The coliseum had changed.
No longer a battlefield of destruction—it was now a solemn arena of silence. The reflection of Jiwoon stood with lowered fists, breathing heavily. Cracks spread across its black armor like spiderwebs of regret.
Jiwoon approached slowly.
The monster—his Sin-made-self—looked up with hollow eyes.
"You didn't kill me," it rasped.
"Why?"
Jiwoon stopped a few steps away, gaze unwavering.
"Because I finally understand…
You weren't trying to destroy me.
You were warning me."
The reflection blinked.
"I am everything you locked away… the guilt, the hunger for vengeance, the despair. You call me a monster. But I only exist… because you let me fester in silence."
Jiwoon nodded.
"Then it's time I stopped pretending I'm clean."
He knelt in front of his reflection.
"You're not my enemy. You're my burden.
And I'll carry you… not because I want to.
But because I must."
The air trembled.
The cracked mirror behind them shattered into dust, revealing a hidden circle of seven symbols carved into the arena floor. The Trial recognized his answer.
[Trial of Origin: Passed]
"Acknowledgement of Sin. Acceptance of Weight. Resolution without Annihilation."
The reflection gave a faint, almost human smile.
"You passed where the last bearer failed."
Jiwoon asked quietly, "What happened to them?"
"He gave in.
He became me."
The reflection began to dissolve into shimmering particles—each one carrying a memory, a scar, a scream.
"Then I'll walk a different path," Jiwoon whispered.
"I know," the reflection replied. "That's why you were chosen."
[Reward Unlocked – Sinbound Core: Fragment 1/4]
Sinbound Core – Trait: Stability of Judgment
Jiwoon has gained enhanced control over his inner power. Partial access to true Ebonwyrm resonance unlocked.
As the chamber faded, Jiwoon found himself back at the stairwell of the North Tower—alone.
Or so he thought.
A familiar voice echoed from the shadows near the exit.
"You saw it too, didn't you?"
He turned.
Kaelya stood there, arms crossed, having witnessed everything.
"You faced yourself… and came back alive. That's rare."
Jiwoon didn't answer. He didn't need to.
Kaelya stepped forward, just close enough to lower her voice.
"The invitation wasn't from the academy, was it?"
Jiwoon looked at her for a long moment—then handed her the torn envelope.
She read the signature on the back. Her eyes widened.
"…Impossible."
"What does it mean?" Jiwoon asked.
Kaelya's lips parted slowly.
"This seal belongs to someone who shouldn't exist anymore.
The original wielder