For some reason, I found it hilarious that Celine had a fear of heights as she held onto me tightly. Though she was still expressionless and silent, her firm hold on me told me everything I needed to know as I flew us over to the GPA building, landing in front of the entrance.

[System alert: Grim Mantle has ended.]

"Never... make me fly... like that... ever again," Celine managed to keep her voice even. "But thank you."

I grinned. "Well, you're welcome. Now, let's go meet our new friends." I led her inside the GPA building, my eyes scanning the busy lobby filled with Players. We approached a receptionist, who glanced up from her desk and smiled at Celine. "Ah, Celine. Good to see you. You're here for the interview?"

"Yes, that's right." Celine nodded, her expression still neutral. "This man will also be partaking in the interview with me."

"Understood. Your appointed training room is right down the hall."

Celine nodded, then glanced at me and gave a small shrug. "Follow me." She led the way to the training room, opening the door and stepping inside. It was pretty much an exact replica of the simulated battle room I had taken my assessment in, save for two people standing with their backs towards us.

"Hey, I thought we were meeting these people later," I hissed over to Celine. "At least, I'm guessing they're the Enigma members?"

Celine gave me a sidelong glance. "Well, that's why I wanted to get here early. I thought we could have a little... warm-up before they arrive. I also wanted to tell you something."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

The two people in front of us turned at the sound of our voices. They were both women, but the one on the right seemed familiar. Very familiar. In fact-

I was just able to take out my Soultaker in time to block the woman on the right's giant broadsword. The woman on the left didn't seem to be alarmed; she looked a little embarrassed. "Celine?" I gasped as I managed to deflect my attacker's blow. "What the hell is going on?"

"You're the one looking to join Enigma, Luquier?"

I froze in place, recognizing the woman in front of me. She wore a black tracksuit, combat boots, and had a prideful aura around her. Her hair was short, pulled back in a ponytail. A little taller than me, I felt as though I was looking at a feminine version of myself.

[Name: Aurora Vaunt | Level: 2578]

[Title: Avarice (S)]

[Health: 18760 | Strength: 7000]

[Speed: 7000 | Magic: 5990]

[Risk: 10 | Stat Points: 0]

[Experience: 87%]

[What the f***?! 0.0]

"You're a Player too, Aurora?" I smiled bitterly. My sister's dark blue eyes narrowed, and I knew she had also seen my stats. "Never thought I'd see the day you'd ever play a game."

"This isn't a game, little bro," Aurora snorted. "This is survival." She gestured to the training room around us. "And you've just signed up for the hardest, most ruthless survival game ever. Do you really think you have what it takes?"

I knocked her sword away with a scowl. "You couldn't tell from my Status Window? Of course I do."

"10000 Risk points is not a very smart choice," Aurora countered, glancing at my stats again. "I'm surprised you even managed to make it this far."

"Hey, hey, let's not fight here!" The other woman who had been complacent until now rushed in between us. "We're here to test Celine and Luquier, Aurora."

Aurora snorted again, but she didn't lower her sword. "Fine," she grumbled. "But I'm not going easy on him."

"Sorry for that," the woman turned to me and Celine. "I'm Gigi. I'm the one who's in charge of the interview here. So, you two are looking to join Enigma, right?" She glanced at Celine, who nodded. "Great. Well, I'm going to test you both on your combat abilities and how you handle working as a team. Aurora will be your sparring partner for now."

[Name: Gigi Mai | Level: 2168]

[Title: Technomancer (S)]

[Health: 11775 | Strength: 2500]

[Speed: 3000 | Magic: 4510]

[Risk: 5 | Stat Points: 0]

[Experience: 33%]

Gigi was as tall as I was, with long, flowing blonde hair and a confident smile. She wore a simple white tank top and black shorts, revealing a lean, athletic physique. I could tell she was an experienced fighter, but not as skilled as Aurora. Speaking of which... what the fuck happened to my sister? Why was she so strong?

"Sorry, Immortal," Celine quietly apologized. "I wanted to inform you of your sister's participation beforehand, but I guess things didn't pan out like I thought they would."

"It's fine," I muttered, glancing at my sister. "I can take care of myself."

"The rules are simple," Gigi began, conjuring what looked like a virtual scoreboard. "Luquier and Celine, you two are to demonstrate your level of combat as well as your sense of teamwork as you take on Aurora. Keep in mind this is not a death match, so damage will be simulated, but we do expect you to give it your all. We will set 10 minutes for the demonstration."

I gripped the hilt of my Soultaker tightly. Oh, for sure I was gonna give it my all. Seeing my older sister again brought up some buried emotions within me.

Aurora grinned at me. "Don't worry, little bro, I won't kill you."

[I remember you saying your sister left you and your parents a while back. Did something happen between you guys for all of this negativity to be thrown around?]

"That's none of your business," I quietly snapped at Sephera. I immediately felt a pang of guilt when the blue screens abruptly stopped.

Fuck. I always considered myself a calm and composed person, but the sight of my sister being so casual and relaxed struck a nerve within me. It was like she felt no remorse for leaving me with my parents. Was she even aware of how deeply her departure affected us?

"Training initiated. All physical and mental damage will be simulated. All Skills will be simulated." A robotic voice announced.

"Immortal. I was going to say, let me take charge, but sensing how shaken you are, I don't think I can stop you," Celine muttered to me. "So, I'll provide back up for you. I don't know the history between the two of you, but try not to let your sister or emotions get the best of you."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Don't worry about it," I grunted, trying to keep my focus on the task at hand. Aurora was already charging at me, her broadsword held high.

[System alert: 'Untouchable.' Achievement triggered.]

[Speed: 5000 (+1451) -> 6451]

Shit. Aurora was still faster than me.

My Soultaker and Aurora's sword clashed together, creating sparks in the air. My arms trembled against my sister's strength, but I refused to let her push me back.

"After all this time, I didn't expect your gaming addiction to actually help you now," Aurora remarked. She swung her sword at me again, forcing me to block with all my might. Although she might've genuinely meant it as a compliment, all I could think about was the years of pent-up resentment I had towards her.

I gritted my teeth as I fired off a Death's Shadow for the first time, seeing my sister's shadow rise up to engulf her. I leapt back to create some distance as Celine chanted something, buffing my strength.

Aurora smiled softly as the shadow completely enveloped her. Moments later, a green light burst forth, and I was stunned to see her safe inside a protective barrier.

"Come on, little bro, I would've thought all those years of gaming did something for you," Aurora taunted. She dashed forward, swinging her sword wildly. The attack was so swift that it caught me off guard, forcing me to dodge to the side. My sister's strength was no joke; I could feel every blow reverberating through my body.

Bolts of red fire soared towards Aurora as Celine provided cover for me to get away. Once again, Aurora conjured that green barrier to absorb the attacks. It seemed like she had no intentions of letting me land a hit on her.

"Lu, I'm gonna give you a huge hint and let you know that my Title allows me to absorb things," Aurora smirked. "Not that it'll help you."

I glared at her, feeling my blood boil. "Thanks for the tip," I growled. Well, spamming Skills was my only plan. Now I'd have to do this the hard way.

But as I came up with a different plan, I suddenly felt some of my strength leave me. It seemed as though Celine also felt the loss, giving a soft gasp.

[System alert: Player Aurora Vaunt has sapped 1% of your Stats.]

[!!!]

Shit. Aurora's Title could also absorb Stats? What kind of broken Title did she have, exactly? Still, it was a little comforting to see Sephera's messages, even if it was just a reaction.

I didn't have a chance to entertain that thought as my sister pounced on us again, swinging that giant broadsword of hers. Instinctively, I brought out my Silver Serpent, dual-wielding both blades in my hand as I blocked her swing with the pair.

"God... damn!" I grunted under the weight of her attack, dropping to a knee. My arms ached from the strain, but I refused to let go of my swords. "You're not gonna win this, Aurora," I gasped, summoning up the last of my strength to push her back.

"Aww, Lu, I forgot how cute you could be," Aurora taunted, launching a series of slashes and jabs. I did my best to parry her attacks, but my strength was quickly failing me. With every clash of our weapons, my sister seemed to gain the upper hand even as Celine kept raining fire on her. I decided to try out a new tactic, putting my Soultaker away in my Inventory.

[Health: 12000]

I cursed under my breath, unable to completely block her sword as it cut me. My mental fortitude was barely able to halve the sensation of pain searing through my body as I stumbled backwards. Aurora didn't hesitate, following me and thrusting her sword straight for my chest. I barely managed to jump back again, landing several feet away from her. My heart was pounding, my breath ragged.

[Why did you put away your Soultaker??]

[Health: 8000]

"You'll see," I muttered back to Sephera as I readied my Silver Serpent. I glanced over at Celine, who was also looking a little tired. I knew I couldn't win this without her help. "Celine, I need you to focus on keeping me covered with ranged attacks," I said through gritted teeth. "And don't heal me for now."

[Are you... actually a masochist?]

"I don't know what you're planning, Immortal, but after that stunt you pulled in the dungeon, I'm inclined to hesitantly trust you," Celine nodded to me. "I've got you."

With a weak smile, I dashed back to cross swords with my sister again. Aurora raised an eyebrow, as if she couldn't believe that I was recklessly charging in without waiting for Celine. Hey, at least I was staying true to my Title.

As I launched a series of slashes, Aurora easily parried them, casually retaliating with attacks of her own. Any ranged attacks Celine sent out were absorbed by her barrier, but it kept my sister distracted. My Health gradually dropped down, finally reaching the 25% threshold I needed.

[System alert: 'Pick On Someone Your Own Strength.' Achievement triggered.]

[Increasing stats by 100% for 1 minute.]

[Strength: 11000]

[Speed: 12902]

[Magic: 10000]

"What the–" Aurora's eyes widened in shock as I felt myself become overflowing with power. Even Gigi and Celine were stunned at the sharp boost.

I swapped swords, equipping my Soultaker.

It was only for a moment, but I swear I felt the blade trembling with excitement. In fact, I could've bet all my money that I heard it whispering to me. Not only that, but I was certain that there were two voices in my head.

Pushing that aside, I renewed my assault, overwhelming my sister. Her sword met my Soultaker with a clash of metal on metal. The force of the impact rippled up my arm, and I reveled in the feeling. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. Aurora was clearly just as surprised by my sudden increase in power, as she struggled to keep up with my onslaught.

Faster.

The Soultaker was a blur of blue light, my sword arm moving faster than I thought possible. I pressed my advantage, sensing my sister's fatigue growing with each clash of our weapons. Her resolve wavered, and I knew I was close to winning.

Stronger.

A sense of catharsis washed over me as I burned the sight of my sister's growing fatigue and distress into my mind. It was a glorious feeling, like I could go on like this forever. I could feel the Soultaker urging me on, its presence thrumming with power. My sword danced through the air, each thrust and slash more precise and powerful than the last.

End it!

With a final slash, I knocked the broadsword out of Aurora's hands, priming my blade to run right through her chest.

Wait, what?

I blinked in confusion, my sword arm hesitating. What the fuck was I thinking?

"Time! Time's up!" Gigi shouted, running over and casting a neon golden net between my sister and I. The net wrapped around us both, trapping us in place. "The battle's over, you two. That's enough!"

[System alert: 'Pick On Someone Your Own Strength.' & 'Untouchable.' has ended.]

The overflowing power left my body, causing me to involuntarily drop my Soultaker. My head spun a bit as the sudden loss of strength left me feeling drained and weak. I glanced over at Gigi and Celine, who both looked at me with varying degrees of shock and concern.

"Never thought I'd see the day my little brother would grow up. I have to admit, I underestimated you." Aurora smirked, seemingly unperturbed by my sudden change in behavior. She flexed slightly, breaking through the golden net with ease. Damn, what the hell?

"With the demonstration interview complete, I think it's a good idea to take a break," Gigi said, sounding a little shaky. "Why don't we all just take a step back and catch our breath?"

I felt a mixture of relief and shame wash over me. Aurora gave me a smirk, like she knew exactly what I was thinking. "Oh, come on, Lu. You were having fun out there. You should've gone for the kill." She laughed, but there was an edge to it that I didn't like.

"That's enough, Aurora." Gigi stepped between us, her voice firm. "You're not here to antagonize your brother. You're here to test him."

"And how did I– we do?" I asked, my voice calm as I subtly flexed. Dammit, I couldn't break out of the net.

Aurora gave an off-handed glance towards Gigi and shrugged. "Don't know about you, but I think Celine did well as a support. She never got hit, provided buffs, and had good positioning."

"That's because you were focused on your brother," Gigi remarked dryly. "But in that case, I'll assess Luquier." She turned to me, releasing the net. "You were quick on your feet, and your swordsmanship was impressive. You need to work on your control, though. You lost focus and let Aurora get the better of you. Still, I think you have a good shot at joining Enigma."

"Let's not get too hasty," Aurora held up her hand. "Lu's still a novice. Maybe if he had some more time..."

Gigi dragged my sister away to converse with her privately, leaving me alone with Celine.

"Immortal..." Celine quietly began. "Are you alright?"

I looked up at her, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... got a little carried away there."

Celine stared into my eyes for a long while, causing me to shift uncomfortably. I'll be honest, this woman had a knack for giving off a sense of calm that was both reassuring and unnerving. After what felt like an eternity, she sighed.

"I'm glad you're back to your senses, at least. I was a little terrified of who that person was earlier."

I looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

Celine hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath. "When your power rose, I sensed a presence overtaking you in that moment. If I'm being completely honest, it was just like that time in the dungeon."

A chill ran through my body at her words.

"It was like I was seeing you in front of me, but it wasn't really... you. Rather, it seemed like I was looking at your specter instead."