard. Her hands trembled. The resonance inside her pulsed, demanding an answer from her.

Kirah:

"Please… I need a solution… Just one future where I can save them…"

But no answer came.

Suddenly, the hall darkened. The fragments trembled as a familiar voice cut through the emptiness. Warm. Gentle. Full of love.

Sister:

"It was never the resonance, Kirah. It was always you. Your choices are what matter."

Kirah's eyes widened. Her fingers tightened around the shard in her hand. Blood dripped onto the floor, but she barely felt the pain.

She couldn't control every future. But she could make a choice—here and now.

Her teeth clenched as a newfound determination ignited within her. Her heart pounded faster, stronger. She seized the largest mirror in front of her—the one where she lay on the ground, desperate, broken—and raised her hand.

With all her strength, she hurled the shard into the center.

A deafening crash echoed through the hall as the glass shattered into millions of glowing fragments. The reflections dissolved, the voices faded, the darkness receded.

Back in Reality

The capsule hissed as it opened. Kirah remained still, water dripping from her hair. Her hand was bleeding slightly, but she barely noticed.

Now, she understood—her power was never about seeing the future. It was about acting.

Reactions of the Candidates

Neo:

"Looks like you finally understand how to use your power properly."

Nia:

"She… has overcome her fear."

Ezryel:

"She knew it all along, but she never accepted it."

Kirah stepped out of the capsule. Her shoulders were relaxed, her gaze clear. She wiped the blood on her jacket and looked Selene straight in the eyes.

Kirah:

"I'm ready."

Selene studied her for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

Selene:

"Then you have chosen your path."