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The forest path stretched endlessly ahead, a ribbon of twilight shadow and muted sunlight breaking through the dense canopy above. Geon’s mind was still fixed on the battle at the mage’s tower, his steps steady yet purposeful as he journeyed toward the next unknown.
His thoughts shifted to his new ability—Shadow Summon—a gift earned by defeating Egezahl, the Dark Mage. It was unlike any of his other powers, a tangible manifestation of his shadow. He had summoned the beasts once to test their strength: Umbra, the sinewy panther-like shadow; Gasgar, a hulking, tusked creature resembling a shadow-warped boar; and Haunger, an eerie, bird-like beast with razor-sharp talons. They fought with the ferocity and instincts of wild animals, their strength mirroring Geon’s, but at a cost. Each summon drained his energy, a reminder that power came with limits.
His shadow whispered, “You’re getting stronger, but strength isn’t enough, is it?”
Geon grunted in reply. His shadow’s constant commentary alternated between insight and irritation, but there was truth in its words. Strength alone wouldn’t carry him through the trials ahead. He needed to sharpen his mind and resolve.
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The notification appeared without warning, glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest.
⚠️Notice⚠️
Player successfully completed Second Trial: A Ring and a Promise.
Completion Time: 1 year and 3 months.
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Third Trial Initiated: The Father, The Son And The Holy Spirit
Purify the Cursed Well in the Valley of Reverence.
Geon read the notification twice, his brow furrowing. “Purify a well?” he muttered, the simplicity of the task masking its likely complexity.
“You think it’s just a well, don’t you?” his shadow teased. “Nothing is ever as simple as it looks.”
Geon was about to respond when a soft, resonant voice interrupted.
“You’d be wise to listen to your instincts—and your companion.”
Geon turned sharply, his Shadow Sword materializing in an instant. Standing before him was a man cloaked in flowing white robes, his presence ethereal yet grounded. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his silver hair shimmered faintly in the twilight.
“I am called the Guide,” the man said, bowing his head slightly. “And I am here to help you through the third trial.”
Geon didn’t lower his sword. “Help me? Why should I trust you?”
The Guide smiled gently. “Because without my guidance, you’ll never reach the Valley of Reverence, let alone survive what awaits you there.”
Geon studied the man, his shadow swirling restlessly. “You’ll forgive me if I’m not convinced.”
The Guide’s expression remained calm. “Caution is wise, but so is understanding the path ahead. You carry great power, but your third trial will test more than your strength. Follow me, or turn back—your choice.”
After a tense pause, Geon lowered his blade. “Fine. But I’ll be watching you.”
The Guide nodded. “As you should.”
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The journey to the Valley of Reverence was arduous. The terrain shifted from dense forest to jagged cliffs, the air growing colder with each passing hour. The Guide moved with an unerring sense of direction, his steps silent and purposeful. Geon followed closely, his shadow flickering in his wake.
“Tell me about this trial,” Geon said after a stretch of silence.
The Guide’s voice was calm but firm. “The well is a source of life, its waters blessed long ago. But it has been corrupted, tainted by the darkness that preys upon weakness and fear. To purify it, you must confront the source of the corruption.”
“And what is the source?” Geon pressed.
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The Guide stopped and turned, his gaze piercing. “The source is you.”
Geon froze, his eyes narrowing. “What are you talking about?”
“The trial is not about defeating an enemy or solving a riddle. It is about facing yourself—your flaws, your fears, your failures. The corruption in the well mirrors the corruption within you. To purify the water, you must purify your soul.”
Geon’s shadow chuckled darkly. “Oh, this will be entertaining.”
Geon’s jaw tightened. “And if I fail?”
The Guide resumed walking. “Then the darkness will consume you, and the quest will end.”
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They arrived at the Valley of Reverence as night fell. The cursed well stood at its center, an ancient structure of cracked stone and gnarled roots. A faint, sickly green light emanated from its depths, and the air was thick with an acrid stench.
Geon approached cautiously, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. “This is it?”
The Guide nodded. “The well. Its waters were once pure, but now they are a poison that spreads corruption to all who drink.”
Geon peered into the well. The green light seemed to pulse, almost alive. He turned to the Guide. “And I just jump in?”
“You descend,” the Guide corrected. “The trial will begin when you enter. From that point on, you are on your own.”
Geon took a deep breath, gripping the edge of the well. “Any advice?”
The Guide’s voice was solemn. “Do not underestimate the power of your own flaws. They know you better than anyone else.”
Geon glanced at his shadow. “Figures.”
Without another word, he swung himself over the edge and began the descent.
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The darkness inside the well was suffocating, a void that seemed to pull at Geon’s very essence. The green light faded, replaced by an oppressive silence. His shadow was eerily still, offering no commentary for once.
When his feet touched solid ground, he found himself standing in an endless expanse of black, the air cold and heavy. Before him stood a figure—himself, but not.
Enemy Identified
Demon Geon (Döppelganger)
The doppelgänger’s eyes burned with a harsh, mocking light. Its armor was cracked and tarnished, its blade jagged and menacing. It smirked, tilting its head.
“Well, well,” the doppelgänger said, its voice dripping with disdain. “The mighty Geon. Hero of the people. Savior of humanity. Just a fragile little man hiding behind his shadow.”
Geon drew his sword. “I don’t have time for this.”
The doppelgänger laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally. “Oh, but you do. You’ve got nothing but time to face the truth.”
It stepped forward, its presence suffocating. “You’re weak. You pretended to fight for others, but it’s all about you, isn’t it? Your pride. Your ambition. Your need to prove you’re more than the broken thing you are. That's why you took the Contract.”
Geon’s grip tightened on his sword. “Enough.”
The doppelgänger’s smirk widened. “Hit a nerve, did I? Let’s see how you fare when you can’t hide behind your shadow.”
In an instant, the doppelgänger lunged, its blade slashing through the air. Geon barely parried in time, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms.
The battle began.
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Every strike, every clash of blades, was a brutal reflection of Geon’s inner turmoil. The doppelgänger fought with relentless ferocity, exploiting every hesitation, every doubt.
“You’re nothing without your shadow!” it taunted, driving Geon back. “Without your power, you’re just a scared little boy.”
Geon gritted his teeth, his mind racing. The doppelgänger wasn’t just a foe—it was his flaws made manifest. His pride, his fear, his anger. He couldn’t defeat it with brute force alone.
“You’re wrong,” Geon growled, dodging a vicious swing. “I’m more than my flaws.”
The doppelgänger sneered. “Prove it.”
Geon closed his eyes, focusing. He let his shadow seep into the ground, surrounding the doppelgänger. The creature laughed.
“Resorting to tricks again? Pathetic.”
But Geon didn’t attack. Instead, he spoke, his voice steady. “I am flawed. I’ve failed. But I’m not defined by those things. My goal is clear now. I'll become even a Demon... as long as I find Lila!”
The shadow rose, encasing the doppelgänger. For a moment, the creature struggled, its mocking gaze faltering.
Geon stepped forward, his sword at the ready. “You’re a part of me, but you don’t control me.”
With a final strike, he plunged his blade into the doppelgänger’s chest. The creature let out a guttural roar, its form dissolving into the surrounding darkness.
Enemy Defeated
Demon Geon (Döppelganger)
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When Geon opened his eyes, he was standing at the edge of the well, the sickly green light replaced by a soft, pure glow. The air was clean, the acrid stench gone.
The Guide stood nearby, his expression serene. “You have done well.”
Geon climbed out, his body aching but his mind clear. “How long have I been away for?”
The Guide looked toward the night sky. “1 Year.”
Geon looked back at the well, its waters now shimmering with life. “....”
The Guide let out a soft smile. “How do you feel?”
Geon’s shadow finally decided to break the silence as well, its tone subdued. “I can tell you're different somehow as well...”
Geon's face turned into a bundle of resolve, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
“I feel free.”