The golden-lit tunnel sloped upward, its walls smooth and warm to the touch, a stark contrast to the cold trials behind them. With every step, the light grew brighter—but so did the pressure in the air. It wasn't oppressive like before. It was watchful.
Rhys slowed, raising a hand. "Something's wrong. This light… it's testing us."
As if responding to his words, the tunnel widened into a circular chamber bathed in gold and white. Runes hovered freely in the air, rotating slowly like celestial gears. At the center stood a tall figure formed entirely of light and crystal—humanoid, faceless, its outline constantly shifting.
The voice returned, clearer now, resonant and calm.
"Trial of Essence—complete. Trial of Unity—pending."
Caria frowned. "Unity? We've been working together this whole time."
The figure raised a crystalline arm. The runes flared.
"Unity is not cooperation alone," it said. "It is trust under fracture."
The light exploded outward.
