Behind the stone gates of the Crystal Tower, Kael and Lira moved forward in silence. Guided by Elandor, they had left the tower behind, yet a lingering unease remained in their hearts. Each trial seemed to shape them more deeply... and make them feel more alone.
Beyond the valley, they reached a passage where the mist rose once again. It was a place that did not appear on any map. Lira opened her book, but the pages remained silent. Even the prophecy offered no guidance here.
"It feels like this place is hiding something from us," Kael said.
At the entrance of the passage, an inscription was carved into the stone:
*"Loyalty is measured not by words, but by actions."*
As they stepped inside, the passage suddenly split into two paths. Without realizing it, Kael and Lira chose different routes. They could no longer hear one another.
Kael's path led through a narrow tunnel. The walls were covered with shards of glass that emitted a dark, eerie glow. At the end of the tunnel, a figure appeared.
Lira.
But her eyes were empty, and her voice sounded strange.
"Kael," the figure said, "leave me behind. Continue your journey. The Crystal chose you, not me."
Kael took a step back.
"You're not Lira."
The figure smiled.
"Loyalty is a burden. Let it go... and you will feel lighter."
Kael raised the crystal shard in his hand. Its light passed through the figure. A piercing scream echoed through the tunnel, and the illusion vanished. In that moment, Kael understood the truth:
This trial was testing his loyalty to Lira.
At the same time, Lira faced a challenge of her own.
The silhouette of Kael appeared before her.
But this Kael was filled with anger.
"You are holding me back," he said. "With your knowledge, you try to control everything. This journey is mine."
Lira closed her eyes.
"I came with you because I believe in you. This journey belongs to both of us."
Kael's silhouette shone brightly and then faded away. Lira fell to her knees.
Loyalty was not merely a bond...
It was trust.
At the end of their paths, they found each other once more. Their faces were pale, but their eyes were clearer than before.
Elandor was waiting for them.
"The Trial of Loyalty is the quietest of all trials," he said. "Yet it leaves the deepest scars."
Kael and Lira looked at one another.
They were no longer just companions on a journey.
They were companions bound by destiny.
Notes: Translation and photos were created by artificial intelligence.
