A long time had passed, and at last the day of the full moon arrived.
David sat in his room with a grim expression. He couldn't stop thinking about the Realm of Fate — it was pulling him in, calling to him.
Leaving his room, he walked down the corridor. Looking around, he noticed that everyone else also seemed uneasy, as if weighed down by the same invisible burden.
When he entered the great hall, he saw that it was packed with students. A single glance was enough for David to realize: the entire first year had gathered here.
Vincent stepped forward and began to speak.
"Students, the day of your Trial of Fate has come. I can only wish you luck. If you pass it, you will earn the right to enter this world whenever you wish."
He paused, then added with a faint smile:
"That is why I hope most of you will survive."
A few students smiled at his words, but deep down they knew the truth — only ten percent of them would make it to the end.
Vincent continued:
"These cryo-pods will protect your bodies while your minds are inside the Realm of Fate. Step inside and prepare yourselves."
One by one, the students entered the pods. Within moments, they were ready.
Vincent's voice rang out once more:
"Your goal in the trial is simple: obtain one core from a mid-rank demon and three from lesser demons. After that, head south — there you will find the Pillar of Return."
"Demons cannot approach it closer than twenty meters, so you will be safe once you reach it. Good luck."
The moment Vincent finished, David's consciousness was pulled into the Realm of Fate. When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in an unfamiliar place.
"A forest? What is this place?"
Every instinct in his body screamed of danger. He scanned his surroundings, then started moving forward, forcing his way through the dense undergrowth.
"Why is it so empty?" he muttered. "No demons, no people… just plants."
Spitting to the side, David pressed on. At last the sun began to set.
He looked up in confusion. "Already? But it's only been four hours…"
As the thought passed through his mind, something rustled behind him.
David spun toward the sound but saw nothing. He kept walking, though an unsettling feeling gnawed at him.
"It's like I'm in a cage," he thought. "A vast, silent cage."
Then — a snap. Another sound behind him.
He whipped around again, but nothing happened… until something suddenly wrapped itself around his leg.
David glanced down. Before he could react, it yanked him violently. Whatever it was, it was both fast and powerful.
He struggled, thrashing against it. Drawing his knife, he leapt and slashed at the thing gripping him, crashing heavily onto his back. A painful groan escaped his lips.
Scrambling to his feet, he looked down to see what had caught him.
"A vine? What the hell?"
He turned and saw something sliding after him.
"It's alive? No… it's like a living plant… I need to get out of here. Now."
Darkness had fallen completely, blending with David's own power. Gathering every ounce of strength, he bolted forward — so fast he nearly melted into the night.
Ahead, he spotted a massive moss-covered statue. Without hesitation, he lunged toward it, using his knives to climb.
The plant-creature was still chasing him.
Climbing faster, David hauled himself up onto the statue's arm and pulled himself higher. The vine reached after him but stopped just a few centimeters short.
At last, the plant relented, retreating back into the forest.
David exhaled heavily, collap
sed onto his back, and drifted into sleep right there atop the statue.