When he was transported to the awakening trial, where silence prevailed, Nero felt a darkness descend upon him like never before.

The absence of sound magnified his sense of loneliness, amplifying the void that had already taken root within his soul.

It was as if the trial had become a cruel punishment, stripping away the very essence of his humanity.

In the depths of his despair, however, a flicker of realization emerged. As he peered through the dark side of the trial, he saw a glimmer of truth that had eluded him before.

He understood that his past actions had come at a great cost—a cost he was no longer willing to pay.

The pursuit of noble goals had left him bereft of the most precious things in his life: human connection and the support of others.

He had sacrificed the warmth of companionship for the sake of his mission, and now he understood the weight of that sacrifice.

The people he had longed to help were the very source of his own sanity and well-being. In their absence, he had become a hollow shell, a mere echo in a world devoid of life.

The realization settled deep within him, reshaping his perspective and guiding his future path.

He resolved to prioritize the preservation of human bonds, to treasure the connections that brought light into his life.

The awakening trial had served as a stark reminder of the true value of companionship and the irreplaceable role it played in his journey.

With newfound clarity, Nero vowed to seek out and foster relationships once he emerged from the trial.

He understood that it was through shared experiences, stories, and the support of others that he would find strength and purpose beyond the desolate city.

In his heart, Nero carried the dreams and aspirations of his old community, and he was determined to make them a reality.

He knew that the collective effort of like-minded individuals would be the catalyst for lasting change, far more powerful than his solitary endeavors.

With unwavering determination, Nero forged a new path forward.

He would use his experiences, his newfound understanding, and the strength of his community to reshape their world.

The slumbering city would awaken not only to vibrant colors and renewed hope but to the symphony of voices.

...

As the recollection of Nero's trials within the awakening trial came to an end, an otherworldly entity observed the young thief's journey with keen interest.

Illan, the enigmatic spirit of the planet and its protector, recognized the tremendous progress Nero had made throughout his arduous ordeal.

Acknowledging his achievements, Illan's celestial gaze fell upon Nero with a sense of admiration and anticipation.

Though Nero's trial had not culminated in the elusive "Incalculable" level of accomplishment, Illan recognized the profound growth the young thief had undergone.

Nero's tenacity, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit had propelled him to reach a level of perfection within the trials. It was a feat to be celebrated and rewarded.

A smile adorned Illan's ethereal countenance as he extended his telepathic powers toward Nero's mind.

The young thief, still catching his breath from the harrowing trials, sensed a gentle presence enveloping him.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

It was as if the very essence of the planet whispered to him, a warm and reassuring presence that stirred his soul.

"Nero Daeguel," Illan's voice resonated within Nero's consciousness, its tone carrying a mixture of wisdom and serenity.

"Your trial has come to an end, and I am pleased to declare that you have achieved a score of 'Perfect.'"

Nero's eyes widened in astonishment, his heart brimming with a mixture of pride and relief.

The magnitude of his accomplishments began to sink in as Illan's words echoed in his mind.

A small system window materialized before Nero, its contents revealing the result of his successful trial—a score of perfection, an acknowledgment of his remarkable journey.

As Nero stared at the system window, his mind raced with thoughts of what this recognition meant for his future.

The possibilities expanded before him - He understood that his path was not solely about personal gain or evading authority as a skilled thief.

There was a greater calling awaiting him, a chance to make a difference in the lives of those left behind by society.

Driven by a desire to uplift his communities and give voice to the marginalized, Nero's goals took on a new dimension.

It was a realization that echoed the essence of Nero's being—he recognized that the most significant achievements were born from collective efforts and shared victories.

The solitary sound of the city, once his only companion, was no longer enough.

His journey was now intertwined with the well-being of others, and together, they would strive to create the best living conditions for the current and future residents of his old neighborhood.

But before Illan's telepathic connection with Nero faded, he shared one final revelation.

His voice echoed in Nero's mind, promising a transformation of unparalleled magnitude, a mutation befitting a perfect grade.

With this mutation would come a level of pain Nero had never experienced before. It was a necessary trial, a crucible through which he would forge his new self.

With the guardian's recognition and guidance, Nero's path was set.

As Nero stared at the system window, a sudden surge of pain erupted within him, originating from the depths of his being.

It started as a subtle twinge, but quickly spread like wildfire, consuming his entire body. It was an agonizing sensation, unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

Nero's muscles clenched, and beads of sweat formed on his brow as he gritted his teeth against the intense discomfort.

Deep within his genetic makeup, a mutation was taking place, weaving together his future powers, traits, and affinities.

It was a delicate dance of cosmic forces, rearranging the very essence of his being.

The pain he felt was not just physical but a sign of metamorphosis, a testament to the magnitude of the changes happening within him.

In the midst of his anguish, Nero's consciousness caught a glimpse of a small light, a flickering ember in the darkness.

It pulsed with potential, hinting at the extraordinary powers and traits that lay dormant within him.

Though unaware of the significance, Nero instinctively grasped onto this glimmer of hope, embracing it as a beacon of his future destiny.

While his body was subjected to the relentless agony of the mutation, the birth of his Mana Signature represented a pivotal moment and signified his connection to the vast wellspring of mana.

The gene mutation surged through his veins, like a swirling tempest seeking its form.

It whispered promises of untapped potential, dormant abilities waiting to be awakened.

Nero's body trembled with the weight of this transformative energy, and his mind swirled with anticipation, tinged with both excitement and trepidation.

...

On the other side of the universe, Illan, the guardian of Earth, peered into the vast expanse beyond his domain.

His gaze fixed upon the gates opened by the void, the inter-universal creatures driven by insatiable greed and voracity.

They were like a pestilence, an infestation that devoured entire universes with their insidious hunger.

Illan regarded them with disdain, but as a guardian, his powers were limited to the protection of his own realm.

The territories beyond belonged to other entities, and it was not his place to intervene.

Yet, the expanding voice gates, the relentless encroachment of the void, weighed heavily upon his mind.

He understood the peril they represented, the imminent threat they posed to every world they touched.

Their existence was a fatal menace, and it was his duty to acknowledge their presence and take action.

Illan had reached out to other entities, communicating with them, seeking answers, and forging alliances for the future.

The responses from these entities were awaited with bated breath. They had promised their collaboration, should Illan encounter the void in his realm.

The fate of Earth, of humanity, hung in the balance, and Illan's duty as a guardian demanded unwavering vigilance.

He would not stand idly by while the voracious maw of the void threatened to engulf everything in its path.

With a resolute gaze, Illan continued his vigil, observing the ever-expanding gates of the void.

The void was a ravenous force, an insatiable hunger that craved the destruction of worlds.

It was a void that devoured hope, consumed dreams, and left desolation in its wake.

And as Illan awaited the responses of his fellow entities, he knew that the battle to come would test his protegees' mettle, resolve, and their bonds forged through hardships.

The stage was set, and the fate of Earth hung in the balance.

Illan, the cosmic guardian, prepared himself for the coming storm, ready to face the voracious void and protect the world he had sworn to safeguard.