Story Time! Shiora Mitra First Real Challenge!

On one forgotten day, in the early years of Shiora, Nujah took young Mitra to a place unlike any other — a distant, bleak planet known only as "A9721."

Mitra, still a child, looked up at the black sky and asked, "Why is it called A9721?"

Nujah sighed. "Because Naraka got tired of naming everything. Numbers are quicker."

They both let out a soft laugh.

Then Mitra's eyes narrowed. "But seriously... what are we doing here?"

Nujah turned toward her with a serious face. "You're going to survive here for one full day — alone."

"W-What?! Are you insane?! It's so dark! I can't see anything!" Mitra protested, panic creeping into her voice.

> "When I was your age, Naraka left me here for seven days. I cleared out all the dangerous beasts."

Then, under his breath, barely audible:

"…At least within a hundred kilometers."

In truth, he whispered to himself: "At least, I think I did."

"I'll be watching from afar," he reassured. "But you'll need to face the smaller ones on your own."

Mitra's voice trembled. "I'm not ready! I need more training!"

"No amount of training replaces a real fight," Nujah replied calmly. "And until you learn to control your power by will, you'll always be one step away from becoming a mindless beast."

He leaned closer. "Remember: this universe is made of two things — light and dark. Shiora shines bright because of the light within us. But this place... reflects what's inside you. Evil souls spread darkness. But the strong-hearted glow like diamonds. That's why the world still looks normal — because you and I, we shine."

Mitra clenched her fists. "Then why hasn't this planet turned dark yet? Why does it still look normal?!"

"Some places resist change," Nujah answered. "Maybe the darkness here has a will of its own. Maybe it's just waiting for you to let go. But that's not your concern. Survive 24 hours. Don't get hurt. Defend yourself."

Mitra took a step back. "I... I can't."

"You can. And you must. Because those monsters won't wait for your fear to pass."

Mitra's eyes filled with fear, but Nujah's presence remained steady.

Just then, a whisper entered Nujah's ear.

"Understood," he muttered. "Mother is calling."

He turned to Mitra one last time, kissed her forehead, and said:

"Do your best."

Before she could protest, Nujah grabbed her by the head and hurled her into the center of the planet.

"AAAAAH!" she screamed as she fell, eyes wide.

He watched her descend, then sent a shadow to follow her — just in case.

---

23 hours later...

Nujah returned to the planet's outer edge.

With a single snap of his fingers, Mitra was teleported to his side.

But what he saw stunned him:

Blood-streaked, panting, and holding the carcass of an unidentifiable beast in her arms,

Mitra stood tall — eyes wild, aura flaring.

For a moment, she didn't even seem to recognize him.

Nujah blinked, then let out a small chuckle.

> "Looks like you made some friends," he said.

Mitra dropped the creature with a thud and glared.

> "You threw me into a monster pit!"

> "Technically, a training ground," Nujah replied, trying not to laugh.

> "You could've warned me they bite!"

> "You could've asked before biting them back."

Mitra crossed her arms, covered in dried blood and mud.

> "I didn't bite anyone."

> "Shame. That would've been funny."

They both paused. Then — for the first time in 23 hours — Mitra smiled.

> "...I survived."

Nujah placed a hand gently on her head.

"You didn't just survive... you turned a nightmare into dinner. That's my girl for sure."