Rylan's test was different.
Illusions.
Everyone he ever failed.
Everyone he couldn't save.
His humor disappeared.
His deepest fear:
Being useless.
Finally he shouted:
"I don't have to be perfect!"
Lightning exploded from him.
"I just have to show up!"
The illusion shattered.
He passed.
But his nervous system was heavily damaged.
He could barely move his arm.
Rylan wondered if he could still fight.
His trial was the worst.
His past.
His dead sister.
His Guild history.
His forbidden pact.
A voice asked:
"What makes you worthy of love?"
His answer was simple:
"Nothing."
Pause.
"But I protect her anyway."
The trial ended instantly.
Because that was the correct answer.
Selfless love.
But his pact reacted violently afterward.
The entity behind his power demanded payment.
His life force began draining.
He might not survive the next battle.
Lyra fought Seraph alone.
Hardest battle yet.
Without shared energy she struggled.
But mentally she was different now.
Calm.
Focused.
She realized something important:
Balance also meant accepting weakness.
She fought smarter instead of harder.
For the first time.
She injured him.
Seraph looked genuinely surprised.
"You're evolving faster than predicted."
Lyra answered:
"I'm done being predictable."
But she was reaching exhaustion.