The white light faded, and Eren found himself standing not at the labyrinth's entrance, but on the Tower's legendary Evaluation Platform. The circular expanse of ancient stone stretched out before them, its surface inscribed with runes that had witnessed countless trials across the ages. The other teams—Lira's, Fenghuang's, and Nova's—materialized moments later, their expressions a mix of anticipation and reverence.
The Nexus Core in Eren's hand pulsed with an otherworldly glow before lifting into the air, floating to the platform's center. As it rose, its crystalline surface began to fracture and expand, creating a mesmerizing display of light and energy.
"Children of the realms," a voice echoed from the Core, ancient and powerful. "You stand before one of the Tower's greatest treasures—a Nexus Core, forged from the same primordial elements as the Tower itself."
The Core's light shifted, showing glimpses of a time long past. "In the age of Astaria, when the Tower first rose, five Cores were created. One for each realm, each a testament to the Tower's purpose. We are the watchers, the testers, the guardians of potential."
Images of the different realms flickered through the light—the magical kingdoms, the Murim territories, the technological cities of New Terra, each with their own Core hidden away, waiting.
"For millennia, we have guided the worthy, tested the strong, and preserved the Tower's greatest secrets." The Core's voice grew stronger. "And now, you twelve have proven yourselves ready for the final trial."
The platform's runes began to glow in response to the Core's power. "Beyond this point lies not the Tower's upper levels, but something far more sacred—the inner dimensions of the Nexus Core itself. Here, your true potential will be tested."
A massive doorway of pure energy materialized before them, its surface rippling with countless realities and possibilities. Unlike the Tower's usual portals, this one seemed to bend space itself, offering glimpses of challenges that defied normal understanding.
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"Enter, champions of the realms. Show us the truth of your power."
The Nexus Core's light dimmed as it descended, settling onto a small podium that had emerged from the platform's surface. But before it could sink away, pillars of light erupted around each champion. Ancient runes swirled around them, calculating, measuring, judging. When the light faded, glowing numbers appeared above their heads—their final rankings.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Above both Eren and Jin, six stars blazed with impossible brightness. The representatives from both the Magic Kingdom and Murim territories staggered back, their faces pale. Two six-star rankings at the age of 16 in a single trial—it hadn't happened since the age of legends.
Nova's eyes narrowed as she studied the phenomenon. "Fascinating. The Magic Kingdom's prodigy and Murim's hidden dragon, both at the peak realm."
The Murim elders present exchanged worried glances. One six-star talent was dangerous enough to upset the balance of power. Two of them, from different realms no less... it could spark a political firestorm.
Lira let out a low whistle. "Well, well. The shadow and the dragon both hiding their true strength. Can't wait to see what you two can really do."
Jin met Eren's gaze across the platform, a slight smile playing at his lips. They'd both known, somehow, that the other was holding back. Now there was no need for pretense.
"The Core's inner dimensions await," Jin said calmly, seemingly unbothered by the chaos their rankings had caused. "Shall we?"
The other champions fell in behind them as they approached the portal, its surface now churning with even greater intensity. Whatever trials awaited within the Nexus Core's realm, they would face them together.
Eren stepped forward, feeling the dimensional energy wash over him. He caught one last glimpse of the platform—the Murim representatives already huddled in urgent discussion, the Magic Kingdom's observers frantically scribing messages to their superiors. Their reveal would have far-reaching consequences, but that was tomorrow's problem.
For now, there was only the test, and the promise of power that lay beyond understanding.
The doorway's light engulfed them all, and reality shifted.
[To be continued...]