A voice now sounded, both of us able to hear.

Well done. Now, this is the final trial. To obtain the fruit, you must give the tree a sacrifice.

This is the last lesson all lords will eventually learn. This is the story of our world.

Both of us stood still, staring at that amazing alloyed fruit, it was of all metals in existence, it shined as bright as a star.

I could tell, that tungsten tree was The Lord of Alloy.

“Well, I told you I’d let you have the next one,” I gestured for her to go forward.

She didn’t move. “Don't you know me better than that by now?” She spoke almost alluringly, “Go ahead, you take it.”

I laughed loudly, and sat down.

She also sat down.

We entered a strange stalemate. Both of us were clearly overly cautious of the enormous power contained within the tree and Alloyed fruit.

“What do you guys think?” At these moments, I had my mental roommates.

“Throw her at it, see what happens.”

“Don't be so rash, surely, there is hidden meaning in this test.”

The two contrasted each other, but neither gave bad advice. I sat still in that room, thinking of hints.

“My name is Tera.”

“What?” I was stunned, and looked toward the woman I called Light.

“My name is Tera Lux.” she said quietly, “Less than five people on earth know my true name, consider it an honor.”

What, was she some demon who could be banished from the planet if her name was spoken? I don’t get why she made it such a big deal.

“Cool name.” I was sincere.

“Thank you.” She was much more talkative, less hostile, and almost likable at the moment.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

She looked at the Man who called himself “Star” and thought, for the first time ever: I will be outpaced. I will not be able to catch up.

While this feeling infuriated her, and scared her. It also made her feel human. But before this literal beast, anyone would feel more human. Deep down, she was still a girl. She had dreams hidden in the deepest recesses of her heart.

“Soooo, how's life been?” I attempted some small talk.

“Fine.” she was not used to this either.

An awkward silence pervaded.

“What do you want?” I suddenly inquired.

“Eh?” she looked at me, unable to understand the question.

“I mean, out of life, everything, what do you want?”

“I…” she paused, and did not continue speaking.

Later, she began reciting a story. This was a story of a young, ostracized genius, who always felt in inexplicable pressure from the sky. One day, the genius heard a voice, guiding it to her fate. A fate that lay somewhere above.

This genius had been notified the world would face an incredible threat, and she was desperate for strength.

“You still didn't answer my question,” I said.

“It doesn't matter, you know what we have to do.” She got up, and formed a blade of light, “A test made to bond people, and force them to slay each other at the end. This is sacrifice.”

I sat there, silently. I had figured this out as well. I got up, and walked toward the tree. Soon enough, the force of a world had sent me ragdolling backwards, in a bloody and broken mess. The gooey mess that was half a soul was now flickering and fading, the force of the blow nearly almighty.

“Haha, I guess you're right.” I laughed, spitting out blood in between. She crouched by my side. I did not get up, or attempt to fight back.

Oh, the look on her face. I can't begin to describe it. Her lips formed a smile, but it looked like she was crying miserably.

“Don't… this is not what a lord does…”

“Hey, star… what is your real name?” She deflected my plea.

“Humans….Lords….are not meant to be a cruel and vicious lot. I know it…”

“*sigh* Why was I forced with such a weak-willed human?” The Lord of Stars pondered, almost pained sounding.

“Star…we are now one, if you die, I die. I have never believed in human superstition, but I know now. Our souls will be reborn together, I'm sure.” Au-ha spoke, and I began crying. Wailing, like a child who lost his mother, like a child who never had one. Inexplicably, I began to call for her, and for my father, who would certainly never come.

“Mother…father…where are you…?”

Tera raised her blade, and her eyes began glowing pure white, burning the tears about to fall out of her sockets. A faint stream of steam rose from them.

“There is nothing to be afraid of, rebirth is a wonderful thing.” Au-ha, in these last moments, sounded more human than I ever have.

Rebirth, huh. Suddenly, I understood.

I'm sorry were the words silently mouthed by Tera, as she struck me down, in a single blow.

My blood began flowing into the tree. She approached, and grabbed the apple, not a hint of joy to be seen on her face. She looked at the flowing blood beneath her feet.

And she ran as fast as she could.