Chapter 28: The World Terrace and Zhael's Whisper

Their steps halted.

Before them lay a massive chasm — like an ancient wound that never healed, splitting the earth from its core. This was the World Terrace, the place where the world was born... and almost destroyed.

The aura of the place was overwhelming.

Anyone without strong resolve would instantly collapse — bodies freezing, souls shattering.

But Auren walked at the very front.

Lisea was by his side, like a small light protecting him from the eternal darkness surrounding them.

> Mysterious voice:

> "Auren... the system's son, free from chains. You walk to the place where all beginnings started. Are you ready to be the end of it all?"

>

The sky was overcast, but it didn't rain.

They stepped into a passage formed from memory crystals, each wall displaying the world's past, human sins, the cruelty of gods, and Zhael's awakening — all the memories they wished to forget.

The students wept.

Some of them fell to their knees. Unable to bear witnessing the reality of a world that had long been hidden by false rulers and systems.

Auren stood firm.

His hand reached for the last crystal hanging in the center of a vortex of light. At that moment — the world seemed to stop spinning.

> Zhael (in a whisper):

> "You've come this far, son of man... but do you realize that truth will not grant you freedom... but the final choice?"

>

Suddenly, a system screen appeared — for the first time before everyone:

> ULTIMA SYSTEM

>

"One last chance is given to you, Auren:

Destroy the World Terrace and end the continuity of darkness.

Or take over the World Terrace and become the center of the new world.

Both will cost one thing:

Lisea."

All eyes turned to him.

All hearts wondered... Would Auren choose the world, or his love?

> Auren whispered:

> "You promised you'd stay by my side, right?"

>

Lisea smiled softly:

"I promise... even if only as a fragment of your memories."