Another day passed. Yuki departed the caravan with a farewell and followed the map Lina's father gave him. By dusk, he reached the cliffs.
The entrance lay hidden behind vines, just as drawn. It opened into cold, ancient darkness. The Dungeon of Forgotten Trials.
No monsters awaited—only silence. The air whispered of memory.
The first chamber presented illusions: golden thrones, silver crowns, other heroes standing in glory—while Yuki lay in shadow, wounded, forgotten.
He pushed through.
The second chamber held an illusory mirror. A throne room. A kneeling boy. A shadowy figure appeared above him, reaching down with something blinding.
Then—shatter.
Adaptation Triggered: [Illusion Resistance]
Emotion Sync Detected: Awakening Skill — [Will of the Lost]
The final room held a broken terminal. Yuki placed his hand on it. It lit faintly, then spoke.
Welcome Back, Prototype.
Yuki staggered back. The torchlight flickered.
"Prototype... of what?"
The dungeon didn't answer. Only the silence remained.