"Why did you leave me, son?"
"Mom..."
"Noah, where have you been all this time?"
"Father, I—"
"Big brother, you promised you'd protect me!"
"I—"
"Bastard! Everyone died because of you!" The words struck Noah like a blade, each syllable laced with venom.
"No—"
"Why are you here now?" The voices roared louder, an unrelenting tide of guilt and grief crashing over him.
"I—"
The world shifted abruptly, and Noah found himself before two familiar faces—his parents from this life. Their expressions were cold, their eyes seething with anger and betrayal.
"You're not my son," the woman hissed, her voice thick with contempt.
"Who are you? What have you done to our son?" The man's fists were clenched, his voice dripping with rage.
"Give our son back, you wretched bastard!" The woman spat the words, hatred lacing her every syllable.
"I didn't—"
Before Noah could speak, the scene twisted again. He was now in a darkened room, kneeling, surrounded by both families. Their faces were contorted in grief, anger, and blame. The weight of their collective sorrow pressed down on him, suffocating him.
"You took our son!" one voice screamed.
"You're the reason we're gone!" another echoed.
Noah's heart shattered. His knees buckled, and he collapsed, utterly defeated, drowning in their accusations.
"I didn't do anything! I'm sorry!" he cried out, but the voices only grew louder, more insistent, until they swallowed him whole.
Hours stretched into days, and days into weeks, as Noah remained trapped in this nightmare of blame and remorse. His once bright eyes now reflected only hollow despair. Just when he thought he could take no more, a voice sliced through the noise.
"Noah..."
It was a voice he had longed to hear, yet he feared its words would bring only more pain. He closed his eyes, bracing himself for more accusations.
Footsteps. A presence before him. Slowly, he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat.
A woman stood before him, her red hair and red eyes glowing with love and concern.
"Noah, you said we'd face everything together. How could I leave you here, alone?" Her voice was soft, yet filled with unwavering certainty.
"You wanted to be with me for my whole life, didn't you?"
"Then why are you wasting your time here, trapped by your guilt? Come back to me. I'm waiting for you."
"Even if the whole world turns against you, I will still love you."
She knelt before him, her hand gentle on his cheek, her lips pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. Warmth flooded through him, melting the darkness that had suffocated him for so long.
"Thank you, Scarlett," he whispered, the weight of his sorrow beginning to lift, replaced by the soothing balm of her love.
With renewed strength, Noah stood. The voices that had tormented him faded into silence. The walls around him cracked and crumbled, dissolving until all that remained was the open expanse of his newfound resolve.
A voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the void. This time, it was filled with a note of triumph.
"Congratulations, Noah. You have completed the Trial of Courage. You've faced your fears and emerged stronger. You are now ready to receive your class."
The voice paused, the silence stretching before continuing.
"However, there is an opportunity before you. Would you like to take on a hidden trial? Completing this trial will grant you a hidden class and bonus rewards based on your performance."
Noah felt the stirrings of determination rise within him. He had faced the shadows of his past and conquered them. He was ready for whatever challenge awaited.
"What is this hidden trial?" he asked, his voice steady with resolve.
"No one knows what lies behind the hidden door. No one has ever dared to take the trial after passing the Trial of Courage—none have been brave enough, in over a thousand years. But I will tell you this: it will help you on your path."
The voice's tone shifted, challenging him further.
"Now, challenger—are you brave enough to take the hidden trial, or will you, too, follow the footsteps of those who chose to retreat?"
Noah inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He had already faced his fears, and now, something far greater beckoned.
"I accept the hidden trial," he declared, his voice unwavering.