"System. Terminate simulation."
"Are you sure you wish to forfeit the Hell Mode Trial?"
"…Yeah. For now''
The golems all froze.
The simulation began to unravel — the blood-red sky cracked like glass, and the floor beneath him stabilized, returning to the standard training room.
Blake collapsed to one knee, groaning.
He took several deep breaths, wiping the blood from his lips. His clothes were in tatters, one arm limp at his side, and dark bruises spread across his chest.
"Simulation terminated. Trial failed."
"Hell Mode Completion Rate: 14%."
"Status: Severe Injuries. Recommend: Medical Treatment."
Blake laughed weakly.
"Only 14%… Damn…"
He slumped back onto the floor, breathing hard as the healing drones from the ceiling descended, humming softly.
"…Guess Nero's not the only one having a rough time."
The pain was intense, but somewhere deep within… Blake felt something strange.
Not frustration.
But hunger.
Challenge.
Excitement.
His lazy heart stirred.
