The academy's enchanted forest had become a battleground. Trees warped unnaturally, roots twisting like serpents, leaves glowing with faint glyphs. Izumi, Jack, and Aria advanced cautiously, aware that the forest itself had become a test.
Izumi extended the shard's energy outward. Golden threads illuminated hidden runes carved into the bark and stones, revealing traps and illusions placed to challenge perception and reaction.
Jack groaned, stepping over a glowing sigil. "I swear, if one more tree tries to kill me, I'm asking for a transfer."
Aria's voice was calm, yet commanding. "This is no ordinary training ground. Every obstacle here is layered with mana from ancient times. Even a single misstep could be fatal."
Suddenly, the ground trembled. From beneath the soil, enormous roots erupted, aiming straight for the trio. Izumi reacted instantly, threading golden energy to redirect the roots and carve a safe path. His shard pulsed with increasing intensity, responding to threats before they fully manifested.
Memories from past lives surfaced—battles with unseen forces, countless loops of near-death experiences, and the instincts of a god reborn. Every movement, every calculation, every counterstrike was precise and effortless.
Jack was amazed. "Okay… I officially give up. You're not human. You're like… a magical supercomputer with, like… sword skills."
Aria's eyes softened slightly. "He's not just reacting. He's learning. Adapting. Preparing for what lies beyond."
The forest began to twist even further. Faint whispers filled the air—fragments of voices from the divine realm. Izumi's shard pulsed violently, and he realized: the Ten Great Gods were observing, their interest now active.
> "They are testing you… measuring how fast you adapt. And yet… only one path leads to true awakening," the shard whispered.
Izumi exhaled slowly, gold-flecked eyes glinting. "Then I will walk it, no matter what."
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