After obtaining the second fragment of Veran's soul and the Phoenix egg, Raigor immediately set out. The Phoenix's words still echoed in his mind:
"The next fragment is found in the place closest to the sun."
Raigor already knew where to look. The Altar of the Sun, a legendary mountain that touched the clouds, the highest in the world. It was said that on its summit stood an ancient sanctuary, home to the beings closest to the gods: the Solar Archons.
But no one had ever climbed that height and returned.
The most difficult test had just begun.
---
The Ascent to the Altar of the Sun
Raigor traveled for days, crossing burning deserts and forgotten valleys. Every night, he watched the Phoenix egg, wondering what was hidden inside. Would it really be an ally or a curse?
Finally, he reached the base of the Altar of the Sun. A colossus of golden rock, so tall that its summit was hidden in the clouds.
"I must climb this monster..." Raigor whispered, preparing for the task.
But he was not alone.
From the shadow of an ancient obelisk, a hooded figure watched him.
"If you want to climb, you will have to prove yourself worthy."** said a deep voice.**
Raigor turned, finding himself facing a being wrapped in a golden cloak. Under the hood, two eyes shone like the sun itself.
"I am Helion, the Guardian of the Altar. Only those who carry light in their hearts can reach the summit."
Raigor clenched his fists. "I do not care about your light. I am here for a soul."
Helion smiled. "Then prove it. If you want to reach the top... you must pass the Test of the Sun."
---
The Trial of the Sun – Facing the Light
Suddenly, the ground beneath Raigor's feet disappeared.
He found himself in a world made of pure light, a place where the sun shone everywhere, without shadows or darkness.
And before him, a golden warrior materialized.
It was himself.
A Raigor made of light, without hate, without pain.
"If you want to reach the sun, you must first defeat your shadow… or rather, your light." Helion said.
Raigor understood the meaning of the test: he had to face what he had never been… a man without anger, without revenge, without the weight of the past.
A pure Raigor.
But could he really win against a version of himself he had never known?