chapter 58: The Court of Hidden Echoes

As Shao stepped through the gate of light into the depths of Oracleis, he was unprepared for what lay ahead. It was neither land nor sky, but a floating arena suspended between illusion and truth.

Whirls of raw energy swam through the air, and whispering voices clashed like restless souls ceaselessly lamenting.

At the center of the arena rose a cracked stone throne, hovering over a bottomless abyss. Beneath it, carved circles glowed in deep violet runes etched in ancient Nordic script—flaring brighter as Shao drew closer.

Suddenly, a thundering voice echoed across the void:

_"Welcome, bearer of the blood of defiance... You have arrived at the Court of Hidden Echoes."_

Faces rippled through the void—some mirrored Shao, others resembled Him or Astir, but all appeared... different, like versions from alternate realities.

One darker visage of Shao emerged, eyes blazing like embers, smirking coldly:

_"Every choice you've made... created a version of me. We are what we conceal—and what we choose to become."_

Shao trembled slightly but stood firm.

_"If you are my other selves... you will not steal my right to shape my own fate."_

One laughed and replied:

_"Then prove it... Three trials await: Truth, Betrayal, and Blood. You cannot escape—each is of your own making."_

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🧭 *The First Trial: Truth*

Shao stood before a tall mirror wrapped in black energy. As he gazed into it, his image morphed.

He saw himself fleeing—abandoning his friends in a critical moment.

He saw a scene he didn't recall: his father handing a black dagger to a man clad in Odinic armor, saying, _"When he comes of age... tell him the truth, if he survives."_

Shao whispered to himself:

_"Father... was hiding something. What is this dagger? Who is that man?"_

A voice responded:

_"Truth is bitter... but it is the beginning of understanding. Accept it, and you move forward. Deny it, and the cycle repeats."_

Shao closed his eyes, then opened them with courage:

_"I accept it... even if it breaks me."_

The mirror shattered, illusions crumbled—and a path opened to the next trial.

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⚔️ *The Second Trial: Betrayal*

Shao stood in a familiar scene—an old battle in one of the shadow realms where a comrade had fallen before him.

But this time, he saw himself... retreating, instead of trying to save him.

_"No... this didn't happen! I fought!"_ Shao cried out.

But the shadow replied:

_"You could've done more… but fear held you back. That moment birthed your first betrayal."_

Shao fell to his knees, guilt pressing down on his chest, before murmuring:

_"I will bear this burden. I will not allow my choices to repeat themselves."_

The battlefield dissolved, leading him into the third trial.

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🩸 *The Third Trial: Blood*

A crimson waterfall burst forth, cascading _upward_ from the stone throne into the sky.

Shao stepped into the circle's center—his blood igniting with light. A voice echoed within:

_"Blood is the covenant. The curse… and the path."_

Ancient sigils from an old lineage appeared on his skin, and he felt his inner voice awaken—whispers from the legacy of the _Chosen Blood_, his ancient ancestors.

_"You are not merely an heir... you are the key and the end."_

At that moment, the entire Court of Echoes rose. All the faces merged into one... his own.

The final voice declared:

_"You have passed the trial, Shao. Now, go to the heart of Oracleis—where the last gate will open, and your ultimate destiny will be forged."_

The ground split open, pillars of light soared upward, revealing a new passage veiled in golden light and distant cries.

With his final step, Shao whispered to himself:

_"Now... the real war begins."_