A blinding light engulfed Hajun as he crossed through the sigil. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a vast void—an endless realm of stars and shadows.
Before him loomed an enormous gate carved from obsidian and bone. Each etched symbol across its surface radiated power. This was no ordinary trial.
This was the Gate of Judgment.
A system notification flickered.
[Welcome to the Forgotten Pantheon Trial]
[You stand before the Gate of Judgment. Only those who have defied fate may pass.]
From the shadows, twelve figures appeared, cloaked in divine light. Phantom gods—echoes of those who once judged him. Their expressions ranged from disgust to amusement.
One stepped forward. Her eyes were golden, her voice colder than death.
"Hajun Ardyn. Slayer of Heavens. Do you believe you're worthy to walk the path again?"
He didn't answer with words. He unsheathed his sword.
[Skill Copied: Heaven-Slaying Sword Art – Form One: Void Severance]
A shockwave tore through the void as he slashed forward. The projection of the goddess barely had time to react before her form shattered like glass.
The remaining phantoms roared.
[Trial Begins.]
They came at him all at once—gods of war, fire, judgment, time. Hajun spun like a storm, instincts kicking in, movements honed from a hundred deaths and thousands of battles.
Flames singed his coat. Blades cracked against his shield. A temporal god tried to slow time—only for Hajun to copy his ability mid-fight and reverse it.
[Skill Copied: Chrono Break – Level 1]
[Skill Synch Bonus: Enhanced Reflexes Temporarily Unlocked]
He moved faster than light, slipping through divine defenses and striking true. One by one, the projections fell.
Until only one remained.
A girl in white robes. Silver hair. Eyes filled with tears.
Justine.
No—not her. Just an illusion.
But the hesitation cost him.
Her blade pierced his side.
Blood spilled.
The projection whispered: "You hesitated. Again."
But Hajun smiled through the pain. "And you forgot something."
He raised his hand, the system core glowing.
[Ultimate Skill Activation: Memory Sever – False Image Purge]
Light erupted from his palm, shredding the illusion.
Only silence remained.
Then the Gate creaked open.
[Trial Completed. Access to Floor 8 Granted.]
Breathing heavily, Hajun stepped forward.
And behind him, the shattered ghost of Justine smiled faintly—sadly—before vanishing.
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